Tents and caravans

Camping and caravan sites

Never enter electrical substations located at camping and caravan sites.

Tell the site manager or owner of any dangerous electrical hazard you come across.

Pitching safely

On unmanaged sites, remember to keep a distance of at least six metres horizontally between where you pitch and overhead electric power lines and remember the following:

• tent and awning poles made of metal, carbon fibre or similar materials will conduct electricity, especially when wet
• at higher voltages, electricity may jump short distances through the air.

Electrical safety signs

• look out for overhead power line warning notices and signs prohibiting camping in certain areas of the site
• power lines normally have yellow notices fitted to the poles
• stay away from anything which looks as though it may be electrical.

Emergency electricity situations

In an emergency situation, do not attempt to move camping equipment or a person if they are still in contact with a power line and prevent third parties from enetering an incident area.

Remember:

• electricity conductors may stay live after contact or may be re-energised automatically without warning
• maintain a five metre clearance
• contact the emergency services through 999 and request an ambulance, if required.

If in doubt, always contact your local electricity provider's emergency service so that the line can be made safe.

If you are in the North West, contact us immediately on 0800 195 4141.

Precautions for site managers

As an owner or operator you have legal duties to ensure the safety of campers using your site.

You can fulfil your duties by:

• checking electricty substation locations or overhead power lines crossing your site  or boundary- contact us for copies of plans
• preventing tents or caravans being pitched directly under overhead power lines
• making sure tents or caravans are pitched at least six metres away from a line
• making sure site users are aware of the dangers of flying kites or model aircraft near to power lines
• making sure site users do not attempt to recover balls or toys from substations or power lines
• providing copies of our leaflet about avoiding danger when camping and caravaning
• investigating any dangerous situations reported to you by a site user and letting us know.

Do not put yourself in any situation in which you may be in danger yourself. If in doubt, contact us.

For more information and advice on avoiding electricity danger when camping, download our information leaflet below.