BTEC 40 hour siting courses

BTEC Safe Moving, Siting and De-siting of single unit caravans - 2day Course

This BTEC Intermediate Award was developed in conjunction with CITO but is now independently run by TADCO Leisure, who are also approved by Edexcel to offer the Operational Services NVQ. The aim is to raise awareness of the safety issues that surround this potentially hazardous operation, to ensure that all those involved can contribute to risk assessments & planning and that the siting team understands the need to keep records to protect themselves and the business.

To achieve the qualification learners will attend a two day face-to-face classroom based workshop. Each learner will subequantly take part in siting operations at their workplace which will be followed by a half day assessment. Including the workshop, siting operation and assessment the course is equivalent to approximately 40 hours of guided learning within a two month period.

At the workshop the learner:

• will work with the tutor in small groups to debate the important aspects of siting operations, using examples and a DVD.
• will contribute to risk assessments and to the development of plans (or “safe systems of work”) for moving, siting and de-siting single unit caravans.
• will be given guidance and straightforward paperwork to help them continue their learning while carrying out siting tasks at their own workplace.
• will not physically site, desite or move a caravan during the two day workshop. However they will work with other learners discussing possible siting operations in real park situations.

Following the workshop:

• Training alone does not prove competence, which is why the assessment is an important aspect of the course. Learners will complete a workplace log book, detailing a siting operation they participate in which will demonstrate the principles learned at the workshop.
• Learners will have access to telephone and online support from the tutor during this time.
• Finally, each delegate will have a visit by an assessor to their place of work to assess the sited unit and ensure the learner understands the principles of safe siting before being passed for certification.

The course is not designed to teach people how to site as each park business will have its own procedures, although the latest industry good practice will be highlighted. By the end of the course the learner will have developed a comprehensive risk assessment for siting operations on their park, which is a legal requirement with which some parks may not yet be complying.

The key principle is that learners must be encouraged to think and to plan. They should be aware of the consequences of their actions and understand the need to keep written records, thereby decreasing the likelihood of accidents, minor or serious, and protecting the business in the event of an incident.

The cost of the course is £500.00 +VAT per learner. Fees cover the two day workshop and all training materials, reasonable online and telephone support and a half-day assessment work based visit. It is proposed that all learners complete the award within two months of the initial training, and it is therefore essential that all those attending the course have the opportunity to move, site and de-site a single unit, within that period.  Where the course is taken in conjunction with the NVQ Operational Services eligible learners can benefit from full funding for both qualifications.

Siting twin units is a more specialised task, and an additional unit may be developed to cover this, but the same principles of safety and planning apply to all siting operations.

Any questions specifically on this qualification should be directed to Sarah Zoob at TADCO using the contact details given in the right hand column.

Any questions specifically on this qualification should be directed to:
Sarah Zoob at TADCO on 01458 447288

BTEC AWARD IN SAFE SITING OF SINGLE UNIT CARAVANS - 40 HOUR COURSE

This BTEC Intermediate award was developed in 2009 by Leisuresafe, a company headed by John Biles, who was for many years head of safety for Bourne Leisure before leaving to establish his own consultancy practice in 2006. Like the original BTEC it is accredited and monitored by Edexcel, and was developed to conform with industry good practice. The key difference between this and the original BTEC is that this course does aim to teach people the practical techniques to move, site, level and de-site single unit caravans safely, with a range of techniques and equipment to suit almost every situation. During the development of this course, a significant amount of research went into identifying the key causes of many siting related incidents, and specific emphasis has been placed on those areas, including manual handling - a common cause of injury amongst siting teams and a leading cause of employee related civil claims.

In addition, the course equips the learners with the practical 'hands-on' knowledge of how to site a caravan and how to overcome obstacles that may occur during siting operations.

At the 2 day face to face course, candidates will:

• Understand the key aspects of safety associated with siting activities using real life case studies, practical demonstration, video clips and short presentations;
• Use a risk assessment template developed specifically for siting activities by Leisuresafe to plan for subsequent movement, a siting, a levelling and a de-siting operation;
• Take part in a movement, a siting, a levelling and a de-siting operation:

Course numbers are limited to 6 to give every candidate the attention required to meet the learning outcomes. Every candidate receives a pre-course pack and instructions on what to do before the course. During the course candidates each receive a series of simple handouts and a copy of the safe siting guidelines.

Assessment takes place during the course using a range or oral, written and observational techniques. Candidates know before they leave whether they have met the learning outcomes and been passed for certification.

There is an optional third day which qualifies for a certificated BTEC Unit which focuses on services and pitch safety. On this third day, candidates will: 

• Understand the properties of LPG and an awareness of LPG issues on caravan parks;
• Be provided with the skills required to transport, handle and exchange caravan gas cylinders;
• Be provided with a basic understanding of electricity and an awareness of electrical safety issues on caravan parks;   Know the steps to take to re-set trip switches;
• Understand basic water connections; and
• Understand how a pitch should be left when it is empty to avoid accidents involving members of the public.

Any questions specifically on this qualification should be directed to:
John Biles at Leisuresafe at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0844 55 55 468