Caravan Fire Safety During Holiday Park Season ? CheckFire Ltd
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Caravan fire safety during holiday park season

The staycation continues to be a popular choice for holidaymakers this year, which is excellent news for the hospitality sector. As peak holiday season gets closer, it’s the perfect time for holiday parks to make sure they’re conforming to the current UK fire regulations for caravan sites. As well as ensuring guests and property stays safe, this is an essential legal requirement.

Here, we go through some essential caravan park fire safety guidelines to help holiday parks remain safe and compliant with legislation.

 

Review the fire risk assessment

As holiday parks prepare for guests returning, owners should check that previous fire risk assessments are still relevant and provide updates where needed. A fire risk assessment is the legal duty of the responsible person (in this case the park owner) under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

A fire risk assessment seeks to identify and reduce or eliminate fire hazards and risks, so if there have been any updates or changes to the premises – for example additional caravans or change of building use – this will need to be taken into account. 

 

Prioritise well-maintained fire safety equipment

In the event of a fire, it’s vital that safety equipment is well maintained and clearly placed at accessible points throughout the park. This means caravan fire alarms and smoke detectors, as well as site alarms to warn guests of a fire as quickly as possible. It’s also essential to install the correct fire extinguishers according to the fire risk. Caravan fire blankets are also useful and particularly effective for putting out cooking oil fires.

 

Finding the best fire extinguisher for caravan settings

Caravans are usually small settings which can house several potential fire risks, such as electrical appliances, cookers and external gas cylinders – so installing a caravan fire extinguisher is imperative, as legally required by fire regulations. But which fire extinguisher is most suitable for such a compact space? One of the best fire extinguishers for caravans is the CommanderEDGE MultiCHEM – a high-performance multi-class fire extinguisher capable of tackling Class A, B, and F fires. A water mist fire extinguisher for caravans is also useful – it’s safe to use in confined spaces and leaves no residue. Note that powder extinguishers are no longer recommended for indoor use.

We’re often asked what size fire extinguisher for caravans is best. We would generally recommend a more compact size. Our CommanderEDGE MultiCHEM fire extinguishers are available as two-litre and three-litre units – perfect for installation in caravans, catering vans, and other smaller spaces.

 

Keep up to date with caravan fire extinguisher regulations

Caravan fire extinguisher regulations are a key part of fire regulations for static caravan parks. All caravans and motorhomes must carry a fire extinguisher as standard. These must be manufactured in accordance with BS EN3 – a British Standard for portable fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers situated outdoors must be protected, as per the British Standards on fire safety. These regulations stipulate that all fire safety equipment is appropriately maintained and protected from accidental damage, vandalism, misuse, and extreme weather conditions. The Commander Safety Box offers a simple way to do this, housing up to four 6kg/ltr extinguishers. It can be fitted with a Commander Contact Alarm for an additional security measure.

Caravan fire extinguishers should be checked annually by law. Site owners with existing fire extinguishers should ensure they book their annual fire extinguisher service with a competent person prior to reopening.

 

Keep safe distances between caravans, tents and awnings

To prevent the spread of fire on site, caravans should be placed with at least six metres between caravan walls and at least three metres clear of associated equipment and the adjacent caravan.

Barbecue season can also mean an increased number of awnings and tents around the site. A fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds, so ensure a bucket of water is readily available as a quick go-to safety solution. Caravan fire extinguishers and blankets suitable for fires should also be readily available.

Ensure that tents, awnings, and ropes are kept clear of emergency exit routes. It’s vital that pathways are kept clear of obstruction.

 

Install appropriate fire signage across the site

Suitable fire warning systems should be readily available across all premises in the case of an emergency evacuation. Ensuring everyone is clear on the escape route if the worst should happen can be the difference between an injury and fatality.

It’s imperative that holidaymakers are aware of what is expected of them in the event of a fire, which means being prepared and communicating effectively. Fire exit signs provide clear guidance on how to exit a building in a fire or emergency situation, while fire assembly point signs highlight a designated safe area for people to gather in an evacuation.

Fire extinguisher ID signs should be installed above fire extinguishers to inform users of their contents and which types of fire they can and can’t be used on. Sign installation is also required for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

We have a bulk buy savings on fire safety signs, with next-day delivery available – perfect for you to supply to caravan site owners preparing for the new season.

Careful planning and installation of the right equipment ahead of holiday season will ensure caravan parks and campsites remain legally compliant and guests are kept as safe as possible.

 

Head over to our resource centre for more information about caravan fire safety this holiday season. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter to get the latest fire and safety news for customers.

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