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Double Deck / Two Storey Stands

This section sets out the requirements for double deck / two storey stands, including eligibility, structural approval, certification, upper deck capacity, stand design considerations and related responsibilities.

Double deck eligibility

Stand spaces with a permitted build height of 5m or greater may construct a double deck stand.

Exhibitors wishing to upgrade to a double deck stand should contact their appointed Account Manager. Please note that an upper deck has an additional cost.

Structural approval and certification

Structural approval of double deck stands and other complex structures is subject to a certification process with an associated cost. All costs relating to the certification process are the responsibility of the Exhibitor.

Exhibitors with double deck stands must complete the Double Deck Health & Safety Form to identify the control measures that will be implemented to prevent accidents when working at height.

The Organisers, the Venue and their approved Structural Technicians reserve the right to request structural calculations and approvals, at the Exhibitor's expense, before the Event or on-site, for any stand or structure at the Event.

Stand design requirements

Exhibitors must ensure that their stand designers provide a comfortable head height clearance on each floor, taking into consideration any suspended, hanging or rigged elements.

All staircases serving double deck stands must comply with the requirements set out in the Staircases regulation.

Upper deck capacity

All double deck structures are subject to the requirements of the Spanish building regulations, CTE (Código Técnico de la Edificación), which establish requirements relating not only to the construction of the structure but also to the permitted capacity of the upper level.

According to the local health authorities, the current occupancy capacity for all spaces is 2m² per person. However, upper decks may also be subject to additional requirements that vary on a case-by-case basis.

During the stand inspection process, the permitted capacity of the upper deck will be reviewed individually for each stand.

The maximum number of persons permitted on the upper deck at any one time must be clearly displayed and visible at all staircases providing access to the upper level.

It is the responsibility of the Exhibitor to ensure that these maximum occupancy limits are not exceeded.

For further information, please refer to the CTE (Código Técnico de la Edificación): www.codigotecnico.org.

Important notes

Rules relating to the construction of double deck structures within the venue are rigorous and venue-specific.

All construction is subject to the requirements of the Spanish CTE (Código Técnico de la Edificación).

All complex structures, outdoor structures and complex suspended structures must obtain a formal Certificate of Stability from Graó Tècnic, the Venue's official Structural Technicians.

This certification is subject to an associated cost, which will be communicated to the Exhibitor by Servifira.

The descriptions above are provided as guidance only and cannot be comprehensive due to the nature of the applicable regulations.

The decision as to whether a stand is deemed a complex structure rests with the Venue, the Structural Engineers and Abraxys Ltd. Such decisions are guided by global exhibitions regulations and applicable local legislation.

See also