On the job

With proper care, cleaning and storage, event tents keep their sparkle through many uses. Photo courtesy of Classic Party Rentals.
With proper care, cleaning and storage, event tents keep their sparkle through many uses. Photo courtesy of Classic Party Rentals.

  • Site surveys

    Sponsored by Tent Rental Division of IFAI

    Every tent installation begins with a site survey. It is the first of many important steps toward planning and executing a safe and high-quality tented event. While there are many ways to survey a site, most tent professionals find it helpful to have a formal checklist in front of them so that nothing is overlooked.

    The purpose of the site survey is to have qualified professionals (i.e. tent sales consultants or job foreman) gather, record and organize all pertinent information regarding the proposed function or event to pass along to those responsible for the installation so the job is completed safely.

    Safety, even at the site survey step, is critical. Tent installers should consider all of the following to ensure a safe event:

    • Obstructions. Are there any obstructions on the surface, overhead or underground-anything that would prevent a safe installation on the tent site?
    • Location. What qualities of the location will affect the tent? Is there a slope? What kind of soil is at the site? Is it rural or urban? What kind of traffic can be expected? Will the tent inhibit the safety of other buildings?
    • Weather. What kind of weather is typical for the area during the time of the event? In a worst-case scenario, how can the tent be made safe?
    • Wind exposure. Will the location of the tent expose it to high winds? Is it beside a lake or the ocean? On an open prairie? What kind of wind can be expected for that location at the time of the event?
    • Access. How will the guest access the tent? Are the entrances and exits clearly marked? Do they meet code? Does the location of the tent create any obstacles to a safe entrance and exit?
    • Anchoring stability. How do the characteristics of the site affect the anchoring of the tent on the ground? What type of surface will you be staking on - sand, silt, clay, loam, asphalt, or solid rock? If the ground cannot be used to anchor the tent, what alternate methods are available? Are they safe and do they meet code?