When a commercial premises becomes unoccupied through either a temporary gap in tenants or those in need of repair, the risk of fire, theft, damage and liability issues increases significantly – Here, we look at the key risk control measures that should be put into place and implemented and often form part of the requirements of any cheap empty property insurance:
- Risk assessment.
This is a very over used phrase and yet often under utilized. A risk assessment should be completed covering fire, theft and general safety, particularly taking into account the locality and specifically, the local crime rate. Are the premises are in a prominent or secluded situation and is there a particular attraction to thieves, vandals, vagrants or children). Therefore perimeter security for the site must be robust. An understanding of a property owners ongoing legal responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, or equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland is important. Typically, under the Order, persons 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. - Premises Management.
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. There is a requirement to keep any findings of a risk assessment under review. - Supervise all contractors’ operations.
Ensure all hot work with conducted within 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; Crucially, Isolate and drain down all water services; Seal letterboxes and remove all accumulated mail but check with insurers first as some polices that give cheap vacant commercial property insurance do not like this actioned. Cut back and if necessary remove trees, shrubs and general vegetation. - Premises security.
As an absolute minimum, all external doors must be secured with with locks to the standard BS3621; The 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 (best); 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.
Comments are closed.