Practical fire safety guidance for existing premises with sleeping accommodation: consultation

Annex 2

Holiday Camping and Caravan Sites

Spacing

1. Subject to the variations listed below, the distance between any two tents or caravans should generally be not less than 6 m.

2. A reduced distance between units may apply where caravan construction is inherently fire-resistant. Under such circumstances, the distance between caravans may be reduced to 5 m or, where the site is laid out in a “chessboard” pattern and the unit construction provides a degree of inherent fire-resistance, the distance may be reduced, from 4.5 m to 3.5 m between the closest corners of the units. Where there is a mix of fire-resistant and non fire-resistant construction, the larger separation distances apply.

3. The distance from any part of the tent or caravan to any site road should be not less than 2 m, and not less than 3 m from any site boundary.

4. Variations of spacing requirements (Measurement is taken from the exterior cladding, excluding any tow bar):

• Porches may protrude 1 m into the 6 m and should be open type construction
• Where awnings are used, the distance between any part of the awning and an adjoining caravan should be not less than 3 m. They should not incorporate sleeping accommodation and should not face each other or touch
• Eaves, drainpipes and bay windows may extend into the 6 m space provided the total distance between the extremities of two adjacent units is not less than 5.25 m
• If there are ramps for disabled persons, verandas or stairs extending from the unit, there should be 4.5 m clear space between them and two such items should not face each other in any space. If they are enclosed, they should normally be considered as part of the unit and, as such, should not intrude at all into the 6 m space
• A garage, shed or covered space should be permitted between units only if of non-combustible construction and enough space is maintained around each unit so not to prejudice means of escape in case of fire. Any windows in such structures should not face towards the units on either side. Car ports and covered walkways should not be allowed within the 6 m space.

Car parking

5. One car only should be permitted to park between adjoining units subject to the entrance to the unit not being obstructed. Plastic or wooden boats should not be kept between units.

6. A car parking area providing parking for more than 10 cars should be at least 18 m from any part of a unit. For a car parking area for 10 cars or fewer, this should be at least 10 m.

Fire prevention

7. To avoid the potential for a fire in combustible waste materials, purpose designed containers should be used and regular removal of waste should take place.

8. Grass and other vegetation should be cut at frequent intervals to prevent fire.

9. Spaces below caravans should not be used for combustible materials storage.

10. General guidance on the use and storage of liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG) can be found in Chapter 5.

11. Open fires should be prohibited on site.

12. The use of barbecue facilities should be controlled and ideally restricted to purpose designed areas within the site, and remote from units.

Fire points

13. Fire points should be established so that no unit or site building is more than 30 m from a fire point. Fire points should be housed in a weather proof structure easily accessible, and conspicuously marked “FIRE POINT”.

14. If there is a water supply of sufficient pressure and flow to project a jet of water about 6 m from the nozzle, and with a flow of at least 30 litres/minute, water standpipes should be provided at each fire point along with a reel that complies with British Standard 5306: Part 1, with a hose not less than 30 m long, connected to the water standpipe and terminating in a small hand control nozzle. Hoses should be housed in a red box marked “HOSE REEL”.

15. If standpipes are not provided, or the water pressure or flow is not sufficient, each fire point should be provided with two 9 litre water extinguishers. It may also be appropriate for specialized extinguishers, such as carbon dioxide extinguishers, to be provided at appropriate locations.

Fire warning

16. A means of raising an alarm of fire on the site should be provided at each fire point. This could be a battery or mains powered alarm or a manually operated sounder such as a gong or siren. Smoke alarms should be installed in each unit. A means of calling the Fire and Rescue Service, should be available on the site.

Fire notices and fire procedures

17. A conspicuous notice should be provided at each fire point to indicate the action to be taken in the event of fire. Persons resident on the site, for whatever period, should be made aware of site fire procedure and the emergency action plan on first arrival at the site. Where necessary, residents should be provided with a reminder as considered necessary.