Stand Build Regulations

Below you will find stand build regulations which must be applied to your space only stand design. We have highlighted various general regulations which you may find helpful when designing your stand however please note that this is not a definitive list of regulations. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and their contractor to ensure their stand design complies with all applicable stand build regulations detailed in the venue technical regulations.

Failure to comply with the regulations laid out below may lead to your permission to build being revoked and changes to the stand build being undertaken onsite or complete removal of the stand.

The eGuide can be downloaded here. 

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The overall height of stand fitting for single-storey stands including cladding of columns is 4m from the floor level. Requests to exceed this height will only be considered provided they are submitted to us in writing and accompanied by full technical drawings and structural calculations. Any construction over 4m is classified as a complex stand and charges will be made for structural approval.

Please be aware all stands must be dismantled and removed by 1200 on Monday 27th May, including waste. Only submit plans for stands that are over 4m with a thorough method statement if you believe this can be achieved in the time frame available.

Please refer to the Space only Regulations Stand Plan Submission section for details on how to submit your design. The deadline for stand plan submission is Friday 19th of April.

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Good ventilation is important and therefore we recommend that you consider not having solid ceilings on stands.

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Please note that chipboard, particleboard and low-density fibreboard (LDF) is not suitable for construction and in particular of weight bearing structures. The H&S Manager and Structural Engineer will identify stands which do not comply during the build process and all necessary remedial work must be completed before the stand will be permitted to open.

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.A complex structure is any form of construction, either ground-based or suspended, that, through risk assessment, has been found to present a significant risk.

• Any structure, regardless of its height, which requires structural calculations
• Any part of a stand or exhibit which exceeds four metres in height. See Build Height Limits for restrictions. 
• Custom-built/bespoke suspended structures
• Platforms and stages 600mm high and above
• Anything deemed by the organiser to be a complex structure

All complex structures, must submit technical drawings, structural calculations, Risk Assessment, Method Statement and Construction Phase and Dismantle Plan to Ops Squad Stand Plan Team  along with all other stand plan submission documents.

Late submission of complex stand details or the failure to supply sufficient detail, including structural calculations will result in permission to build over 4m in height or your suspended structure not being granted.

Technical drawings must show the form and dimensions of every structural element with appropriate general arrangement plan, sections and elevations, including full details of stairways if applicable. All calculations of loading and strength must be in English, and all drawings must be to scale.

Double Deck stands are not permitted at MCM Comic Con.

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The use of all non-mains Flammable Gas including Compressed Gas and LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gases - Propane, Butane etc) is not permitted at ExCel London, except where it is essential in the demonstration of an appliance specifically designed to operate an LPG and all LPG connections must be made by a Gas Safe Register installer with ACS certification.

Written permission must be obtained from the Organisers, Venue and Local Authorities at least 25 days prior to the exhibition.

The official contractor is solely responsible for the supply and connection of natural gas, compressed air, waste and waste services.

Please click here to contact official supplier and to complete their order form.

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As part of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 all space only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction, are deemed their own construction sites and the Construction & Dismantle Phase Plan (CDPP) is a compulsory document which needs to be submitted along with you stand plans, risk assessments and method statement.

• CDPP Guidance
• CDPP Template

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Demonstrations on stands during the event must be safe and without risks to health and safety and where necessary covered by a risk assessment. Any demonstration or presentation areas likely to interest groups of 10 or more people must be located towards the centre of the stand and clearly shown on stand drawings, and if they cause obstruction within the gangway and/or nuisance to any other exhibitor, we reserve the right to cancel the presentation/demonstration or restrict the frequency. 

Please click here for further information.

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All stand construction and displays must be made from fireproofed materials and installed to local authority satisfaction. Any goods attached to your stand will constitute part of your stand and will be subject to these regulations.

Timber Used in Stand Construction & Displays

All timber under 1 inch thick must be impregnated (pressure process) to BS476 PART 7 CLASS 1 Standard. Boards, plywood, chipboard etc. must be treated in the same way if they are under 18mm thick. Timber over 1 inch thick need not be treated & MDF is acceptable in most cases.

Treated boards will have BS 476 – PART 7 – CLASS 1 marked on them.

