Stand Build Regulations

Below you will find stand build regulations which must be applied to your space only stand design. We have highlighted various general regulations which you may find helpful when designing your stand however please note that this is not a definitive list of regulations. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and their contractor to ensure their stand design complies with all applicable stand build regulations detailed in the venue technical regulations.

Failure to comply with the regulations laid out below may lead to your permission to build being revoked and changes to the stand build being undertaken onsite or complete removal of the stand.

The venue technical regulations can be downloaded here.

It is the exhibitors responsibility to remove all barriers to service and make their stand accessible to wheelchair users. Where exhibitors have a platform on a stand a reasonable adjustment is to incorporate a ramp into the platform within the stand area. Whatever the content of the stand it needs to be accessible to all. Please note the following when designing your stand:

• Stands that are 20sqm or over with platforms that exceed 5cm should incorporate a ramp into their stand design. The access ramp must not exceed the limits of the stand area.
• Stands less than 20sqm with a platform that exceeds 5cm should also provide access to the stand via a ramp, however it is permitted for these stands to use a portable ramp if there is not sufficient space to incorporate within the limits of the stand area. 
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m and 6% in all other cases.
• If a stand is a double-decker, then it is probably not practical to offer lifts. Therefore please ensure that any services can be brought downstairs for those that need it.
• Serving counters should have a low access point no higher than 760mm or a lap tray should be provided for the convenience of disabled people.

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The overall height of stand fitting for single-storey stands including cladding of columns is 4m from the floor level. Requests to exceed this height will only be considered provided they are submitted to us in writing and accompanied by full technical drawings and structural calculations. Any construction over 4m is classified as a complex stand and charges will be made for structural approval.

Please be aware all stands must be dismantled and removed by 10:00hrs on Monday, 31st July, including waste. Only submit plans for stands that are over 4m with a thorough method statement if you believe this can be achieved in the time frame available.

Please refer to the Space only Regulations Stand Plan Submission section for details on how to submit your design. The deadline for stand plan submission is 15th June 2023.

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Good ventilation is important and therefore, we still recommend that you consider not having any solid ceilings on your stand.

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Please note that chipboard, particleboard and low-density fibreboard (LDF) is not suitable for construction and in particular of weight bearing structures. The H&S Manager and Structural Engineer will identify stands which do not comply during the build process and all necessary remedial work must be completed before the stand will be permitted to open.

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A complex structure is any form of construction, either ground-based or suspended, that, through risk assessment has been found to present a significant risk. 

• Any structure, regardless of its height, which requires structural calculations
• Any part of a stand or exhibit which exceeds four metres in height. See Build Height Limits for restrictions
• Custom-built/bespoke suspended structures
• Platforms and stages 600mm high and above
  
• Anything deemed by the organiser to be a complex structure

All complex structures, must submit additional documentation to Ops Squad Stand Plan Team along with all other stand plan submission documents. 

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Use of compressed gases will only be permitted where essential and by exception and these must be registered as a special risk. 

If you require the use of compressed air or gasses, contact the Operations Team at least 6 weeks prior to the show.

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Demonstrations on stands during the event must be safe and without risks to health and safety and where necessary covered by a risk assessment. Any demonstration or presentation areas likely to interest groups of 10 or more people must be located towards the centre of the stand and clearly shown on stand drawings, and if they cause obstruction within the gangway and/or nuisance to any other exhibitor, we reserve the right to cancel the presentation/demonstration or restrict the frequency. 

Please click here for for further information. 

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On divided sites, you are responsible for erecting and decorating dividing walls facing onto your stand area to a minimum height of 2.5m. Walls above 2.5m must be clad and finished on both sides, with the reverse side being decorated from 2.5m upwards by the Exhibitor who has erected them. Such walls overlooking adjoining stands must be finished in a neutral plain colour only. The minimum height for dividing walls is 2.5m.

The maximum height for dividing walls is 4m and please note that any build height over 4m may be deemed a complex structure so structural calculations are required on submission.

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Where doors are present on your stand they must follow the below guidance;

• The required minimum effective clear width of a door is 800mm.
• Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility spanning from 500mm to 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice.
• Emergency exit doors must open outwards in the direction of escape.
• Doors must be recessed where they open on to public circulation areas, e.g. they must not open directly on to a gangway.
• Sliding doors are not acceptable as emergency exit doors.

