RISKSTOP CONTROLLING RISKS IN UNOCCUPIED COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
April 2014 CONTROLLING RISKS IN UNOCCUPIED COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Whenever a commercial property becomes unoccupied the risk of fire, theft, damage and liability issues increases. Here, we look at the key risk control measures that should be put into place... Risk assessment A risk assessment should be completed covering fire, theft and general safety. A key element of the risk assessment is the premises locality, specifically the local crime rate; whether premises are in a prominent or secluded situation; who may be attracted to the site (thieves, vandals, vagrants, squatters, children); and the site perimeter security. Recognition should also be given to ongoing legal responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, or equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Under the Order, people responsible for commercial buildings i.e. the employer, owner, or any other person who has control of any part of the premises, are required to carry out a mandatory detailed fire risk assessment identifying the risks and hazards in the premises. Importantly, the responsible person for the premises is required to keep any findings of the risk assessment under review. Premises management The following key points should be followed: Appoint a responsible person to manage the property while unoccupied. Ensure that keys are strictly controlled. Carry out documented inspections at least weekly and establish procedures to remedy any issues arising. Remove all graffiti and fly posters regularly. Remove combustible materials, flammable liquids and gases, and waste materials externally and internally. Purge fuel tanks and remove temporary combustible buildings from the site.
Supervise contractors operations and control all hot work with a permit to work system. Isolate the entire electrical and gas supplies unless essential to maintain heating or fire and security protection systems and equipment. Isolate and drain down all water services. Seal letterboxes and remove all accumulated mail. Cut back and if necessary remove trees, shrubs and general vegetation. Premises security As a minimum, secure external doors with locks to BS 3621: Specification for Thief Resistant Locks or equivalent standard, or padlocks to Security Grade 5 or 6 of BS EN 12320: Building Hardware padlocks and padlock fittings. Protect vulnerable windows by boarding with minimum 18mm thick exterior grade plywood, shutters or proprietary steel or polymer screens. Maintain perimeter security fencing. Existing intruder alarms should remain in service and be maintained. Where there is no alarm, consideration should be given to a temporary alarm system specifically designed for use in unoccupied buildings. Maintain any external security lighting. Existing remotely monitored CCTV protection should remain in service. Alternatively, a temporary CCTV system may be a cost-effective solution if visual evidence of activities at an empty building is required. The provision of manned guarding services by a Security Industry Authority approved contractor is an alternative. Health & safety Unoccupied premises can present hazards to authorised visitors and to trespassers. It is essential a risk assessment is carried out and that appropriate safety precautions are taken, such as: Securing the building and where necessary the site perimeter, especially against access by children. Providing suitable warning notices regarding specific dangers, such as fragile roofs, structural defects, isolated services and contamination. Strictly controlling guard dogs in accordance with the Guard Dogs Act. Providing barriers around dangerous and unsafe areas. On-going compliance with fire safety legislation.
Property protection services There are various companies that offer specialist services including site clearance, physical security (including boarding up), monitored alarms, alarm response, manned guarding and property inspection. These services can provide a cost effective one-stop solution to vacant property protection needs. Please contact the insurance industry s leading independent risk control experts RiskSTOP for more information on the services we provide. Call +44 (0)1305 215 599, email survey-enquiries@riskstop.co.uk or visit www.riskstop.co.uk/taking-care-of-risk/
Mey House, Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3QY Tel: 01305 215500 Fax: 01305 215501 Email: general-enquiries@riskstop.co.uk Website: www.riskstop.co.uk Registered Office: The Director General s House, Rockstone Place, Southampton SO15 2EP Company Registration Number: 06236118 TAKING CARE OF RISKS