The leisure and entertainment sector covers diverse venues from gyms and swimming pools to theatres, nightclubs, and visitor attractions. Each presents unique safety challenges, but common themes include managing public safety, fire protection, and ensuring safe facilities.
This guide covers key health and safety requirements for UK leisure and entertainment businesses.
The Legal Framework
Leisure venues must comply with:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - Duties extend to visitors and members of the public, not just employees.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - Critical in venues with large numbers of people.
Licensing Act 2003 - Licensed premises must meet conditions including safety requirements.
Various sector-specific guidance applies to swimming pools, gyms, events, and attractions.
Public Safety
Leisure venues have duties to visitors as well as employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Key Principles
- Assess risks to visitors
- Provide safe premises and activities
- Adequate supervision
- Clear information and instructions
- Emergency procedures for all foreseeable situations
Capacity Management
Many incidents occur when venues are overcrowded:
- Know your safe capacity
- Monitor numbers effectively
- Manage queues safely
- Plan for peak times
Crowd Management
Managing crowds safely prevents crushes, crowd collapses, and stampedes.
Risk Factors
- Large numbers in confined spaces
- Alcohol consumption
- High-energy events
- Limited exits
- Poor crowd flow design
- Unexpected changes (delays, cancellations)
Controls
Venue design:
- Adequate entrances and exits
- Clear circulation routes
- Good sightlines for monitoring
- No pinch points or dead ends
Operational:
- Trained stewards and security
- Monitoring systems (CCTV, counting)
- Communication systems
- Crowd density monitoring
- Prepared response plans
Emergency:
- Clear evacuation procedures
- Staff trained to manage crowds under pressure
- Communication with emergency services
- First aid provision scaled to event
Fire Safety
Fire safety in leisure venues must account for large numbers of people, often unfamiliar with the building.
Key Requirements
- Fire risk assessment
- Adequate means of escape for maximum occupancy
- Emergency lighting
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Staff training in evacuation
- Fire safety information for visitors
Special Considerations
- Theatres: complex evacuation due to seating, stages, fly towers
- Nightclubs: darkness, loud music, intoxicated patrons
- Swimming pools: wet conditions, partially dressed evacuees
- Gyms: equipment obstructing routes
Evacuation Planning
- Clear, practised evacuation procedures
- Trained staff at all times venue is occupied
- Consider visitors with disabilities
- Assembly points
- Liaison with fire service
Swimming Pool Safety
Drowning and near-drowning are the most serious risks at swimming pools.
Lifeguarding
- Adequate trained lifeguards for pool size and usage
- Constant surveillance of water
- Clear rescue procedures
- Regular training and drills
- Appropriate equipment (rescue aids, spinal boards)
Pool Water Treatment
Pool water must be treated to prevent infection:
- Correct disinfectant levels
- pH control
- Regular testing and recording
- Staff trained in pool plant operation
- COSHH assessment for treatment chemicals
Pool Environment
- Non-slip surfaces around pools
- Clear depth markings
- Appropriate lighting
- Temperature control
- Good visibility into water
Safety Rules
- Displayed pool rules
- No running on poolside
- No diving in shallow water
- Supervision requirements for children
- Capacity limits
Gym and Fitness Safety
Gyms present risks from equipment, physical activity, and environmental factors.
Equipment Safety
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Instructions displayed on equipment
- Induction for new members
- Staff trained to assist with equipment
- Immediate action on faults
Activity Safety
- Health screening questionnaires
- Qualified instructors for classes
- Appropriate warm-up guidance
- Emergency procedures for medical incidents
- First aid trained staff
Environment
- Adequate ventilation
- Temperature control
- Good lighting
- Clean, maintained facilities
- Safe flooring
Attractions and Activities
Visitor attractions present varied risks depending on the nature of activities.
Mechanical Rides and Attractions
HSE guidance (HSG 175) applies:
- Design and manufacture standards
- Regular inspection by competent persons
- Daily pre-use checks
- Operator training
- Safety systems and controls
Adventure Activities
Regulated activities (climbing, water sports, etc.) may require licensing under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations.
Play Areas
- Compliance with safety standards
- Regular inspection
- Age-appropriate equipment
- Impact-absorbing surfaces
- Supervision arrangements
Noise
Entertainment venues often have high noise levels.
Staff Protection
- Noise assessment
- Engineering controls where possible
- Hearing protection for staff
- Health surveillance for regular exposure
- Quiet areas for breaks
Customer Awareness
- Warning signs about noise levels
- Hearing protection available
- Quiet zones in some venues
Chemical Safety
Various chemicals are used in leisure settings.
Swimming Pools
- Chlorine and acid handling
- Proper storage
- Emergency procedures for leaks
- Staff training
Cleaning
- COSHH assessments
- Safe storage
- PPE provision
- Spill procedures
Manual Handling
Setting up, moving equipment, and handling deliveries create manual handling risks.
Controls
- Mechanical aids for heavy items
- Team handling where needed
- Training on technique
- Reducing handling where possible
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifeguards should hold a current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or equivalent. This must be kept current through regular assessment. Numbers of lifeguards depend on pool size, configuration, and bather load - guidance is in HSG 179 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools'.
Capacity is determined by several factors: fire escape capacity, circulation space, facilities available, and the nature of the event. Your fire risk assessment should establish maximum numbers. For complex venues or events, specialist advice may be needed.
The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations require licensing for providers offering certain activities (climbing, watersports, trekking, caving) to young people under 18. Schools and voluntary organisations may be exempt. Check current requirements if you provide such activities.
First aid provision should be based on risk assessment - considering numbers, activity type, and demographics. Large events typically need qualified first aiders and may need medical provisions. Guidance exists for different event types.
The venue operator/employer has primary responsibility for the safety of visitors under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This includes providing safe premises, activities, and supervision. For events, responsibility may be shared between venue and event organiser.
Summary
Leisure and entertainment safety focuses on:
- Public safety - protecting visitors who may be unfamiliar with the venue
- Crowd management - preventing dangerous crowding situations
- Fire safety - evacuation of large numbers of people
- Activity-specific risks - pools, gyms, attractions each have unique hazards
- Staff protection - noise, chemicals, manual handling
The duty extends beyond employees to everyone who uses your venue. Professional safety management protects people and protects your business.
Related content
Topics:
- Fire Safety - Fire risk assessment and compliance
- Workplace Safety - General workplace requirements
Articles:
Related sectors:
- Hospitality - Hotels and hospitality venues
- Schools - Educational sports facilities
Tools:
- Responsibility Checker - Find out what applies to you
*This guidance covers key health and safety requirements for UK leisure and entertainment venues. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice.