Don’t Be Exposed

The first day of spring has now passed and although the weather in the UK is still somewhat unpredictable many clubs will be thinking about getting their green keeping and maintenance equipment out of storage to prepare the grounds for the summer ahead.

Club Insure took several reports of thefts from outbuildings last year so we would like to take an opportunity to remind all our clients to check their policy wording to ensure that the Physical Security Standards are being adhered to.

The photo above shows a typical wooden double door that we might come across on an outbuilding.  As with all other parts of the premises an outbuilding should be fitted with a suitable alarm but in addition to this there will be other Physical Security Standards that are required.   A sample wording is shown below:

Physical Security Standard (Applicable to any cover granted in respect of Damage by Theft)

It is a condition precedent to the Company‘s liability for Damage that the Policyholder shall have implemented the following security measures within 8 weeks of commencement of Theft cover Failure to do so may result in a claim under Theft cover not being paid or payment reduced

Doors

In respect of all external doors (including wicket gates) and internal doors leading to other premises or part of premises not occupied by the Policyholder

Timber and Steel Doors

To be secured by either

1. A mortise deadlock conforming to BS3621 together with a compatible boxed striking plate or
2. A close shackle padlock with minimum shackle thickness of 10mm together with the manufacturer‘s corresponding locking bar or (for doors other than final exit)

• Two key operated security bolts for doors one fitted approximately 300mm from the top of the door and the other approximately 300mm from the bottom

Aluminium and UPVC Doors

To be secured by a cylinder operated mortise deadlock or deadlocking multi-point locking system

Roller Shutter Doors

To be secured by either

1. Two cylinder operated shutter locks with one lock fitted at each end of the shutter or
2. A close shackle padlock with minimum shackle thickness of 10mm together with the manufacturer‘s corresponding locking bar

Horizontal Sliding or Folding Doors

To be secured by either

1. A hook bolt mortise deadlock or
2. A close shackle padlock with minimum shackle thickness of 10mm together with the manufacturer‘s corresponding locking bar

Double Leaf Doors

The final closing leaf to be secured by the appropriate locks as detailed above the first closing leaf to be secured by flush bolts or key operated security bolts top and bottom throwing into the framework and sill

Outward Opening Doors (applicable to timber and steel doors only)

In addition to the appropriate locks and bolts detailed above each outward opening door to be fitted with hinge bolts top and bottom

The above requirements do not apply to any door officially designated as a fire exit by the fire authority

Windows

Each ground floor and basement opening window or skylight and other window or skylight accessible from decks roofs balconies canopies fire escapes or downpipes to be secured by a key operated lock fitted independently of the existing fastener unless the lock forms part of the original fastener design

This requirement does not apply to any window or skylight which is either

1. Protected by solid steel bars grilles lockable gates expanded metal or weldmesh or
2. Officially designated as a fire exit by the fire authority

Going back to the photo above this illustrates outward opening, timber, double leaf doors so there are three different parts of the wording that need to be considered to ensure full compliance.

It is important to keep a comprehensive list of all your assets and update this regularly as this will help you ensure that your Sums Insured are adequate.   Please take photos of your equipment where possible so that if you are unfortunate enough to suffer an incident you can easily evidence your loss, particularly if you no longer have the original purchase receipts.

It is vital that you check your own individual policy as each wording is different and if you are unsure whether you have the correct cover in place please do not hesitate to contact us at Club Insure as we will be happy to provide you with advice.