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There is zero tolerance on dust-creating activities in the halls to avoid additional hazards from coughing and reducing cleaning requirements. All dust must be extracted at source by mechanical means. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health. 

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If you have appointed a stand contractor to build your open space stand, you must be assured that the design of the stand is such that it can be built within the specified times as stated in this manual.

It is important you contact the Operations Team if you foresee any problems keeping to this schedule. 

Late working outside the published build up and breakdown schedule is permissible only at the Organisers discretion and will be subject to an hourly charge.

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Please click here for full details and information information on the management of electrics at Fira Barcelona. 

All electrical energy supplied to the stand shall be provided by Fira Barcelona, the characteristics thereof being 400 V between phases and 230 V between phases and neutral.

A direct current supply or a supply in any other condition of stability and continuity which differs from the general supply and does not belong to Fira Barcelona will be charged to the stand exhibitor and requires the prior authorization of Fira Barcelona.

Fira Barcelona may limit the supply power when it may have a negative effect on other users or through the risk of overload or the safety of its own lines and installations.

All installations must be carried out in accordance with the requirements required by the Low-Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations (LVER) and the supplementary technical instructions thereof by an electrician officially authorized by the Industry Department of the Generalitat of Catalonia, in compliance with the corresponding electrical installation report (official certificate).

The power supply in the halls shall be exclusively activated by the Fira Barcelona personnel, and it shall be provided once the electrical installations of the stand have been approved and authorized by the corresponding Industry Service present in the Fira Barcelona Customer Service Office.

During build-up initial connections are made as early as possible, but in some cases this could mean on the opening morning if the stand (or block of stands) is not complete. The power to all stands will be switched off 30 minutes after the close of the show each day. Please also remember to order a 24-hour supply for the open period if required. 

You or your contractors are advised to contact the official contractor to arrange a temporary power supply for actual construction of your stand if required. Power must not be taken from cleaners' sockets or other hall sockets. 

When you order you will need to specify using a grid the correct positioning for lights and sockets - should the grid not be submitted, the items will be positioned at the discretion of the contractor and charges maybe be levied for on-site charges. 

As the exhibitor, it is your responsibility to order adequate power supply for your stand. Failure to do this will result in delays on site and could be a fire risk. On site checks will be carried out by the appointed Health & Safety Officer, as well as the official contractor. In all cases the decision of the Organiser and its appointed representative is final. 

There should be sufficient correctly installed and rated power sockets to preclude the use of extension leads and long trailing flexes. If essential, extension leads must be correctly fused and limited to one per socket. Multi-sockets must not be used.

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The gangways used in this venue are the minimum permissible by law. Under no circumstances will exhibits, stand dressings, tables & chairs etc. be allowed to encroach into gangways to ensure emergency exit routes are kept clear at all times. Please keep your exhibits inside your stands at all times. 

• The doors for evacuating less than 50 people must incorporate a quick and easy opening device without having to use a setting key or actuating more than one mechanism.
• Doors for evacuating more than 50 people must be by means of a pressure bar or horizontal sliding bar, in accordance with the UNE EN 1125:2009 standard.
• Doors must open in the direction of evacuation.
• The evacuation doors cannot be blocked at any time by any object when there are people in the area.
•  Where necessary doors must be recessed so as not to open onto or obstruct the required width of any gangway or other escape route. 

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Long runs of walling along open perimeters of stands are not permitted. Just 50% of any open side is permitted to be a solid wall. Where long runs of walling are present along open sides they must be relieved by display items and not left plain.

Stands wanting to wall more than 50% of an open side must request persmission from the Organiser first. Any walling exceeding 50% of any open side should be set back 500mm from the open perimeter of the site. This is an industry wide regulation to ensure all of our exhibitors are given equal opportunity for footfall and visibility.

Exceptions to this regulations may be made for exhibition stands on the perimter of the hall. Please contact the Operations Team for information. 

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The materials used for stand construction must comply with the current regulations. In particular, and with regard to the fire resistance of the material, they must comply with the provisions of the Spanish Technical Building Code (TBC).

• Table 4.1 of BD-FS 1. Reaction of surfaces to fire.
  • On ceilings and walls: C-s2 and d0.
  • Hanging textile elements: Class 1 in accordance with the UNE-EN 13773:2003 standard.

