Risk Management Checklist for Caravan Park Owners (Downloadable Guide)

Introduction

Running a caravan park is a mix of hospitality, property management, and safety-critical operations. You’re responsible for guests, staff, contractors, and the public—often across large outdoor areas, seasonal peaks, and changing weather.

This guide gives you a clear, UK-focused risk management checklist you can use to reduce incidents, protect your reputation, and demonstrate good governance. It’s written for owners and managers of:

• Holiday parks with touring pitches and/or static caravans

• Glamping sites (pods, shepherd huts, bell tents) operating on park land

• Mixed-use parks with leisure facilities (pools, play areas, bars, cafés)

Note: This is practical guidance, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about compliance, speak to a competent health & safety adviser.

What “good” risk management looks like (in plain English)

A strong approach usually includes:

• Identifying hazards (what could cause harm)

• Assessing risk (how likely, how severe)

• Putting controls in place (preventative measures)

• Recording and reviewing (so you can prove it and improve it)

The goal isn’t to remove all risk—outdoor leisure always has some. The goal is to make risks as low as reasonably practicable and to show you manage them consistently.

Your UK responsibilities (quick overview)

Depending on your setup, you may have duties under:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (general duty to protect employees and others)

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (risk assessments, competent persons)

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (fire risk assessment for relevant premises)

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (safe electrical systems)

• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (safe gas appliances and checks)

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) (chemicals like pool treatments and cleaning products)

• Legionella control guidance (HSE) (water hygiene where relevant)

• RIDDOR reporting (certain incidents and near misses)

You don’t need to memorise the legislation. You do need a system that covers the real risks on your site.

How to use this checklist

1. Print it and keep it in your site office (or save as a shared document).

2. Assign owners for each section (maintenance, housekeeping, grounds, leisure, reception).

3. Set frequencies (daily/weekly/monthly/annual) and record completion.

4. Keep evidence (certificates, inspection logs, photos, contractor reports).

5. Review after incidents and at least annually.

The risk management checklist (downloadable)

Copy and paste the checklist below into a document, then save it as a PDF for staff and contractors.

1) Governance, documentation, and training

• Written health & safety policy (if you have 5+ employees) and clear responsibilities

• Up-to-date risk assessments for key activities and areas

• Method for recording checks (digital logbook or paper)

• Staff induction includes emergency procedures, reporting, and key site hazards

• Refresher training scheduled (seasonal staff included)

• Contractor management process (RAMS, permits, sign-in/out)

• Lone working procedure (especially for grounds/maintenance)

• First aid provision assessed (numbers, locations, training)

2) Site layout, access, and traffic management

• Speed limits displayed and enforced; speed bumps/signage maintained

• Vehicle and pedestrian routes separated where possible

• Adequate lighting on roads, paths, and communal areas

• Clear pitch numbering and wayfinding for emergency services

• Delivery/contractor vehicle controls (time windows, marshals if needed)

• Parking areas maintained (potholes, drainage, markings)

• Safe access for refuse collection and gas bottle deliveries

3) Slips, trips, and falls (the everyday claim driver)

• Paths and steps even, well-drained, and free from algae/moss

• Handrails fitted where needed; step edges visible

• Wet weather controls (grit/salt, mats in reception/shop)

• Regular grounds inspections logged (especially after storms)

• Play surfaces and communal areas checked for hazards

• Lighting checks (bulbs, sensors, timers)

4) Fire safety (accommodation, communal buildings, and outdoor risks)

• Fire risk assessment completed and reviewed (and acted upon)

• Fire alarms tested and maintained in relevant buildings

• Emergency lighting tested (where installed)

• Fire extinguishers serviced and correctly located

• Fire doors and escape routes kept clear and in good repair

• BBQ/fire pit rules communicated and enforced

• Safe distances between units (where applicable) and storage controls

• Staff trained on evacuation and assembly points

• Clear guest information: what to do in a fire, who to call, where to go

5) Gas safety (LPG, cylinders, and fixed installations)

• Gas appliances installed/maintained by competent persons

• LPG storage areas secure, ventilated, and signed

• Cylinder handling procedures and staff training

• Regular checks for leaks, damage, and regulator condition

• Guest guidance on safe use of gas appliances (where relevant)

6) Electrical safety

• Electrical installation condition reports (EICR) up to date for buildings

• Pitch hook-up points inspected and maintained

• PAT testing programme for portable appliances (as appropriate)

