This information must be read in conjunction with:
Health & Safety Rules for Working Onsite
Permissible Stand Build Materials
Space Only Stand Build Rules and Regulations
DOUBLE DECKER STANDS
Space Only/Double Decker exhibitors can appoint a Contractor of your choice to create a stand to fit your brand image and budget. Please ensure that you and your contractor(s) fully understand and adhere to the below build rules and regulations. These regulations are in place to create a safe and conducive environment for all, ensuring that Space Only stands are built as non-blocky structures and do not obstruct the visibility of neighbouring stands. IBC welcomes creativity and innovation, and all stand designs will be reviewed with this in mind whilst ensuring rules are enforced as fairly as possible with an unbiased view. IBC reserve the right to refuse designs, or request amendments to designs, which in their opinion may have a detrimental effect to neighbouring exhibitors or the overall look of the exhibition.
Contents:
BUILDING HEIGHT
Take a look at our Event Venue Regulations for more information on Building Height.
DOUBLE DECKER DESIGNS
There are a number of strict health and safety guidelines governing the Double Decker design and construction process. For guidance on the main elements of safe construction, please see Double Decker Construction Guidelines. Any construction activity not following correct procedures and deemed unsafe will be stopped.
IMPORTANT: If you are building a Double Decker stand, please ensure that you have informed your IBC Account Manager, as a charge for the 2nd level is applicable.
DESIGN RULES FOR DOUBLE DECKERS
In line with IBC Skyline Zone rule, it is required that the upper deck of any Double Decker stand retain a high element of skyline transparency, constituting an open design, incorporating balustrades and low-level walling. IBC reserve the right to refuse, or request amendments to designs, which in their opinion have a detrimental effect to neighbouring exhibitors or the overall look of the exhibition.
- Double Decker designs that are completely closed in on the upper decks forming high, solid cube or box-like structures will not be permitted.
- Designs should consider the visibility and sightlines of any neighbouring stands and be as open as possible. Consider whether you are building on an island stand, backing onto other stands or situated next to a venue wall.
- Double decker stands can be built up to 100% of stand length and up to a maximum of 50% of the stand width but cannot block neighbouring stands with the structure built (both levels).
- If building up to the maximum length/width permitted, Double Decker stands need to consider having walls stepped in, having a greater number of gaps in the lower walling and/or greater upper deck transparency to ensure the sightlines of neighbouring stands.
- Exceptions to this will be considered if any side of the stand is built next to a hall wall.
- Any rigging/signage above the upper deck will also be included into the upper deck area calculation
- The upper deck should be designed to be as open and transparent as possible, especially stand in Hall 1 (see Skyline Rules).
- Where closed-off meeting rooms are required for privacy on the upper deck, approximately 25% of the walling creating the closed off area should retain a degree of transparency and be constructed for example out of see-through materials such as non-tinted glass, see-through muslin etc.
- Ground floor walls, stairways, supporting elements must be as open and transparent as possible whilst retaining structural integrity.
- Air conditioning units may be included but all units must be ordered via the RAI Webshop. These must be included on your initial designs and include how the air is removed from the hall (further details below)
- Smoke/fire detection systems, for any closed room/store, must be highlighted on your initial plans
STAIRCASES
The number, location and width of staircases necessary on a Double Decker stand is judged on a case-by-case basis by the RAI Amsterdam Licenses Desk when issuing Double Decker Permits. Consideration is taken of the direction of traffic flow, floor area used by the public excluding private staff areas. As a general rule an upper deck floor area of 50sqm or over will require two or more staircases.
IBC and Abraxys are NOT able to advise on the definitive number and or configuration of staircases on a Double Decker stand.
RAI Amsterdam Licenses Desk will advise on the layout and number of staircases during the second stage of Double Decker stand plan approval. Should they require that the design be changed on the grounds of health and safety and structural soundness, their decision is final.
Any additional costs that may be associated with this will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. Double Decker stands are not fully approved until passed through the second stage of approval by the RAI Amsterdam Licenses Desk. IBC strongly advise designers to contact the RAI directly with regards to guideline advice on such integral elements of a Double Decker stand design as layout and number of staircases and emergency exits before they finalise their design plan ideas.