All decorative elements must comply with the same characteristics as the construction elements. They may not incorporate any type of inflammable material, for example straw, wood shavings, paper shavings, dry leaves, etc.

Th Organiser, H&S team and Fira Barcelona reserves the right to request the certificates corresponding to the materials used in the stands or for their decoration.

Combustible waste must be safely disposed of and boxes and packaging must not be stored on the stand. 

For detailed information on the requirements of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, please see the venue technical regulations. 

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Maximum floor loading is 5,000kg per square metre. If you are exhibiting any items over this weight, please inform the Operations Team as soon as possible to see if it's possible. 

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Space only sites are not carpeted - exhibitors must provide their own floor covering.

Exhibitors with adjoining blocks of stands will not be permitted to place their own carpet in the gangways unless prior permission is given in writing by the organisers.

Nothing may be structurally attached to the floor of the Exhibition premises. 

Carpet may only be fixed to the venue floor with approved carpet tape. All carpet tape must be removed and any charges for the removal of carpet tape left on the floor at the end of breakdown will be passed direct to exhibitors.

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If you a hazardous substance on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Hazardous substances are not be brought into the halls unless essential. The use of hazardous substances must be subject to a COSHH assessment. Exhibitors must declare the use or display of hazardous substances as a special risk. 

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A hot work permit must be obtained from the organisers office prior to any work being carried out. The issue of the permit is subject to the advance submission of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement for the activity, with evidence of competency for the use of any specialist equipment.

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If you intend to have a kitchen on your stand please note that the food hygiene and catering regulations will be strictly enforced. All kitchens must be "fit for purpose". See the Exhibitor Catering section for full information.

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A Live Edge Working Procedure will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where applicable. Live Edge Working will be permitted onsite by the Safety Officer once the control measures described in the risk assessment and method statement and been verified with the construction team when they arrive onsite. Work will be stopped if the construction team are working without permission or if the construction team are found working unsafely and not following the procedures identified in the risk assessment and method statement. Any additional working hours required to make up lost time will be charged at the exhibitors / contractors own expense.

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See the Badges & Passes section for full information on what is permitted this year.

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Whilst enclosed meeting rooms are permitted we still recommend that you consider creating open spaces instead to help increase ventilation.

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In the interests of the Exhibition as a whole, it may be necessary to remove or alter anything in - or forming part of - any stand. If we feel this action must be taken this would have to be at the expense of the Exhibitor concerned.

The exhibition floorplan is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers. Please contact the organisers to obtain the latest version of the exhibition floorplan.

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There are pillars within Hall 3 and it is the Exhibitors responsibility for checking the location and size of pillars on their stands. Please contact the Operations Team to request a detailed stand plot.

If the pillar falls within your stand space, exhibitors are allowed to clad these pillars although cladding must be free standing and all services / acccess points on the columns must remain accessible during the build, open and breakdown of the event.

The Organiser will take care to indicate the exact dimensions of such elements as accurately as possible on the plans submitted to the Exhibitors, however, the Organiser cannot be held responsible for any slight differences, which may exist between the dimensions indicated and the real dimensions of the site.

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Pop-up stands may not be used to form dividing walls on space only sites. If you are considering a Pop-up stand display, a Shell Scheme Stand must be purchased or dividing walls constructed. For further information, please contact the Sales Team.

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We strongly recommend that all space only stands have a platform. The services at Fira are not on continuous ducts and the service duct on any stand may service more than one stand. If you have a service chest on your stand then additional cables for a neighbouring stand might be pulled from this service chest. We therefore recommend that you plan for a platform at least 5cm high to allow the cables to pass easily under your stand. An access hatch must be incorporated into the platform floor to allow easy access to the service chest at all times. It is the exhibitor or stand contractors responsibility to contact the Operations Team to determine the impact on their stand.

Please note that if you have a platform on your stand over 5cm you will be required to include an access ramp to provide ease of access for everyone. More information can be found here. 

The height of the any stand platform must not be greater than 18cm from the hall floor. 

