The dangers of temporary closure of your organisation can be high during this time. Our Health and Safety specialists Stallard Kane have written the following guidance on protecting vacant premises during lockdown from unauthorised occupancy, arson, misuse and malicious damage.
At the start of lockdown many businesses had to close rapidly. This resulted in buildings being left vacant and at risk of unauthorised occupancy, and in turn, arson, misuse and malicious damage. Insurance companies advise that unauthorised occupations are a great burden on business due to damage and clean-up costs. To help ensure business owners take the right steps to protect their premises, the Fire Protection Association has given free access to its report Unauthorised occupation of non-residential premises – a guide to managing the risk.
The 15 page document was published by its sister body RISCAuhtority which is an insurance-industry-backed research organisation. The free guide gives details of preparations, practical measures and security controls that business owners can take to help manage the risk. The topics covered include:
- The growing challenge of unauthorised occupations
- Evolution of the problem
- Vigorous action required
- Importance of planning
- The law and policing
- Help and support
Tip 1. If your premises are usually occupied, check your insurance policy to ensure you are covered for it being unoccupied. Make changes as needed, e.g. by regular visits to the premises or adjustments to your insurance policy.
Tip 2. If you are responsible for an unoccupied building, use the guide to ensure that you have taken the appropriate steps to protect your premises from unauthorised occupants.
If the worst happens. You should take immediate action if your premises has suffered a security breach. It can take a long time to evict unauthorised occupants as there is a legal process to go through. In the meantime, they can cause damage, causing your premises to become unsafe, and may also start deliberate or accidental fires.
Tip 3. Remove combustible materials and vehicles from open areas as these can be targeted by arsonists. If skips need to remain on site, lock them with covers and try to position them a good distance from buildings.
Tip 4. Take action to deter break-ins such as ensuring external lighting is in working order and that neighbours know who to contact if they see suspicious activity. Ensure that the premises continues to look well maintained.
Tip 5. Carry out regular inspections that the premises remain secure, particularly at ground floor and basement levels. Don’t forget windows, emergency escape doors and roof lights accessible from external fire escape staircases, scaffolding and roofs of adjoining buildings.
If you would like information about Fire Risk Assessments, acting as a Competent Person or further details about our Health and Safety training and SLA, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01924 827869. We also are able to provide on-site Fire Warden Training as well as other Health and Safety courses including Conducting Risk Assessments and COSHH, take a look at our on-site training brochure for further information by clicking here.
