Health & Safety Policy Statement
Revised August 2026
Issued in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 2 (3)
It is the policy of the Carnival Committee to do all that is reasonably practicable to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the volunteers, entrants, and all visitors to the event. The onus for safety rests with the Carnival committee, volunteers, float organisations, and drivers. The Committee respectfully reminds those taking part of their responsibilities with regard to the health and safety of all other persons involved with the event.
Carnivals are an important part of the colour and culture of local communities. However, it is of the utmost importance that these events are run in a responsible manner and with full consultation with the Police, Cornwall Council, Highways Agency, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Ambulance Service, and any other agency involved with the event.
Regulations for Entrants
- Vehicle Compliance: The vehicle and any trailer forming part of the float must comply with Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (amended 1991).
- Insurance & Licensing: A certificate of insurance or suitable indemnity must be in force covering the use of the vehicle and float in the carnival. The vehicle must have a valid road licence (Tax) and an MOT certificate.
- Construction & Inspection: The float vehicle or trailer must be of sound construction. All trailers must be attached to a towing vehicle with a safety chain or wire rope. All floats will be inspected prior to the procession by a competent person, who has the final decision on the vehicle’s inclusion in the procession.
- Securing Displays: All equipment and displays must be securely attached to the float in such a manner that they will not become detached while going up or down a hill or when stopping.
- Towing & Brakes: All vehicles towing a trailer must comply with weight restrictions and have brakes on the trailers designed for the purpose to prevent collisions with floats in front or behind.
- Passenger Safety: All passengers on floats must be provided with safety equipment by the float organisers to prevent falling during the procession. No float is to carry more passengers than is considered safe for the area of the float.
- STRICTLY NO ALCOHOL IS TO BE CONSUMED PRIOR TO OR DURING THE PROCESSION BY DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, OR SUPERVISORS.
- Supervision & Prohibited Items: Each float must be under supervision by a suitable person walking alongside who remains in contact with the driver at all times. Should the supervisor have any concerns, the float must be stopped until deemed safe to proceed. At no time must water, flour, or other substances be thrown from the float; any float observed doing so will be immediately expelled from the procession at the next exit.
- Speed Limits & Movement: No passengers shall be carried on a float unless it is in the procession. Maximum speed during the procession shall not exceed 5 MPH. No one is permitted to climb on or off the float while it is in motion.
- Vehicle-Trailer Gap: Vehicles with trailers attached must have a means of preventing any person from crossing between the vehicle and the trailer.
- First Aid & Safety Equipment: Each float should carry a fire extinguisher and a small first aid kit for immediate use. Senior marshals in each section will be in direct communication with the control team to coordinate emergency services if required.
- Marshal Instructions: All entrants (floats and walking entries) must at all times be prepared to follow instructions given by members of the carnival control team, senior marshals, or volunteers.
Insurance Reminder: Please include a copy of your Public Liability Insurance with your entry.
Float Safety Certificate
Please display this certificate on your float or towing vehicle in full view of all marshals. Failure to comply may disqualify the entry from the procession.
NAME: ________________________
SIGNATURE: ___________________
DECLARATION: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED SAFE AND PROPERLY DOCUMENTED BY THE ENTRANT.
Safeguarding Policy
Revised July 2026