Plastics/Stand Dressing

All plastics must conform to BS 476 – PART 7 – CLASS 1 Fire Regulations. Lexan and Macralon are acceptable. PERSPEX MUST NOT BE USED.

Artificial plants and flowers which are combustible and give off toxic fumes must not be used for stand dressing. Silk type flowers are acceptable providing they have been fireproofed to BS 476 PART 7 and are marked as such. Plastic security night-sheets must also conform to the above standard.

Fabrics Used in Displays

Textile fabrics used for interior display purposes on the stand must be FLAME PROOFED or purchased already treated by use of approved chemicals, in accordance with BS 5438 & BS 5852. Certain fabrics need not be proofed, i.e., wool, twill or felt. Textile fabrics used for interior decorative purposes within stands must be fixed taut and or in tight pleats (Not Draped) to a solid backing and secured 3 inches above floor level and not touching any light fittings. Cellulose paints are flammable and must not be used for stand dressing. Only water based paints must be used.

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On divided sites, you are responsible for erecting and decorating dividing walls facing onto your stand area to a minimum height of 2.5m. Walls above 2.5m must be clad and finished on both sides, with the reverse side being decorated from 2.5m upwards by the Exhibitor who has erected them. Such walls overlooking adjoining stands must be finished in a neutral plain colour only. The minimum height for dividing walls is 2.5m.

The maximum height for dividing walls of single-storey stands is 4m where height limits allow (see Build Height Limits). This is 4m from the venue floor to the top of the wall and not from the top of your platform.

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Where doors are present on your stand they must follow the below guidance;

• The required minimum effective clear width of a door is 800mm.
• Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility spanning from 500mm to 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice.
• Emergency exit doors must open outwards in the direction of escape.
• Doors must be recessed where they open on to public circulation areas, e.g. they must not open directly on to a gangway.
• Sliding doors are not acceptable as emergency exit doors.

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Double Deck stands are not permitted at MCM Comic Con London.

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There is zero tolerance on dust-creating activities in the halls to avoid additional hazards from coughing and reducing cleaning requirements. All dust must be extracted at source by mechanical means. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health. 

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If you have appointed a stand contractor to build your open space stand, you must be assured that the design of the stand is such that it can be built within the specified times as stated in this manual.

Late working outside the published build up and breakdown schedule is permissible only at the Organisers discretion and will be subject to an hourly charge.

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Exhibitors and contractors must comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations, the IEE Wiring Regulations, the EVA Electrical Regulations and the venue’s electrical regulations.

All work must be carried out by competent and qualified electricians and all temporary installations must be protected by an RCD and inspected before power is supplied to the stand. All electrical installations should be carried out by the official contractor.

During build-up initial connections are made as early as possible, but in some cases, this could mean on the opening morning if the stand (or block of stands) is not complete. The power to all stands will be switched off 30 minutes after the close of the show each day. Please also remember to order a 24 hour supply for the open period if required.

You or your contractors are advised to contact the official electrical contractor to arrange a temporary power supply for actual construction of your stand if required. Power must not be taken from cleaners’ sockets or other hall sockets. Any non-UK plugs must use an adaptor & these can be purchased from the Organisers Office onsite at the exhibition.

When you order you will need to specify using a grid the correct positioning for lights and sockets - should the grid not be submitted, the items will be positioned at the discretion of the contractor and charges maybe be levied for on-site changes.

Basic loading guidelines for socket outlets:

• 500 watt socket PC Computers, TV's, videos, spotlights to 500w & refrigerators
• 1000 watt socket Domestic filter coffee machines & lighting up to 1000w
• 2000 watt socket Kettles* & machinery up to 2000w
• 3000 watt socket Hired coffee machines, machinery 2000w - 3000w

* These appliances are of varying power requirements dependent upon type and manufacturer. It is therefore essential that the reference tag or plate is fitted to each appliance and under law be read, the loading in watts or kW (kilo Watts = Watts x 1000) will be stated, and the appropriate size socket ordered.

As the exhibitor, it is your responsibility to order adequate power supply for your stand. Failure to do this will result in delays on site, could be a fire risk and will incur additional costs. On site checks will be carried out by the appointed Health & Safety Officer, as well as the official contractor. In all cases the decision of the Organiser and its appointed representative is final.

