Safety inspectors were concerned that a large number of people jumping up and down would make the cantilevered stands wobble. This may have caused fans to panic, thinking the stand was in danger of collapse.
A new clause in Part A of the Building Regulations, which covers structure, calls for the design to take into account situations that may result in "the synchronous and rhythmic movement of numbers of people".
The clause is one of a series of changes to the structural regulations. Amendments have already been made to acoustic regulations (Part E) and energy regulations (Part L).
The proposals recommend that the regulations that safeguard buildings against "disproportionate" collapse – those caused by small failures – are extended to all buildings. At the moment, they relate only to those more than four storeys high The amendments include updates relating to climate change. Stainless steel or non-ferrous cavity wall ties will have to be used in place of galvanised steel wall ties. This is the result of concerns that increased levels of driving rain will cause the premature corrosion of ties.
A large number of people jumping up and down would make the stands wobble, which could cause the fans to panic
The document states that changes in wind speed "may be recognised in future, through amendment to British Standards".
It also states that in areas where frequent flooding occurs, buildings will require "bespoke design" to account for the particular needs of the location.
The document recognises that snow loading requirements may change in the future.
Postscript
The Part A consultation document can be viewed at www.safety.dtlr.gov.uk/bregs/consult/parta