STAND PLAN SUBMISSION
All Space Only Double Decker exhibitors must submit fully detailed and scaled technical plans to Abraxys for approval on compliance with the rules and regulations set out in the IBC Exhibition manual, along with the structural soundness and venue and EU health and safety regulations, including the use of venue and EU permitted stand build materials and electrics.
Exhibitors are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure the stand design and build conforms to the appropriate venue and EU health and safety regulations and the use of venue and EU permitted stand build materials and electrics.
Double Decker stands are subject to a TWO-STAGE approval process involving two separate bodies, Abraxys and RAI Licences Desk. It is only upon complete approval of BOTH parties that a design is deemed as fully and finally approved.
A design approved by Abraxys in the first stage of the approval process may be subject to further design changes and modifications on the grounds of health and safety as/if requested by the RAI Structural Engineer.
STAGE 1: Submission of relevant stand plan and build documentation to Abraxys
General approval of a design concept by Abraxys based on IBC’s show rules and regulations as to what is deemed acceptable for the IBC show environment. The Double Decker stand plan submission process also includes confirming the 2nd structure being built and the Double Decker working at heights confirmation to show the planned control measures to prevent accidents when working at heights. Working at heights without adequate preventative measures in place is strictly not permitted and will be stopped if necessary.
STAGE 2: Submission of relevant stand plan and build documentation to RAI Amsterdam Licences Desk
In depth structural and health and safety approval based on structural loading calculations and health and safety elements (number of staircases, number and location of emergency exits, handrail and step tread design etc.). Whilst Abraxys may give general advice on these elements, each Double Decker stand is judged on an individual basis by the RAI Licences Desk whose decision is final. Designers are strongly advised to seek early advice on these elements as to what may be permissible within their stand design.
Double Decker stands are also obliged to confirm they are building a Double Decker stand in advance of the plan submission by contacting their Account Manager.
Double Decker Surcharge: Exhibitors who have booked space for a Double Decker stand will be charged a surcharge for the upper deck. The calculation of the surcharge is based on the total square meterage taken up by the physical construction elements forming the upper deck such as stairs, balustrades, walling or any other element of physical construction on the upper deck.
The definitive size of the upper deck will be determined by the RAI Amsterdam Licencing Officer. The charge is based on 25% of the floor space rate at time of booking.
Take a look at our Stand Plan Submission Guide for more information on the stand submission process and costs: Stand Plan Submission Guide. Please note: Double Decker Stands will need to submit a Stand Plan and Apply for a Double Decker Permit.
SEPARATION WALLS
Where a Double Decker stand adjoins another stand, the maximum permissible height of the separation wall is 5m. Separation walls higher than 5m will not be allowed. You will be required to dress the wall on the reverse in a colour agreed with your neighbour. Your neighbour will have the option of placing their logo on the side of the separation wall that faces their stand.
SKYLINE ZONE
The following rule is enforced and monitored by IBC in the interest of retaining an open exhibition environment and fairness for all exhibitors. IBC reserve the right to enforce compliance and if advised amends are not implemented, terminate any violation to this rule.
Any structures above 4m and up to 7m is classed as in the Skyline Zone. This zone must be as transparent as possible, and it is each exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure that structures in this zone do not unduly block the through-view to the hall and neighbouring exhibitor stands by masking or dominating the surrounding skyline. Any portion of a structure (column, internal wall, banner or stand structure erected from the floor or hanging banner) that is above 4m, should not block the view from behind by physically occupying more than 50% of the stand width as seen from any direction. For example, if the dimensions of your stand are 10m x 30m, then the approximate dimensions of a box banner occupying the Skyline Zone should be a maximum of 5m in width x 15m in length.
If a truss is higher than 4m, it is not possible to clad / cover the truss. Beams are permitted with a maximum depth of 300mm with no branding. If you have more than one structure encroaching the Skyline Zone, their COMBINED dimensions should not occupy more than 50% of the stand width.