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All Space Only stands with a platform greater than 5cm must include ramp access in order to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations. Access ramps must follow the below regulations; 

• Stands that are 20sqm or over with platforms that exceed 5cm should incorporate a ramp into their stand design. The access rampmust not exceed the limits of the stand area.
• Stands less than 20sqm with a platform that exceeds 5cm should also provide access to the stand via a ramp, however it is permitted for these stands to use a portable ramp if there is not sufficient space to incorporate within the limits of the stand area.
• Level landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and any intermediate position where exit doors open on to them.
• The minimum width of the ramp should be 1m.
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m and 6% in all other cases.

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If you require rigging services then please contact ServiFira. All rigging must also be submitted as part of of the stand plan submission.

Rigging requests should be accompanied by the following documentation:

• A drawing indicating the height, the weight supported by the anchoring point/s, the orientation of the stand in the hall, dimensional drawings and material of rigged items/structures.
• The rigging request form (available online at the Servifira website), indicating company information and rigging requirements.
• The point type (with or without safety wires, manual chain hoists or electrical motor).

Based on the complexity of the rigging request, or if your rigging is classified as Custom Rigging further documentation must be submitted. See below for further details.

If any rigged structures are higher than your dividing back walls the following must be adhered to:

• Structures with no branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 0.5m from the dividing wall. 
• Structure with branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 1m from the dividing wall. 

Please note that banners or signage are not permitted to be rigged higher than 2m above the stop of your stand e.g. if you have a 4m high stand, the top of your banner cannot be higher than 6m. Please note that height restrictions may apply; please contact the Operations Team for further information. 

Custom Rigging or Suspended Loads/Structures refer to rigged, custom-built/bespoke structures including items that  have been constructed from non-modular materials, e.g. wooden structures and exhibits. Such items may be classed as ‘complex' and the complex stand procedure smust be followed, in order for them to be rigged. 

Additional documentation must be submitted to ServiFira and as part of your stand plan submission;

• Structural drawings of both the exterior and interior structure and structural calculations.
• A technical description of the design materials.
• Justification of weight calculations of the points.
• Quality certificates of the materials. 
• Justification of the revision of motors, hoists or any other machinery.
• A description of the build up/break down procedures to prevent damage to the hall structure or anything which may present a risk to the installations or personnel.

Should an engineer's approval be required, we will advise you of this and any charges that may be incurred will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. 

An onsite custom rigging sign-off is required for all stands with custom-built or bespoke suspended structures. Onsite all custom rigging or ‘suspended loads’ must be inspected by an Independent Structural Engineer before being hoisted or connected to any rigging points. It is the stand contractor’s responsibility to inform the onsite Health & Safety team when they are ready for the structure to be inspected.

The structures must be designed to resist the static and dynamic loads associated with their final design, as well as take into account their steps for build up and break down. The main requirements for any hanging structure/element are:

• The minimum distance permitted between anchoring points is 1 meter.
• The maximum hanging weight permitted for rigging elements is 15 kg per m², calculated by the ratio of the total weight of the suspended elements to the hired stand surface.
• It is not permitted to raise any truss grid with more than 6 manual chain hoists.
• The maximum load weight of a rigging point is 1.50 kN (150 kg). It must include the weight of the lift equipment (motors, hoists, etc.).
• The hanging elements must have more safety features than those established in the prevailing regulations. This requirement is applied to all principal and secondary, or simply decorative, hanging elements of the points installed by the contractor.
• The loads transferred to the structure at any point due to lifting elements and that act on the halls cannot exceed the maximum load capacity of the point and its elements.
• The materials used must be of a high quality, in a good state, bear the CE (European Conformity) marking and have an up-to-date revision.
• The truss structures and materials belonging to the exhibitors are only permitted if they have the CE (European Conformity) certification and are in excellent working condition.
• Exhibitors are not permitted to hang any element from the auxiliary structures installed in the ceiling of the venue.
• The elements hanging from the ceiling must maintain the vertical nature of the point.
• The maximum recommended distance between the anchoring points that use a truss is 10 meters for general lighting.
• It is strictly prohibited to alter any equipment installed by the official provider, including trusses, wires, shackles or rope slings. 

For further detailed information on rigging regulations, please see the venue technical regulations. 

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All space only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction are required to submit a full risk assessment and method statement for the design, construction and arrangement of their stand with both documents being submitted along with stand plans.

All Health & Safety documentation must demonstrate measures that have been implemented for the build, open period and breakdown.

