ESTA ES1.9 PDF

The scope of this standard is to (a) define “crowd management,” as distinguished from “crowd control,” (b) provide an overview of crowd management theory and vocabulary, and (c) apply these terms to certain reasonably foreseeable risks that arise during live events. The standard is intended both to identify minimum requirements and provide questions and suggestions that help event organizers make reasonable choices under the circumstances of their event.

This standard applies to anyone working in the live event industry whose job functions may include crowd management during either the ordinary course of an event or in an emergency. As used here, the live event industry includes concerts, festivals, sporting events, community celebrations, theater and film production, corporate events and activations, trade shows, and similar events, both indoors and outdoors.

Crowd management is an extensive topic which crosses multiple disciplines and practical applications. For example, this standard touches on, but does not comprehensively address, event security and incident command, which are discussed in detail in other standards. The duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors extends beyond simply reading this standard (although it is a good place to start). For event professionals whose duties entail significant or regular responsibility for public safety or emergency planning, you are strongly advised to undertake specific training or research applicable to your duties and the environment in which you perform them.