Events and safety: a need for clarity following the collapse of the convent in Pistoia

Following the tragic collapse of the convent in Pistoia (in the photo above, taken from “today.it”) it is essential to shed light on the issue of safety during parties and events. In light of the incident reported in the news in Pisa, we at METROLOFTEVENTI wish to emphasise the importance of safety during private parties and events. As is well known, a floor collapsed during a wedding reception in Giaccherino, Pistoia, injuring 35 people, six of whom are in a serious but not life-threatening condition, according to the’ASL. The bride and groom themselves were among those injured. The floor of the venue – a former convent converted into a restaurant – gave way whilst some of the participants were busy dancing. The Public Prosecutor of Pistoia ordered the premises to be seized. Witnesses reported that, even whilst preparations were underway, some of the building’s floors were showing signs of instability.

First and foremost, we at METROLOFTEVENTI would like to make it clear that we have no connection whatsoever with the incident at the convent in Giaccherino, Pistoia. We nevertheless wish to express our full solidarity with those who were injured in the collapse.

HISTORIC SITES: ARE THEY REALLY SAFE?

This provides us with an opportunity to try to raise awareness amongst event organisers and clients, in order to prevent further tragedies. We cannot help but highlight a trend within the events sector towards organising parties at venues evocative and original sites (convents, deconsecrated churches, etc.) without paying sufficient attention to the safety. Often These are century-old buildings that weren’t designed to withstand the strain of hundreds of people jumping and dancing!
We work with event organisers and wedding planners who prioritise safety, but we have on occasion been booked as DJs and music planners (as part of our project DJ4, DJ for parties and events) in venues with seemingly fragile structures (a few months before the event, during a site inspection, we reported to the authorities that the the vulnerability of an outdoor structure, but without a ceiling, refusing to work) and non-compliant electrical installations. On several occasions, we have reported unsafe electrical sockets to the owners during our site inspections, only to receive evasive replies: the truth is that there is an almost total lack of oversight. In such circumstances, we prefer not to accept the booking and to inform the bride and groom to ensure the safety of everyone present.

Organising a private party or a corporate event requires careful planning to ensure the safety of all attendees. At our event venue, we use equipment that complies with EC regulations, and all our staff are trained accordingly (no “cheap Chinese knock-offs”!). Here are a few tips to help prevent accidents during parties and events.

Proper Planning:

• Choose a safe venue that complies with safety regulations. Here at METROLOFTEVENTI We are a modern, safe facility with all the necessary certifications in order.
• Check that the event organiser has carefully planned the layout of the venue to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe flow of people, and that aisles and exits are kept clear of obstacles. We do this automatically! It is vitally important.

Security staff:

• Make sure the venue has professional security staff, especially if there are a large number of attendees. We work with the best security agencies.
• Staff must be trained to deal with emergencies and prevent undesirable behaviour.

Controlled Access:

• Restricting access to invited guests only is essential: controlling entry to prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access is part of what we do when you organise a party or event at METROLOFTEVENTI.

Clear Exit Points:

• Make sure there are clearly marked emergency exits. Here at METROLOFTEVENTI, they are clearly signposted.

Fire-fighting equipment:

• Check that fire extinguishers are available and that staff know how to use them.

Suitable Lighting:

• Make sure the area is well lit, especially in walkways. Dark areas could increase the risk of accidents. Here at METROLOFTEVENTI, we have created a lighting scheme that is not only atmospheric but also effective in terms of safety!

Responsible Drinking:

• Encourage responsible drinking and provide transport alternatives for those who have had too much to drink. In this regard, we are fully committed: responsible drinking and road safety are among our top priorities – we never tire of reminding our customers of this, as you will no doubt have noticed!

Medical Care:

• Make sure you have an emergency service available in case of an emergency. The venue is about 200 metres from the hospital, so that’s an extra safety net!

Safety is essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy the party safely and without a hitch. Good planning and attention to detail can go a long way towards preventing accidents. And here at METROLOFTEVENTI, we’re at the forefront!