This publication is designed to replace the original ‘Purple Guide’ (HSG195) which was originally published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with the industry.
Covering both legislation and good practice, this new guide has been designed to sign-post event organisers and suppliers to the practices and issues that need to be considered when events are being organised. The contents are not designed to be prescriptive and those using this guidance should undertake appropriate risk assessments and evaluations to evaluate the specific requirements of the specific events they are organising or involved with.
In some areas, the guide signposts users to other sources of information that may be helpful.
The Chapters available on this site currently are in draft format and should be used purely for guidance. If you have comments on the drafts, please register and use the comment form at the bottom of each chapter page or submit them to
admin@thepurpleguide.co.uk stating clearly the chapters they relate to as well as a paragraph reference number.
We will be unable to respond to comments directly however all comments made with the correct paragraph reference will be considered by the editorial/working groups in the Autumn of 2013 before the final publication is launched. The closing date for receiving comments is 31st October 2013 but please submit them before this date.
As all events have their own unique requirements and legislation frequently changes, this publication should only be read as guidance and the contributors, editors and publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information therein.
A list of acknowledgements for the numerous professions who have been involved in drafting this new guidance will be published in due course. However, we would like to particularly acknowledge the financial support provided by the Concert Promoters Association and members of the Events Industry Forum which have made completion and publication of the new Purple Guide possible.