Camps & Overnights Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Severe weather and shelter management — Monitor forecasts and site conditions. Pitch on high, well-drained ground, storm-lash tents, and set wind breaks. Define triggers to pause activities, move to sturdy shelter or evacuate. Keep dry spares, hot drinks and blankets handy, and record an overnight weather watch rota.
• Waste and wildlife — Adopt clean-as-you-go. Bag food waste in sealed containers, store off ground, and remove nightly to secure bins. Keep tents zipped to deter insects/rodents, and ban food in sleeping areas. Inspect for wasp nests and nettles, and use lidded buckets for dish water to avoid attracting pests.
• Site traffic and parking — Agree a vehicle plan with the venue: low speeds, marshalled arrivals, segregated parking away from tents, and locked gates during activities. Use hi-vis marshals, cones and signs. Limit reversing, require banksmen, and schedule deliveries outside peak footfall. Keep emergency access routes clear.
• Manual handling and lifting — Demonstrate safe lifting, team-carry heavy tents and catering crates, and use trolleys where possible. Avoid twisting, keep loads close, and pace arrivals to reduce rush. Adults manage gas bottle moves with gloves. Build in rest stops, rotate tasks, and check for uneven ground before setting down.
• Food hygiene and catering — Appoint a food lead. Use clean prep areas, handwash before handling food, separate raw/cooked boards, and cook/reheat to safe temps. Keep chilled food in cool boxes below 5°C with rotation logs, date labels and allergen info. Wash up with hot water, air-dry, and disinfect surfaces after each meal.