There should be sufficient correctly installed and rated power sockets to preclude the use of extension leads and long trailing flexes. If essential, extension leads must be correctly fused and limited to one per socket. Multi-sockets must not be used. Electrical wiring and fittings are to be covered and not hanging down/protruding between adjoining stands.

PLEASE NOTE: Some electrics on stands are designed as ‘plug and play’ this means that often the stand builder’s electrician who comes onsite is not a qualified electrician as they are only plugging items together. However these electrics now need to be tested once they are all plugged together. If you have qualified electricians on your stand they will be able to do this testing themselves and there will be no additional cost to you. However, if your ""electrician"" is not qualified then you will need to ask your stand builder to ensure someone who is qualified is present or obtain a quote for the testing from the official electrical contractor.

If you have any questions please contact the Operations Team or alternatively click here to download the E-guide here.

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Alternative escape must be available from any point within a stand or structure leading to a place of safety. Escape routes should have a minimum, unobstructed height of 2.1m, other than within doorways, which should have a clear height of not less than 2.06m.

The minimum permitted gangway width is 2 metres, except within stands of less than 100m2, where gangways must be no less than 1m wide.

There should be no obstruction that could impede the free flow of people using the escape route.

All floors should be even and have a firm, smooth and slip-resistant finish. Trip hazards should be avoided.

The maximum travel distance from any part of a stand to a gangway shall not exceed 50 metres. Where there is only one means of escape from the stand, this must be reduced to 20 metres. In either case, the maximum travel distance should be reduced by 25% where alcohol is being served.

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You should avoid enclosing areas of your stand as this restricts air flow.

Unless agreed, long runs of walling along perimeters of stands are not permitted. 50% of an open side is permitted to be solid walling. Where long runs of walling are present along open sides they must be relieved by display items. Any walling exceeding 50% of any open side should be setback 0.5m from the open perimeter.

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It is the exhibitor's responsibility to remove all barriers to service and make their stand accessible to wheelchair users to comply with The Equality Act. Where exhibitors have a platform on a stand over 50mm a reasonable adjustment is to incorporate a ramp into the platform within the stand area. Whatever the content of the stand is it needs to be accessible to all. Please note the following when designing your stand:

• Stands with platforms that exceed 50mm must include ramp access in order to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations.
• Level landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and any intermediate position where exit doors open onto them.
• The minimum width of the ramp should be 1m.
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m, and 6% in all other cases.
• Serving counters should have a low access point no higher than 760mm or a lap tray should be provided for the convenience of disabled persons.

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There are strict rules governing what materials can be used to build stands and these will be covered by the venue’s regulations. Exhibitors and contractors must ensure that they are followed. In general, you are not permitted to build your stand with anything that is flammable or non-flame resistant unless it has been treated.

All stand construction and displays must be made from fireproofed materials and installed to the satisfaction of the authorities.

Any goods attached to your stand will constitute part of your stand and will be subject to these regulations.

Timber Used in Stand Construction & Displays

• All timber under 25mm thick must be impregnated (pressure process) to Class 1 Standard. Treated materials will have BS 476 - PART 7 - CLASS 1 marked on them.
• Boards, plywood, chipboard etc must be treated in the same way if they are under 18mm thick. The exception to this is MDF, which is acceptable for use due to its density. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health.

Plastics / Stand Dressing

• All plastics must conform to BS 476 – PART 7 – CLASS 1 Fire Regulations. Lexan and Macralon are acceptable. PERSPEX MUST NOT BE USED.
• Artificial plants and flowers which are combustible and give off toxic fumes must not be used for stand dressing. Silk type flowers are acceptable providing they have been fireproofed to BS 476 PART 7 and are marked as such. Plastic security night-sheets must also conform to the above standard.

Fabrics Used in Displays

• Textile fabrics used for interior display purposes on the stand must be FLAME PROOFED or purchased already treated by use of approved chemicals, in accordance with BS 5438 & BS 5852. Certain fabrics need not be proofed, i.e., wool, twill or felt. Textile fabrics used for interior decorative purposes within stands must be fixed taut and or in tight pleats (Not Draped) to a solid backing and secured 3 inches above floor level and not touching any light fittings.