• Safe isolation procedures for maintenance

• Weatherproofing checks for outdoor electrics and lighting

7) Water safety and hygiene (including Legionella controls)

• Water system risk assessment completed (where required)

• Temperature checks and flushing regime (as applicable)

• Shower blocks cleaned and inspected; defects fixed quickly

• Hot tubs/spas: documented testing, dosing, and cleaning schedules

• Clear signage for non-potable water points (if any)

• Drainage and standing water issues addressed

8) Swimming pools, splash areas, and leisure facilities (if applicable)

• Pool risk assessment and operating procedures in place

• Lifeguarding/attendant arrangements (if required)

• Water testing logged (frequency appropriate to usage)

• Rescue equipment present and checked

• Plant room access controlled; chemicals stored safely (COSHH)

• Rules displayed (diving, running, supervision, opening times)

9) Play areas and outdoor activities

• Play equipment inspected (routine visual + periodic competent inspection)

• Impact-absorbing surfaces maintained

• Age-appropriate signage and supervision guidance

• Activity providers vetted (insurance, qualifications, RAMS)

• Boundaries/fencing secure; gates self-closing where needed

10) Trees, grounds, and severe weather

• Tree inspections scheduled (especially near pitches/roads)

• Dead/dangerous branches addressed promptly

• Storm response plan (closures, cordons, communications)

• Flood risk awareness and drainage maintenance

• Snow/ice plan (gritting routes, signage)

11) Buildings, maintenance, and statutory inspections

• Planned preventative maintenance schedule (PPM) in place

• Boilers/heating systems serviced

• Lifting equipment inspected (if any)

• Pressure systems inspected (if any)

• Fire alarm/emergency lighting service certificates filed

• Asbestos management plan (where relevant, older buildings)

12) Housekeeping, cleaning, and COSHH

• COSHH assessments for cleaning chemicals and pool treatments

• Safe storage (locked, labelled, ventilated)

• Staff trained on dilution, PPE, and spill response

• Sharps/clinical waste procedures (if relevant)

• Laundry processes safe and hygienic

13) Food and beverage (shop, café, bar) (if applicable)

• Food safety management system (e.g., Safer Food Better Business)

• Allergen controls and staff training

• Temperature checks logged; fridge/freezer maintenance

• Cleaning schedules and pest control arrangements

• Safe glass handling and breakage procedures

14) Security, safeguarding, and guest wellbeing

• Lighting and CCTV (if used) maintained; signage in place

• Key control and access management for staff areas

• Lost child procedure and staff briefing

• Anti-social behaviour process (warnings, removal, police contact)

• Clear emergency contact details for guests

15) Incident management and reporting

• Accident book accessible; staff know how to record incidents

• Near-miss reporting encouraged (simple process)

• RIDDOR reporting responsibilities assigned

• Post-incident review process (what changed to prevent recurrence)

• Evidence capture checklist (photos, witness notes, maintenance logs)

16) Insurance and claims readiness

• Public liability and employers’ liability in place and reviewed annually

• Property cover reflects rebuilding costs and all buildings/amenities

• Business interruption considered (seasonal income and peak periods)

• Records kept for maintenance, inspections, and training (claims evidence)

• Contractor insurance checked before work starts

Common risk “hot spots” on caravan parks (and quick fixes)

• Shower blocks: small defects become big claims. Fix loose tiles, broken locks, poor drainage fast.

• Pitch electrics: water ingress and damage after winter. Schedule pre-season inspections.

• Algae on paths: treat as a routine maintenance item, not an occasional clean.

• BBQs and fire pits: simple rules reduce incidents—location, disposal of ash, and supervision.

• Play areas: keep inspection logs; they’re often requested after an incident.

Simple templates to add to your system

Use these as headings in your logbook:

• Daily site walk checklist (paths, lighting, obvious hazards)

• Weekly facilities check (toilets/showers, bins, signage)

• Monthly statutory check review (certificates, contractor work)

• Pre-season readiness check (electrics, gas storage, tree work)

• Incident report form (what happened, where, who, photos, actions)

CTA: want your checklist tied to the right insurance?

If you’d like, we can sense-check your risk controls against the cover you actually have—so there are fewer surprises at claim time.

For a quick chat about caravan park insurance and risk management, contact Insure24 on 0330 127 2333 or visit https://www.insure24.co.uk/.