As we enter the winter months, ensuring that your business property is adequately prepared to withstand the challenges posed by the colder months is essential.
Protective Winter Measures
Harsh weather conditions can lead to significant damage and disruptions if not addressed proactively. To help safeguard your investment and maintain a safe environment for your employees and customers, consider implementing the following protective measures to avoid potential risks:
- Have a professional Plumber check your plumbing joints for leaks. Remember those that are hidden, and keep an eye out for green discolouration on copper pipes – this could be a sign of a leak.
- Review your insulation to protect your pipes from freezing.
- Prevent your water supply stopcock from stiffening by testing it occasionally.
- Consider installing a Water Leak Detection device which turns off the water supply should a leak occur. These devices are easy to install and can be a valuable addition to your property’s safety measures.
- Perform a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate ice, flood, and snow hazards, including large falling icicles, significant slippages of snow from sloping roofs, and roof collapse due to the weight of the snow.
- Check gutters and drains to ensure they are in good working order and free of weeds and debris.
- Check and repair your roof on a regular basis. Don’t forget to follow the duties and precautions under the Work at Height Regulations even if the person carrying out the work is not your employee.
- Get rid of overhanging or loose branches near your property to help prevent damage in windy weather. Consult a tree surgeon and your local authority to ensure the work is carried out safely and legally.
- Be prepared for strong winds by ensuring all doors, windows, gates and fences are fastened securely.
- Review any fire risk assessment; if you need to provide additional or different heating, remember to inform your insurance intermediary.
Additional External Measures
For the external parts of your property, also consider:
- Implement slip-related safety measures, such as gritting or diverting to less slippery walkways. Don’t forget that hard floors in entrance areas can become very slippery during wet or snowy weather.
- Assess the exterior lighting around your premises; with fewer hours of daylight, it may be harder for people visiting you to see icy and slippery areas.
Impacts of Flooding
By staying informed and taking action, you can confidently safeguard your property and loved ones against the impacts of flooding:
