Event Tent and Temporary Structure Safety Inspection Checklist
Tent and temporary structure failures are among the most catastrophic event safety incidents. This inspection follows NFPA 102 Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures, along with ANSI E1.21 for overhead structures.
- Industry: Events & Entertainment
- Frequency: Per Event (Pre-Setup and Pre-Opening)
- Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
- Role: Event Safety Manager / Tent Contractor
- Total Items: 29
Anchoring and Staking
Verify tent anchoring meets wind load requirements.
- All stakes driven to required depth for soil type and tent size?
- Anchor type (stakes, ballast, auger) appropriate for ground conditions?
- Ballast weights calculated and confirmed for hard surface installations?
- Guy ropes properly tensioned and attached to appropriate anchor points?
- All stakes, ropes, and guy lines marked or highlighted to prevent tripping?
Flame Resistance and Fire Safety
Verify tent materials meet fire resistance requirements.
- Flame-resistant certification documents current and on site for tent materials?
- Flame-resistant tag permanently attached to tent fabric?
- Temporary heating units listed, labeled, and placed per manufacturer specs?
- Cooking equipment minimum 10 feet from tent structure?
- Fire extinguishers present within tent at required travel distances?
Egress and Exit Configuration
Verify tent egress meets NFPA 102 requirements.
- Number of tent exits meets code (minimum 2; 1 per 100 occupants for larger tents)?
- Exit openings minimum 6 feet wide per NFPA 102?
- Exits distributed around tent perimeter, not all on one side?
- Exits and egress paths illuminated including emergency lighting?
- Exit signs posted at all exits and visible from all occupied areas?
Structural Integrity
Inspect tent poles, connections, and structural members.
- All support poles vertical and undamaged?
- All joints, connections, and fittings secure and properly installed?
- Tent fabric inspected for tears, damage, or deterioration?
- Suspended loads (lighting, audio, decorations) within engineered capacity?
- Wind speed monitoring and evacuation threshold defined in writing?
Electrical Safety in Tent
Inspect temporary electrical installation within the tent.
- All electrical outlets GFCI-protected?
- Temporary power cords covered or elevated to prevent tripping hazards?
- Generator placed minimum 10 feet from tent with exhaust directed away?
- Electrical load calculation reviewed to prevent overloading circuits?
Weather and Contingency Planning
Verify weather contingency plans protect the structure and occupants.
- Weather forecast reviewed within 24 hours of event?
- Lightning detection system or service active for outdoor tent events?
- Wind speed evacuation threshold established and communicated to staff (typically 35-45 mph)?
- Drainage channels established to prevent pooling under tent?
- Alternative shelter or indoor space identified for weather evacuation?
Related Events Entertainment Checklists
- Outdoor Event Weather Contingency and Lightning Safety Plan
- Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist
- Event Temporary Electrical Safety and Power Distribution Inspection
- Event First Aid and Medical Services Setup Inspection Checklist
- Event Venue Security Screening and Access Control Checklist
- Multi-Day Event Daily Opening Safety Inspection Checklist
- Event Venue Structural Load and Rigging Capacity Inspection
- Event ADA Accessibility and Inclusion Compliance Checklist
Related Venue Safety Checklists
- Large Venue Pre-Event Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Crowd Management and Control Plan Checklist - FREE Download
- Outdoor Event Weather Contingency and Lightning Safety Plan - FREE Download
- Event Fire Marshal Pre-Event Compliance Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Temporary Electrical Safety and Power Distribution Inspection - FREE Download
- Event First Aid and Medical Services Setup Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Venue Security Screening and Access Control Checklist - FREE Download
- Multi-Day Event Daily Opening Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Event Venue Structural Load and Rigging Capacity Inspection - FREE Download
- Event ADA Accessibility and Inclusion Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Event Tent and Temporary Structure Safety Inspection Checklist?
This event tent and temporary structure safety inspection checklist helps events & entertainment teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for event safety manager / tent contractor professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event (pre-setup and pre-opening).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Event Tent and Temporary Structure Safety Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Anchoring and Staking, Flame Resistance and Fire Safety, Egress and Exit Configuration, Structural Integrity, Electrical Safety in Tent, Weather and Contingency Planning. It is designed for events & entertainment operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event (pre-setup and pre-opening). Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
Who should use this Event Tent and Temporary Structure Safety Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Event Safety Manager / Tent Contractor professionals in the events & entertainment industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.