Camps & Overnights Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Electrical hook-ups and generators — Use only PAT-tested kit and RCD-protected supplies approved by the site. Keep cables off wet ground, cover tracks, and prohibit DIY fixes. Site generators downwind, fenced, and away from tents, with refuelling in daylight by trained adults. Test trip switches and brief on shock response actions.
• Cold exposure and hypothermia — Brief on layering, hats, dry socks and changing wet kit quickly. Provide heated shelter access, hot meals and drinks, and set buddy checks for shivering, slurred speech or apathy. Keep spare sleeping bags and liners bagged, and establish a no-cotton rule for nightwear in damp or windy conditions.
• Knife and tool use — Provide a tool talk and one-to-one competency checks. Define a blood-bubble zone, pass tools safely, and use chopping blocks and gloves for saw/axe work. Store sheathed and signed out, stop when tired or light is poor, and collect tools before dark with counts reconciled and defects tagged out.
• Trip hazards and uneven ground — Inspect routes, tent lines and pegging. Mark guy lines with high-vis tags, keep walkways clear, and position tents away from roots and holes. Require headtorches after dusk, restrict running near tents, and maintain a tidy camp routine with daily sweep-and-secure checks led by a named young leader.
• Camp equipment failure — Inspect tents, poles, stoves, and ropes pre-trip, tagging faults and replacing damaged kit. Train young people in basic repairs, carry spares, and practice erecting shelters. Store gear properly, dry thoroughly after rain, and log defects for maintenance.