Originally published by Allianz Risk Consulting

INTRODUCTION

As more businesses are faced with shutting down their operations temporarily due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, we have developed the following collection of possible loss prevention measures which can serve as a guide to help you individually plan for a temporary shutdown.

 

All of the recommendations are technical advisory in nature from a risk management perspective and may not apply to your specific operations. Please review recommendations carefully and determine how they can best apply to your specific needs prior to implementation. Any queries relating to insurance cover should be made with your local contact in underwriting and/or broker.

 

We remain available for your loss prevention needs. Please contact your local ARC representative if you have any questions or want to discuss any specific issues.

LOSS PREVENTION MEASURES

The measures listed below can help to prevent or mitigate the impact of damages occurring during a shutdown. However, this is not a comprehensive list and must be checked by the business against its actual requirements and circumstances and planned individually:

 

COMBUSTIBLES

• Reduce the quantities of combustible materials located inside the buildings as much as possible. Combustible materials may include raw and finished goods, packaging, pallets, waste, dust, lint, oil, flammable/ combustible liquids,
• Ensure safe separation distances (1.5 m or 5 ft minimum) are maintained between all electrical equipment and combustible
• When prudent, ensure all technical rooms (i.e. mechanical, electrical, etc.) are free of combustible materials.
• Verify all external combustible storage is located a safe distance away from the buildings. This distance varies depending on the combustibility of the storage and the building construction; however, provide at least  15  m (50 ft) separation if

 

COMBUSTIBLE AND FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

• Place all combustible and flammable liquids in appropriate storage areas (i.e. cutoff rooms, safety cabinets, etc.). When prudent close or seal all storage containers.
• Remove all waste rags for safe disposal off-site.
• Ensure essential ventilation systems continue to operate, if required, for removal of flammable vapors.

SERVICES

• Shut down all hazardous process equipment and utilities, where possible and operationally appropriate, including nonessential flammable liquid and gas
• Check whether you can isolate services at the mains and drain all water systems down, except water for fire sprinklers, fire pumps, etc., which should always remain operational.
• Maintain temperatures at or above 5°C or 40°F for any areas with water-filled piping, such as fire sprinklers, fire pumps, process equipment, etc., unless otherwise required for operational
• Check whether electricity can be shut down for the premises, except where needed for fire alarms, fire protection systems, security systems,
• Park all powered industrial vehicles in a fire segregated room or in an area free of combustible

BUILDING SECURITY

• Fit quality security mortise deadlocks on all entry/exit doors, taking into account company
• Secure all windows with any applicable
• Where possible, and considering escape routes, lock entry posts to prevent unauthorized caravans/ vehicles from
• Isolate electric roller shutters if
• Maintain any security systems. The prevention of false alarms (such as from wildlife, temperature and humidity, etc.) should be achieved by removing the cause and not by turning off the systems or isolating affected
• Check whether you can shut down all nonessential electrical lighting if possible. Keep only the minimum level of lighting where appropriate for inspection, security patrols and access
• Ensure all building access keys are accounted for by use of a key logbook. Change locks if they are
• Record and list all visitors and contractors. Ensure building entry and lockdown procedures are available and adhered
• Immediately repair any breach in building or perimeter security.

• Make all efforts to arrange for a manned 24/7 guarding presence at the site or overnight patrols by an approved guarding firm or plant representatives. Any patrols should be at random intervals and times to ensure any pattern is not

PREMISES INSPECTIONS

• Visit the building(s) periodically (at least weekly is recommended) and maintain detailed records of all observations. Correct all noted deficiencies promptly.
• For health and safety reasons, if possible no person should be allowed to enter the building(s) unaccompanied or without the use of an efficient communications method. Always notify a colleague that the building is being entered and of the expected duration of the
• Verify the following as part of the inspections:
  • All exterior building openings, such as doors and windows, are properly secured to prevent unauthorized
  • All electronic monitoring systems (i.e. fire alarms, fire pumps, security systems, etc.) appear to be in good working condition (i.e. power on, no alarms, ).
  • All fire sprinkler systems, including water supplies such as fire pumps and water tanks, appear to be in good operating
  • No signs of unauthorized entry, vandalism or
  • Proper maintenance of building and
• Remove evidence of vandalism/graffiti and block any broken windows/entry points immediately when they are

MAINTENANCE

• Maintain the building in a good state of repair.
• Make sure the building is watertight by suitable repairs (i.e. roofs, guttering, etc.)

FIRE

• Make all efforts to inspect, test and maintain all fire protection and detection systems to remain operational, including the following:
  • Fire alarm systems, including automatic fire detection.
  • Fire sprinkler systems, including monthly recorded inspections of sprinkler control valves to ensure they remain locked in the open
  • Fire pumps, including weekly or monthly testing to verify proper operation; see fire pump inspection checklist
  • Fire protection water supplies, including water tanks.
  • Fire extinguishing systems.
  • Portable fire extinguishers.
  • Fire doors.

To continue reading and download the fire inspection checklist, visit https://www.agcs.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/agcs/agcs/pdfs-risk-advisory/ARC-Coronavirus-Shutdown-Of-Facilities-Loss-Prevention-Measures.pdf