Mihai Chelmus · Construction Testing, Investigation & Remediation Specialist Email: mihai.chelmus@swantest.co.uk  |  Tel: +44 734 228 1981 Construction structural testing, load verification and on-site assessment for buildings, temporary works and safety-critical elements across London.

Sports and event venues impose significantly higher dynamic, crowd-related and surge loading than typical commercial or residential environments. As a result, barrier performance within these settings is critical to spectator safety, operational control and safe crowd management.

In the UK, the design, assessment and verification of barriers within sports grounds are guided by the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (6th Edition), commonly known as the Green Guide. This document sets out enhanced performance expectations for barriers subject to crowd movement, leaning, vibration and localised impact during normal use and peak occupancy events.

Why Sports Ground Barrier Testing is Specified

Barrier testing in sports and event venues supports:

• Crowd safety certification and licensing requirements
• Event and match-day operational approvals
• Ongoing asset assurance and lifecycle management

What Systems are Commonly Assessed 

Testing is typically undertaken on installed barrier systems to verify that they can safely resist the loads associated with spectator behaviour, circulation routes, concourses, viewing areas and restricted zones. Systems commonly assessed include spectator barriers, guardrails, balustrades, glazing systems and secondary containment elements.

UK Venue Experience and Assurance for Operators

We have carried out barrier testing at Wimbledon Tennis courts, major UK sports stadiums and a wide range of other sporting and event venues, supporting compliance with Green Guide expectations and providing assurance to venue operators, local authorities and safety advisory groups (SAGs).

By applying controlled loads that reflect real crowd conditions, testing provides objective evidence that barriers, fixings and supporting substrates perform as intended. This reduces reliance on historic assumptions, supports safe venue operation, and helps maintain public confidence in high-profile sporting environments.

 

If you want the broader view of what we test on London projects — including floor load testing, anchor pull-out and shear testing, lifting beam load testing, façade impact testing, standard barrier testing, screed testing and bespoke structural testing — see our full service overview here:  Structural Testing Services Delivered in London and Across the UK.