Premises Risks: Physical Loss

Premises Risks: Physical Loss Prevention*

There are various causes of physical losses, including:

• fire
• crime
• weather

Implementing physical protection may result in direct premium savings such as discounts, and actually save you more money in the long term. First, however, you must analyze the cost of installing physical protection versus the premium savings over time and the potential reduction in losses.

Risk Management

1. Comply with all government regulations, codes and standards.

2. The building must be suitable for your organization’s use. Take into consideration processes, occupancy, surrounding buildings, etc. For example, it may not be appropriate to house activities involving children in industrial areas where there is heavy vehicle traffic, poor lighting or no public transit.

• Ensure there are regularly scheduled upgrades and replacements of building components that are subject to deterioration over time and with use.
  

3. Install fire detection and suppression systems where appropriate.

4. Ensure everyone who works in or otherwise occupies the building knows the:

• location of the nearest fire extinguisher;
• location of the nearest fire alarm station;
• location of the nearest two exits; and
• emergency response procedures, especially their designated responsibilities.

5. Train all employees in recognizing and reporting hazards.

• Check for hazards that may cause fires.
• Perform hazard checks where potentially hazardous weather conditions exist or are forecasted. Board up windows, bring loose items inside or secure them outside, etc.

6. Implement an inspection and maintenance policy. This should include finding and repairing the cause of the damage. For example, check regularly for wind and water damage, clean drains, eavestroughs and gutters, repair or replace corroded, damaged, aged, or worn electrical equipment, etc.

7. Implement a policy of good housekeeping to minimize clutter and to remove hazardous dust and debris. When combustible dusts such as sawdust and metal filings accumulate, or when furniture, boxes or other combustibles are stored in large, dense quantities, they can contribute significantly to the spread of fire and hamper fire-fighting efforts.

8. Indicate and enforce designated smoking areas (if any).

9. Comply with all applicable codes and standards regarding storage and use of flammable liquids.

• Store only the types and quantities that are necessary to have on site.
• Store flammable liquids in approved rooms and containers, in approved quantities and in proper ways (e.g., small cylinders should be chained in place to prevent accidental tipping).
• Dispense flammable liquids in approved ways, in areas where the electrical equipment is certified for that use, and where appropriate ventilation exists.
• Prevent unauthorized access.
  

10. Reduce cooking risks. Kitchens are common sources of fire because of heating appliances and cooking with combustible liquids (fats).

• Install and use proper ventilation and grease filters over all frying operations.
• Regularly inspect and clean grease filters and vents.
• Unplug all electrical appliances when they are not in use.
• Install appropriate automatic fire suppression equipment to protect fryers and other heated cooking appliances.
• Install and regularly inspect fire extinguishers.

11. Develop emergency procedures. For example:

• Warn people nearby.
• During a fire, sound the nearest alarm or use a PA system to inform people what is happening.
• Call emergency services from a safe location.
• Know the location of at least two exits (one alternative).
• Evacuate the building in an orderly fashion.
• Move away from the building and proceed to a designated meeting area.
• Do not use the elevators; use the stairways.
• Know the location of and how to operate the nearest fire extinguisher.
• Perform head counts to ensure that all employees have safely exited the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until it is safe to do so.

12. Create evacuation routes

• Keep aisles clear. Ensure that all furnishings, including screens, coat racks, and potted plants that may be upset under emergency conditions, are out of escape routes.
• Have evacuation plans and escape routes professionally designed.
• Display evacuation routes throughout the building.
• Train employees on evacuation procedures.
• Designate a meeting place that is at least 100 metres away from the premises, where employees can gather after they are evacuated.
• Perform emergency drills.
• Regularly inspect and maintain evacuation routes. Ensure passages are not blocked by items stored in halls. Ensure exits open and close properly and that snow or other debris outside is cleared.

13. Purchase enough insurance