The number of camping, glamping and pod sites has increased following a surge in demand in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Sites are prone to many health & safety hazards especially when camping and pods are on the same site. Here are a few ways to ensure everyone stays safe:
Fire Risk Assessment
Sites are prone to fire hazards especially when camping and pods are on the same site. The last thing that anyone wants to hear is a fire engine coming towards their campsite. Some of the precautions you should take to minimise the risk of fire include:
- Cutting vegetation around the campsite
- Adequate spacing of the units to conform with the site fire risk assessment
- Ensure that combustibles are handled professionally
- Ensure there are no structures in the separation area
- Provide well-maintained fire-extinguishing gear within the campsite
Electric shocks & burns
When using electric power you must be careful with the installation and the equipment as they are a major health and safety hazard. Some of the precautions you should take to minimize shock and burns:
- Make regular checks on the safety of electrical installations
- Ensure that testing and inspection reports are compliant with site license requirements
- All electrical works are conducted professionally in compliance with statutory requirements
- Educate site users about the risk of electrical hazards
Gas related hazards
If you will be using/ allowing the use of gas then you will need to be careful with LPG storage and gas related equipment to minimise any leaks, explosions and gas poisoning. Some precautions you should take to minimise leaks, explosion and gas poisoning are:
- Replace old and worn out gas hoses and cylinders
- Comply with gas safety checks for all gas-consuming equipment on the site
- Only hire gas installers who are licensed to work on campsites
- Isolate LPG storage from other structures and secure it against fire risks and trespassers
Create roadways & footpaths
If your site has heavy human traffic then is it important to implement safety measures that minimise collisions and pedestrian slips. Some precautions you should take to minimise collisions and pedestrian slips are:
- Impose speed limits
- Mark pedestrian paths clearly
- Ensure that footpaths and access roads are in good condition
- Light up access routes
- Provide handrails for steep/slippery tracks
What has changed?
The number of camping, glamping and pod sites has increased due to the surge in demand through Covid-19 and the relaxation of restrictions. After the first lockdown a lot of people wanted a holiday in the open air where they could be a safe distance from other visitors. The government have also changed their policy on Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) to help landowners generate extra income during the pandemic.
What are PDRs?
PDRs allow farmers to temporarily put land to an alternative use, such as a campsite venture without any need for planning permission. Until last summer you were limited to 28 days in a year, but to boost the economy it has been upped to 56 days in a year.
Will 56 day PDRs continue?
The government have extended the measures in place until the end of 2021.
What are the rules?
You must first check with your local authority as there may be local stipulations. It may also be necessary to obtain a licence if the site is open for 42 consecutive days during the overall period. This rule will be dependent on your local authority.
Campsite owners could insert a break to ensure they avoid going over the consecutive 42-day period; for example, opening for two weeks for the Easter holiday and six weeks in the summer.
However, another rule to be aware of is that land must be restored to its original condition between periods of use and any moveable structures, such as toilet blocks, have to be removed.
Do I need a licence?
Always check with the relevant local authority to establish the rules. But, generally, no licence is required for up to 60 non-consecutive days under the existing rules. A licence will be free in some areas, and cost up to £600 in others. A further option, allowing sites to open for longer, is to join an exempt organisation. These include groups such as the Camping and Caravan Club, which will inspect and approve a site before issuing an exemption certificate.
Do PDRs apply everywhere?
No – PDRs do not always apply. Planning permission is needed in National Parks and other designated areas such as areas of outstanding natural beauty. Likewise, other local stipulations may apply.
What are the key points for a good site?
For a pop-up site with tents, it is not necessary to have a glass-flat field – campers will cope with some undulations or slopes. Areas prone to waterlogging should be avoided. Fields will quickly turn into a quagmire when dozens of people are walking backwards and forwards. Views and proximity to walks, cycle ways or other attractions will increase the appeal.
What facilities are required?
Safe drinking water must be supplied. For a pop-up campsite under a PDR rule, however, it is not necessary to offer toilet or shower facilities. Even so most visitors, especially families, will be put off a site that does not have somewhere to keep clean.
A decent temporary toilet block will also allow safe and hygienic waste management and prevent contamination on fields. Portable toilet and shower blocks are widely available from hire companies all over the UK. Stock is plentiful this year as demand is lower in the absence of many cancelled events.
Expect to pay about £100 a week for basic portable units. Under PDRs, these must be moveable and removed when the site is not in use.
For a 60-pitch site, allow four toilets for women and two toilets and two urinals for men. Showers could be offered at two for women and two for men but at peak times it may be necessary to hire extra facilities to prevent long queues.
