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Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations
Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations
Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations

Winter Precautions - Advice from Towergate

If your business is shutting down over the Christmas and New Year period then you should be aware of the possible damaging effects of freezing weather.

 

Here are some preventative steps that can be taken, such as:

 

General advice: 

 

  • Maintain indoor temperatures, even though the building is empty, to prevent ‘burst pipes’.  A suitable temperature would be above 4°C
  • Remember to check that water tanks and pipes are lagged.  Water tanks need at least 25mm of lagging on top and around the sides
  • Be sure to check that the roof and drains are clear from leaves and debris to prevent blockages and overflow
  • Check that roofs are water tight
  • Ensure down-pipes, gutters and supporting brackets are secure
  • Avoid freezing of wet pipe sprinkler systems by keeping the temperature above 4°C
  • To prevent outside taps from freezing be sure to turn off the water supply

Business advice:

 

  • Keep stock off the floor or away from pipes to prevent damage in the event of escape of water
  • Install automatic water control valves to detect bursts and cut off water supplies
  • If the premises is going to be shut down for a long period of time then visit the premises periodically to make sure all precautions are effective
  • If pipes do freeze then isolate the affected pipe by closing the stop cock or feed from the mains or tank.  Do not apply heat as this may cause the pipe to burst

 

Employers advice

 

As an employer there are other factors that need to be considered such as the safety of staff and visitors attending the premises. It would be wise to consider the following:

 

  • Have sufficient salting and gritting procedures in place
  • Assess risk of slips on access platforms and, if necessary, suspend any work at height
  • Driving at work - Introduce emergency procedures and guidance on safety in extreme conditions
  • Provide suitable thermal clothing for employees working in cold conditions
Be prepared

 

It might also be a good idea to produce a winter weather emergency checklist to be used in conjunction with shutting down to ensure all preventative measures have been adhered to.

 

 Further advice on Business Continuity Planning

 

Further information

 

Floodcheck Logo

 Visit the Flood Check website for water control valve information

 

Consult your local water authority website or a contract plumbing association for further advice.

 
For further information, make an online enquiry or contact your local office.
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Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations
Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations
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Towergate Risk Solutions - Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Online Quotations