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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Night-time movements and toileting — Site toilets on lit routes, add reflective markers, and enforce a buddy rule after dark. Post an adult gatekeeper at tent lines, prohibit candles, and agree silent hours. Maintain a sign-out/in log for late toilet trips noting time, tent and adult oversight, and check everyone in at lights-out.