Lions Club of Tavistock
Carnival Procession 2025
Health & Safety Information

Welcome

Thank you for taking part in this year’s annual Tavistock Carnival. In this leaflet we have tried to clarify what the law requires you to do to keep people safe if you participate in the Carnival and the liability you may face if you do not do this.

Duty of Care

The law states that as a participant in the Carnival you owe a duty of care to any individual you will be associated with whilst you take part. This includes those people watching, other participants, as well as those people in your entry or using your vehicle.

This means that you must ensure you have taken all reasonable steps to make sure those individuals are safe. If you do not and there is an accident you may be held liable.

Potential Risks

When you participate in the Carnival, there are potential risks of liability. If you have a vehicle in the parade you will be responsible for the health and safety of those using your vehicle throughout the duration of the event.

This means that if an individual was to suffer an injury as a result of your vehicle or as a result of a negligent act by you, under the law they will be able to hold you liable. You are responsible for mitigating any danger that you are aware of and you are reasonably expected to offer any potential person, who could claim against you, protection.

Health & Safety

If you use a vehicle in the parade you are responsible for the health and safety of individuals who are using your vehicle. You must make sure that your vehicle is safe to carry out the task and that people on or in your vehicle are safe.

You can do this by carrying out a risk assessment and resolving any dangers that you are aware of. A risk assessment is not difficult to do and if you need any help you can contact the Lions for advice by email to activities@tavistocklions.org.uk.

Vehicle Insurance

If you are using a vehicle in the parade, it is essential that you check with your insurance company that you are covered for such an event. If they insist on a small fee for this, talk to the Lions and we may be able to help you.

Road Worthy

Of course it is essential that your vehicle is road worthy if it is in the parade. You must check it over before you participate, and it must be legal for the road (no bald tyres!). This means having a current MOT certificate if your vehicle requires one.