• Risk Assessment Guidance
• Risk Assessment Template
• Method Statement Guidance
• Method Statement Template

For further information please contact the Operations Team.

Exhibitiors are also required to have a risk assessment for any stand activities taking place on their stand during show open and may also be required to produce a method statement for certain activites at the organisers discretion. These do not need to be submitted to the organisers unless requested, but a copy of these documents must be available onsite should they be required. 

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Signage and graphics are not permitted to overlook other stands where there is a dividing wall.

Where illuminated fascia boards are used on stands, the lighting of them must be of sufficient power to light the fascia board only, and must not cause any spill of light onto neighbouring stands. No flashing lights will be permitted. We reserve the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any illuminated fascia which, in our opinion, is causing a nuisance to any other Exhibitor.

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Magic Con will install a stand number floor sticker to the main open side of all space only stands however exhibitors should also display a stand number panel on every open side of the stand to aid visitor navigation. This is the responsibility of the Exhibitors. 

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Small storage areas are allowed on stands.

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If you are intending to have a vehicle (including Mobile Exhibition Units, Caravans or Trailers) on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Depending on the type, age and use of the vehicle you will be required to confirm a number of details and which may also require a seperate risk assessment  detailing how the risk of bringing and displaying a vehicle in the hall is controlled. 

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All work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the Venue and Local Authority. If an exhibitor erects a stand which does not conform fully and in all respects to the requirements of the organiser, Venue and Local Authorities, the organisers reserve the right to alter, demolish or reconstruct the stand at the exhibitors expense and to make it conform to the regulations and requirements. Local Authority decisions are final.

Please click here to view the venue regulations. 

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If you are intending to have a water feature on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Water features that create mists and sprays such as fountains create the risk of the spread of Legionella bacteria in the air that can cause Legionnaire’s disease. Any such feature is a special risk requiring a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk is controlled through water treatment and testing.  

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Exhibitors and contractors are responsible for ensuring  that all tools are fit for purpose and safe to use.

• All machines or tools must have the CE approval and must be identified with the corresponding marking. In the case of exhibition machinery that does not have the CE approval, it must comply with the provisions of Article 3 of RD1644/2008.
• All dangerous moving parts such as circular saws must be guarded with controls to prevent unauthorised use.
• The use of battery powered tools is strongly encouraged to reduce trailing cables and risk of electrical hazards. 
• Those using mains powered tools must ensure that cables are not trailed across aisles.
• All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a suitable portable equipment testing regime.

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Working at Height is a high risk activity and close attention will be taken on working practices during the build and dismantling of stands. Where possible working at height should be avoided and if unavoidable should use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

All work at heights must be carried out in compliance with the regulations on Occupational Risk Prevention. Specifically, R.D 2177/2004, of November 12th, which establishes the minimum health and safety requirements for the use of equipment by employees, regarding temporary work at heights. As such, all working at height is subject to risk assessment.

General Guidance:

• All rigging is to be carried out by the official Rigging Contractor.
• All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Tools are to be kept on lanyards so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Static and mobile access working platforms must be fit for purpose (see Working Platforms)
• A Live Edge Working Policy will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where live edges are present.
• Separate risk assessments are required for working on a live edge (before rails are in place). In such cases fall arrest equipment must always be used.
• Operatives working at height other than on a static working platform designed for that purpose (e.g. Scaffold) must be clipped on.
• Operatives working at height must have suitable head protection e.g. bump caps.
• Ground access to areas in the vicinity must be controlled to prevent persons accidentally walking directly under high works. Ground workers in the vicinity must not work directly under high works and wear suitable head protection e.g. hard hats.

For further advice on working at height safety, please contact the Operations Team.

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All Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) must comply with LOLER and have had a Thorough Inspection (TI) in the previous 6 months. All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Mobile access towers must be correctly constructed. Mobile access towers must be fit for purpose. Outriggers are to be used correctly with the correct height to width ratio (3.5 x shortest base width indoors and 3 x shortest base width outdoors). Mobile access towers may not be moved whilst in use and wheels must be locked off. Ladders must be footed or tied off and used in accordance with Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations. The use of domestic ladders and steps is strictly forbidden. All of the above are a summarised guide. For full details on any particular aspect you must seek professional advice for instance look on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk or feel free to seek advice from the Operations Team.

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