Updated Best Practice Guide now in force

MUTA’s Best Practice Guide remains the industry-leading reference for the safe design, installation, use and dismantling of temporary demountable fabric structures.

Following a significant period of review and consultation, the guide has undergone a number of important changes to ensure it continues to reflect current working practices and evolving industry standards. After these revisions, the updated guide was formally approved by MUTA members in November and is now in force.

Developed by MUTA and supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the guide sets out recognised best practice for protecting the public, crews and clients, while raising standards across the temporary structures and events industry.

The guide is intended for anyone involved in supplying, specifying, managing or using temporary fabric structures. This includes contractors, event organisers, venue operators, local authorities and health and safety professionals.

Clients are strongly encouraged to appoint contractors who can demonstrate competence and adherence to the Best Practice Guide. Doing so significantly reduces risk and improves safety outcomes before, during and after events.

All accredited MUTA hirer members are required to operate in full accordance with the Best Practice Guide and the Code of Practice. Compliance is monitored through a robust programme of independent audits, including both site and premises inspections.

If there are concerns that a MUTA member may not be operating in line with the Best Practice Guide, these should be reported directly to MUTA. All reports are handled responsibly and investigated appropriately.

Adhering to the guide demonstrates a shared commitment to safety, professionalism and the continued improvement of standards across the industry.

MUTA would like to thank the HSE, the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, the Energy Networks Association, the Advisory Group on Temporary Structures (convened by the Institute of Structural Engineers), the UK Crowd Management Association, the Events Industry Forum and the Event Structures Industry Training Scheme for their input and support.

MUTA’s Executive Committee and wider membership are thanked for their time, technical expertise and ongoing commitment to raising standards within the temporary structure and events industry.