DOUBLE DECKER CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
STABILITY
- Stability at all stages of construction and dismantling
- Identifying the point at which the structure can support itself
- Identifying the permanent elements that ensure stability
- The sequence of construction and the sequence for the removal of any temporary parts
- Calculations indicating the relevant forces and load capability of the structure
- The floor loading capacity of the venue
CONSTRUCTION AND DISMANTLING
- Drawings must clearly identify the sequence of construction, e.g. construction of frame; insertion of legs; fixing of bracing
- A clear plan for dismantling the stand must be identified
- The time available for construction and dismantling of the stand must be taken into consideration
- A safe system of work must be identified within the methods for construction and dismantling, i.e. work equipment; temporary handrails; fall-arrest system
ASSESSMENT OF LOADS
A realistic assessment of the loads and forces at each stage should be made in consideration of the erection sequence
CONNECTIONS
The design should consider the safest means of connecting components and, where appropriate, indicate the necessary provision of access equipment and the safe system of work
Connections shall be simple and effective to reduce the time spent working at height
MATERIALS HANDLING
The design should take account of the safe handling, lifting, storage, stacking and transportation of the components relevant to their size, shape and weight
CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
The preparation of a construction Method Statement is a vital step in the planning of a safe system of work. The Method Statement must detail the steps taken to build and dismantle the stand i.e. the sequence of construction and the sequence of the removal/breakdown of the stand, identifying the critical controls and procedures to avoid accidents. A safe system of work must be identified within the methods for construction and dismantling of the stand.
The Method Statement for a double decker stand should include:
- Construction sequences i.e. the build and the dismantling of the stand, noting the starting point. Clear identification of the sequence of construction e.g. construction of frame; insertion of legs; fixing of bracing. The time available for construction and dismantling of the stand must be taken into consideration.
- Methods to ensure stability, including the use of temporary components and systems
- The detailed construction scheme that identifies the lifting, alignment and connection requirements of the stand.
- The preferred system to prevent falls from height, the safe means of access and any special platforms or equipment used e.g. temporary handrails, fall-arrest system etc.
- The provision of suitable personal safety equipment and construction equipment with which to construct the structure safely.
IMPORTANT: Work on site will be checked against this information and will be stopped where it does not comply; dangerous work practices will not be tolerated and persons may be removed from the venue if necessary. As much of the construction as is possible should be completed at floor level, then lifted into position. This should include decking and the erection of handrails to ensure a safe place of work on the upper level once lifted, to avoid the need to provide additional safety measures such as temporary edge protection and fall restraint or arrest systems. Please note that 'live' or 'open edge' working at height is strictly prohibited.
Please familiarise yourself with the relevant Dutch Building Standards for Double Decker Stands such as strength, stability and point loads including railings and stairs. It is highly recommended that exhibitors and/or their contractors contact the RAI Amsterdam structural engineer for further details before designing their Double Decker stand. If you have any questions, please email permits@rai.nl.
GENERAL GUIDANCE ON ERECTION AND DISMANTLING OF STRUCTURES
- Method Statement and Risk Assessment of the stand build must be provided and must be followed. All persons involved with the work must be competent to undertake the work and have read and understand the method statement and risk assessments and erection sequence(s).
- Competent supervision is required, and supervisors must be trained and understand the work they are to supervise. They must be able to read and understand the drawings and method statements and ensure that they are appropriate for the structure and its location. Where the methods are changed, the designer shall authorise the change, in writing, prior to the documentation being changed and these must be re-submitted to the Organiser and Amsterdam RAI structural engineer for approval.
- Weights of components should be clearly marked and where necessary, lifting points indicated. Components should be stacked and delivered so that they can be removed in the desired order.
- Deliveries must consider the Floor Loading in the area of erection or unloading.
- Hard hats, safety shoes and hi-vis vests (PPE) are essential for working with steel structures. It may be necessary to cordon off the area of the build when overhead working is taking place.
- Welding and cutting (fabricating) is not allowed within the RAI Amsterdam without the prior written consent of the venue. Please refer to the Fire Regulations for Hot Works and Naked Flames.
- Plant and equipment must only be operated by a competent person and copies of their licences or certificates must be available for inspection at any time.
- Lifting the main deck using several forklift trucks is acceptable provided a Method Statement has been accurately filled out and approved by Abraxys.
- Hard hats, safety shoes and hi-vis vests (PPE) are compulsory for anyone in the halls during the build-up and breakdown periods.
This information must be read in conjunction with:
Health & Safety Rules for Working Onsite