Cellulose paints are flammable and must not be used for stand dressing. Only water based paints must be used.

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The floor can withstand a loading of 40 tonne heavy goods vehicle or up to 25kN per m2. If you are exhibiting any items over this weight, please inform the Operations team as soon as possible to investigate other options. Floor loading limits may vary in different parts of the venue. Those using heavy equipment especially lifting equipment must consult safety staff with regards to safe floor loading limits. Please contact the organisers for confirmation.

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Open space sites are not carpeted - exhibitors must provide their own floor covering.

Exhibitors with adjoining blocks of stands will not be permitted to place their own carpet in the gangways unless prior permission is given in writing by the organisers.

Nothing may be structurally attached to the floor of the Exhibition premises. 

Carpet may only be fixed to the venue floor with approved carpet tape. All carpet tape must be removed and any charges for the removal of carpet tape left on the floor at the end of breakdown will be passed direct to exhibitors.

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If you a hazardous substance on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Hazardous substances are not be brought into the halls unless essential. The use of hazardous substances must be subject to a COSHH assessment. Exhibitors must declare the use or display of hazardous substances as a special risk.

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A hot work permit must be obtained from the organisers office prior to any work being carried out. The issue of the permit is subject to the advance submission of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement for the activity, with evidence of competency for the use of any specialist equipment.

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A Live Edge Working Procedure will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where applicable. Live Edge Working will be permitted onsite by the Safety Officer once the control measures described in the risk assessment and method statement and been verified with the construction team when they arrive onsite. Work will be stopped if the construction team are working without permission or if the construction team are found working unsafely and not following the procedures identified in the risk assessment and method statement. Any additional working hours required to make up lost time will be charged at the exhibitors / contractors own expense.

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Under no circumstances will maintenance work be permitted on stands during the Event open hours. If at any time during the open days you need to carry out maintenance work on your stand after the event has closed please apply to the Organisers by 14:00 hrs on the same day in order that arrangements may be made for the admission of workmen and the provision of lighting. A Late Working fee may apply.  

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Whilst enclosed meeting rooms are permitted we still recommend that you consider creating open spaces instead to help increase ventilation.

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In the interests of the Exhibition as a whole, it may be necessary to remove or alter anything in - or forming part of - any stand. If we feel this action must be taken this would have to be at the expense of the Exhibitor concerned.

The exhibition floorplan is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers. Please contact the organisers to obtain the latest version of the exhibition floorplan.

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Cellulose paints are flammable and must not be used for stand dressing. Only water based paints must be used.

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Pop-up stands may not be used to form dividing walls on space only sites. If you are considering a Pop-up stand display, a Shell Scheme Stand must be purchased or dividing walls constructed. For further information, please contact the Sales Team here.

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All Space Only stands with a platform greater than 5cm must include ramp access in order to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations. Access ramps must follow the below regulations; 

• Level landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and any intermediate position where exit doors open on to them.
• The minimum width of the ramp should be 1m.
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m and 6% in all other cases.

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If you require rigging services please contact your sales account manager. If we are rigging a banner on your behalf as part of your stand package, please ensure that the banner is delivered to the ‘Rigging Stores’ as per the above venue address by Friday, 10th May. Please note that banners/signage is not permitted to be rigged higher than 6m (from the top of banner/signage) and all rigging needs to be approved by the Operations Team.

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All contractors/exhibitors are required to submit a full risk assessment and method statement for the design, construction and arrangement of their stand. These documents must be submitted along with stand plans and permission to build will not be given without this information.

• Risk Assessment Guidance
• Risk Assessment Template
• Method Statement Guidance
• Method Statement Template

For further information please contact the Operations Team.

Exhibitiors are also required to have a risk assessment for any stand activities taking place on their stand during show open and may also be required to produce a method statement for certain activites at the organisers discretion. These do not need to be submitted to the organisers unless requested, but a copy of these documents must be available onsite should they be required.

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Signage and graphics are not permitted to overlook other stands where there is a dividing wall. Where illuminated fascia boards are used on stands, the lighting of them must be of sufficient power to light the fascia board only, and must not cause any spill of light onto neighbouring stands. No flashing lights will be permitted. We reserve the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any illuminated fascia which, in our opinion, is causing a nuisance to any other Exhibitor.

