Gerardo Portela, a risk management and safety specialist, said the layout of the stage and screen are “obstacles to maintaining the natural ventilation airflow envisaged in the original design of the stadium”. T4F and the singing group had no comment
The expert in risk and safety management Gerardo Portela analyzed the images of the show Taylor Swift at the Nilton Santos Stadium, Engenhão, in Rio, Friday 17, and told the Estadao that “a stage and a screen have been set up in the ventilation area of the stadium”. In other words, the stage itself contributes to making the thermal sensation of the place even greater.
According to the author of books such as “Risk Management Based on Human Factors and Safety Culture”, this “has become an obstacle to maintaining the natural ventilation airflow envisaged in the original design of the stadium”.
The report questioned T4F and Taylor Swift’s team, through the event producer, about why they built the structures in that region, whether there was an escape and abandonment plan — which analyzes possible emergency scenarios — and what it would look like. been done. but I have not received a response at the time of this publication.
OR Estadao He also tried to contact the Public Security Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro and Procon-RJ to find out if there was an inspection of the event project studio, without any response.
Gerardo explains that the choice of place for assembling the stage takes place in that area because the ventilation area “does not have spaces for the public” like other sectors of the stadium. “Installing the stage in this location avoids the loss of ticket sales if it is set up on the opposite side, full of seats as it does not have an opening for natural ventilation,” he added.
The engineer explained that the open spaces behind the stadium doors serve to create air circulation. “You create this type of structure with these spaces because they are essential for maintaining the temperature and quality of the air. Now, when you position bulkheads that were not foreseen in the project, you start to create areas of low circulation or poor circulation” , has explained.
On social media, several fans reported that there would be a line-up on possible escape routes from the stadium. However, the expert said it was not possible to observe the material in the images obtained from the report. “It may be that screens have been installed to close these vents behind the stage, to isolate the stage, but the photos do not show the stage from behind and we cannot confirm this,” he added when asked if the place had protections.
How can major events avoid risks?
Without specifically talking about the Taylor Swift concert and the heat problem, but explaining how large-scale events can avoid risks, Gerardo Portela says it is essential to have a study on escape and abandonment — which analyzes the venue in emergency scenarios —, considering the particular situation of each show.
“It is necessary to present a study that says this [por exemplo]: ‘I’m going to do this show, I’m going to use more people because I’m going to use the central area [do estádio], but I will leave this gate guarded and open. I will put, for example, bulkheads or bars to guide these people towards this gate,” she said in a telephone interview.
However, Gerardo comments on another problem that event production companies face: the penetration of people into open spaces. “Often, when the intent is to prevent the penetration of people, the institution that organizes it wants to hide the exit doors, the accesses and even the ventilation, where someone can enter,” the interviewee emphasized.
The risk management and safety specialist said that not only event producers should be blamed, but also supervisory authorities. This is because, according to Gerardo, it is necessary to know if studies are being carried out on escape and abandonment.
“The authorities must always request an analysis on the compatibility of the original safety conditions with the scale of the event, the installation of the equipment, the traffic, the number of people participating, the source of electrical energy, including emergency systems , fire prevention and fighting, public safety, among others,” he said.
He also said that the emergency scenario should be studied in any place with a large movement of people, such as the subway. “[Essa necessidade de análise] It becomes very evident when an external disturbance occurs, as in the case of the weather situation, which is already a cause of disturbance,” he added.
Gerardo says there is enough technology to carry out research to prevent intruders from entering and keep air circulating. “This generates costs. (…) There is always a way out, even without large costs, but it must have a minimal cost”, he said.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
