Raised Viewing Platform

Our outdoor raised viewing platform is 42 m² in size and conforms to all current HSE standards.  We also offer bespoke indoor raised viewing platforms which can be designed to your requirements. We have a dedicated team of engineers who are fully converse with all safety & Equality Act issues and will be happy to help you with design and installation of a rasied viewing platform for your event.

What you need to know

Viewing platforms greatly improve the experience of watching live music or events for deaf and disabled customers. Venues and event locations that do not provide viewing areas may find it impossible to provide a view of the event with un-compromised sight-lines. As disabled customers pay the same price for their tickets as non-disabled customers, under the Equality Act 2010, venues must provide everybody with an equal experience.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider and put in place when providing a viewing area:

Identification

Raised viewing areas need to be identified as such. This can be done with clearly visible signage located on the outside of the platform. We can provide laminated signs if required.

Stewarding

Supervision of a rasied viewing area is highly recommended. Having a steward positioned there is the best option. If a dedicated steward is not possible then ensure a member of stage security is also responsible for this area.

Access to drinks and toilets

Due to the potential position of the viewing areas direct access to the bar or toilets may not be possible, if this is the case then a steward should be able to obtain drinks for the users of this area and assist customers through the crowd to toilets and on the return journey.

Who would use a raised viewing platform?

Our raised viewing area is designed for wheelchair users and other impairment groups for whom the Ground Level Viewing area is not suitable; and their Personal Assistants, where and if required.

What happens if someone doesn’t cooperate with the duty to make reasonable adjustments?

If someone doesn’t cooperate with their duty to make reasonable adjustments, the Equality Act says it’s unlawful discrimination. The person or organisation responsible may be asked to make the necessary changes. If they refuse, they may be liable for a discrimination claim under the Equality Act.

• Useful facts

  The following facts were obtained from the State of Access Report 2014.  The State of Access Report is based on 228 mystery shopping reports, 159 from venues and 69 from festivals, 40 questionnaires, and 13 interviews collated between April 2011 and March 2013.  To read State of Access Report 2014, click here.

  42% of venues and 67% of festivals had viewing platforms or areas

• The average access rating for venues with a viewing platform is 7.1 out of 10, compared to 5.1 without.

• The average access rating at festivals falls from 6.2 out of 10, to 4.3 when there is no platform present.

The Equality Act, 2010

For more information about the Equality Act 2010, please see these useful links:

Equality Act 2010 from Legislation.gov.uk 
View or download a copy of the Equality Act.

What is the Equality Act? 
Read more about the Act and find out how the law has changed.

Equality Act guidance 
Download the guidance for employers, workers, service users and providers and education providers.

Equality Act Codes of Practice 
View copies of the Codes of Practice on employment; services, public functions and associations

 Need help?  Call
01543 50 35 35