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A stand number panel must be displayed on every open side of the stand to aid visitor navigation. This is the responsibility of the Stand Space/Exhibitors.

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No excess stock, literature or packing cases may be stored around or behind your stand. Where possible storage should be factored in to your stand design, or arranged with our official lifting contractor. 

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Please notify the Operations Team in writing if you wish to display a vehicle on your stand. The following precautions must be followed when displaying a vehicle :

• The fuel tanks of motor vehicles manufactured prior to 1984 must contain only sufficient fuel to move the vehicle in and out of the hall, due to the absence of safety features which prevent leakage.
• Fuel tanks of motor vehicles manufactured from 1984 onwards may contain fuel.
• Fuel tanks on all other petrol engine equipment must be empty.
• The fuel tank must be sealed, wherever possible with a lockable cap.
• Vehicles may require a drip tray and must be positioned within the boundaries of the stand so that any protrusions, doors, tail lifts etc., do not infringe the stand perimeter.
• The running of engines during the open period of an exhibition is strictly prohibited.

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All work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the Venue and Local Authority.

If an exhibitor erects a stand which does not conform fully and in all respects to the requirements of the organiser, Venue and Local Authorities, the organisers reserve the right to alter, demolish or reconstruct the stand at the exhibitor’s expense and to make it conform to the regulations and requirements. Local Authority decisions are final.

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If you are intending to have a water feature on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Water features that create mists and sprays such as fountains create the risk of the spread of Legionella bacteria in the air that can cause Legionnaire’s disease. Any such feature is a special risk requiring a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk is controlled through water treatment and testing. 

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Unless agreed, long runs of walling along perimeters of stands are not permitted. 50% of an open side is permitted to be solid walling. Where long runs of walling are present along open sides they must be relieved by display items. Any walling exceeding 50% of any open side should be setback 0.5m from the open perimeter.

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Exhibitors and contractors have duties under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations to ensure that all tools are fit for purpose and safe to use.

• All dangerous moving parts such as circular saws must be guarded with controls to prevent unauthorised use.
• The use of battery powered tools is strongly encouraged to reduce trailing cables and risk of electrical hazards. Power tools are to take power form the 110v centre tapped earths provided and not from cleaner’s sockets which are 240v.
• Those using mains powered tools must ensure that cables are not trailed across aisles.
• All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a suitable portable equipment testing regime.

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Working at Height is a high risk activity and close attention will be taken on working practices during the build and dismantling of stands. Where possible working at height should be avoided and if unavoidable should use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. Working at height is to be in accordance with LOLER and the Working at Heights Regulations. As such, all working at height is subject to risk assessment.

General Guidance:

• All rigging is to be carried out by the official Rigging Contractor.
• All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Tools are to be kept on lanyards so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Static and mobile access working platforms must be fit for purpose (see Working Platforms)
• A Live Edge Working Policy will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where live edges are present.
• Separate risk assessments are required for working on a live edge (before rails are in place). In such cases fall arrest equipment must always be used.
• Operatives working at height other than on a static working platform designed for that purpose (e.g. Scaffold) must be clipped on.
• Operatives working at height must have suitable head protection e.g. bump caps.
• Ground access to areas in the vicinity must be controlled to prevent persons accidentally walking directly under high works. Ground workers in the vicinity must not work directly under high works and wear suitable head protection e.g. hard hats.

For further advice on working at height safety, please visit the Stop the Drop website or contact the Operations Team.

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All Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) must comply with LOLER and have had a Thorough Inspection (TI) in the previous 6 months. All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Mobile access towers must be correctly constructed. Mobile access towers must be fit for purpose. Outriggers are to be used correctly with the correct height to width ratio (3.5 x shortest base width indoors and 3 x shortest base width outdoors). Mobile access towers may not be moved whilst in use and wheels must be locked off. Ladders must be footed or tied off and used in accordance with Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations. The use of domestic ladders and steps is strictly forbidden. All of the above are a summarised guide. For full details on any particular aspect you must seek professional advice for instance look on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk or feel free to seek advice from the Operations Team.

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