Outdoor events
Be prepared and avoid heading home at the end of the day with telltale signs of skin damage such as a red nose, sunburn and a tan-line.
Attending an outdoor event can mean spending hours in the sun when UV levels are high to extreme. Whenever the UV level is above 3 (on some days in the Victorian summer it can get up to 12 or 13) sun protection is required.
Event organisers have a responsibility to meet occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements by protecting participants, visitors, staff and volunteers from over exposure to UV. Sun protection is simple – it just requires some thought and preparation before the event. Here are some suggestions:
Tips for event planners
- Consider developing a sun protection policy as part of your overall event safety plan.
- Protect event goers, volunteers and staff by using the SunSmart festivals and events guidelines to plan your event
- Include sun protection reminder messages in pre-event publicity so visitors come prepared.
- Use public announcements during the event to promote sun protection.
- Encourage event DJs, ambassadors, spokespersons, officials, staff and volunteers to role model and wear sun protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses and use sunscreen. If you provide uniforms, ensure they meet sun protection guidelines.
- Assess the site before the event to see how much shade is available. Arrange for portable shade if needed.
- Make provisions for sunscreen to be sold or made available at your event. Go to Finding sunscreen for an event for suggestions.
Also refer to:
- Portable shade: tips for purchase and use - part 1 [pdf 1.17M] and part 2 [pdf 1.1M]
- Shade funding suggestions for ideas to fund a shade project
Please note: SunSmart does not have funding available for shade.
