The process of risk management includes the practice of identifying and analyzing your exposure to loss, and taking steps to minimize these exposures to levels acceptable to your company. Many times this involves methods or procedures not necessarily related to direct insurance coverages. Basic risk management procedures can involve techniques used to control losses (i.e. loss reduction, loss prevention or exposure avoidance), and risk financing techniques involving transfer of risk or retention of risk by your organization.

Cooking Equipment Maintenance
All cooking equipment hoods, exhaust fans, duct works and filters should be cleaned at least every three months. Back to top

Creation of Fire Control Program
To afford maximum protection against fire and other related losses, we recommend that you develop a comprehensive fire control program. This will probably best be accomplished by utilizing the assistance of local building and rating office inspectors as well as the local fire department and insurance company fire protection engineer. Back to top

Employee Fire Control Training
All employees should be trained in correct operations of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and locations of such. Training meetings should be held to discuss appropriate actions to be taken in case of fire. Back to top

Fire Detection System
To reduce your exposure to fire, it may be advisable to install early fire detection systems (smoke detectors, heat sensors or sprinklers) in all buildings where a loss could be catastrophic to your operation. Back to top

Fire Extinguisher Usage Reviewed
A careful review should be conducted to ensure that all building areas are provided with portable fire extinguishers. The type of extinguisher should also be reviewed to make sure that the appropriate class of extinguisher is being used. For example, it is normally not advisable to use dry chemical extinguishers in any area containing electronic equipment because the powder like material that is dispensed can easily contaminate such items. Back to top

Fire Extinguishers - Maintenance
All fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by appropriate personnel to ensure that they are maintained and in proper working condition. Back to top

Fire Extinguishers - Visibility
All fire extinguishers should be properly posted with adequate signs to facilitate finding them in case of fire. Back to top

Fire Safety - Cigarette Disposal
To reduce the chance of fire loss, appropriate smoking receptacles should be available for discarded smoking materials. Back to top

Fire Safety - Equipment Maintenance
All electrical equipment should be routinely inspected for any potential wear or deterioration which could increase the potential of fire. Periodic cleaning schedules should be maintained to remove grease or oil buildup on all appropriate equipment. Back to top

Fire Safety - Grounding
To reduce fire loss potential, all flammable liquid containers should be grounded and equipped with bonding cables and pressure release valves or bungs. Back to top

Fire Safety - Refuse Disposal
All garbage and trash should be removed from your building regularly and stored in covered metal containers or dumpsters located at a safe
distance from the building. Ashtrays must be emptied into separate metal containers and not combined with other trash unless first thoroughly soaked in water. Back to top

Fire Safety - Static Electricity
To reduce fire loss potential caused by static build-up, all appropriate machinery and equipment should be grounded at key points where electro-static voltage can occur. Additionally, such environments should be regulated for proper humidity to reduce the potential of static build-up. Back to top

Fire Safety - Storage Area
All indoor storage areas should have ample room with appropriate clearance from all potential fire sources. Back to top

Flammable Liquids Safety
A regular review should be made to ensure that all flammable liquids are stored in proper containers and are handled in accordance with safe operating procedures. Back to top

Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to a proper fire prevention program. Regular removal of trash from shop areas is important - especially in areas that engage in welding or body work. Oily rags should be stored in metal containers with self-closing lids to reduce the possibility of combustion. Back to top

No-Smoking Regulations
To reduce the chance of fire loss, appropriate no-smoking rules should be enforced in hazardous working areas. Back to top

Painting Operations
Painting operations should only be performed in NFPA approved spray booths, or separate fire areas that include good forced ventilation and explosion-proof wiring and lighting. All paints and thinners should be stored in approved metal storage cabinets, or in a separate storage room that includes a fire proof door. Additionally, overspray should be cleaned up as it accumulates to reduce the potential of accidental ignition. Back to top

Storage of Hazardous Materials
A review should be made of all materials that may be used by you that could be classified as either flammable, combustible or hazardous in
nature. These items should be noted and specific procedures established as to their handling, use, and storage to minimize the fire potential. Back to top

Storage Tanks Safety
All storage tanks used for hazardous or flammable liquids should be constructed, installed and maintained in strict accordance with NFPA and other state and local standards. Additionally, each tank should be equipped with a current leak detection system to monitor any potential environmental pollution exposures. Back to top

Valuable Papers Protection
All valuable manuscripts, photographs, artwork or documents should be stored in a fireproof safe or vault. Backup copies should be maintained whenever possible to reduce the exposure to loss. Back to top

Welding Safety
All welding, soldering or cutting should be conducted in separate areas away from flammable liquids or materials. Back to top