Most losses at business premises aren't lightning-strike surprises: they'd be visible weeks in advance – if someone looked. This list is the script for a twice-yearly, 20-minute walkthrough: in autumn (before winter) and in spring, with an owner, a date, and photos. Background: loss prevention at the premises.
In brief:
- Five areas: fire and electrical, water, burglary and security, housekeeping and storage, documents.
- Half the faults found can be fixed in ten minutes – the rest go into the maintenance plan with a deadline.
- The completed list also goes into the insurance file: at claim time it's evidence of diligent operation.
Fire and electrical systems
- ☐ Fire extinguishers: present, in date, accessible?
- ☐ Are the electrical inspection reports on file and valid?
- ☐ Extension leads, power strips: no daisy-chaining, no overload, no damaged cables?
- ☐ Is machine ventilation free of dust? Is there a night power-down routine?
- ☐ Flammable materials in a closed, labelled location; escape routes clear?
Water
- ☐ Condition of flexible hoses and connections (including behind the sink, washbasin, coffee machine)?
- ☐ Does everyone know where the water mains shut-off is? Is it signposted?
- ☐ Are unheated spaces winterised (frost-risk pipes drained)?
- ☐ Are gutters and drains clear? Has the roof been checked (signs of leaking from inside)?
- ☐ Is sensitive stock/equipment kept off the floor (on pallets, on shelving)?
Burglary and security
- ☐ Is the protection level required by the policy (locks, bars, alarm) actually met?
- ☐ Is the alarm maintained, and is the record of codes/keys in order (departing colleagues!)?
- ☐ Are valuables and cash in compliant storage; is there a key-box routine?
- ☐ Do lighting and cameras work; is camera footage stored properly?
Housekeeping, storage, people
- ☐ Are walkways clear, are stacked loads stable, are shelves not overloaded?
- ☐ Is the storage and charging of hazardous equipment (batteries!) compliant?
- ☐ Do new colleagues know the emergency procedures (mains shut-offs, extinguishers, evacuation)?
Documents and closing
- ☐ Has the annual video walkthrough been done (for value evidence – why it matters)?
- ☐ List of faults found: owner + deadline; items fixable on the spot, fixed.
- ☐ The completed list, dated and signed, filed in the insurance file.
- ☐ Changes affecting the insurance (new machine, rearranged warehouse, a decommissioned alarm) reported.
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This article is for information purposes only and contains general information; it does not constitute an offer, or insurance, legal or tax advice. The specific covers, exclusions and pricing are set by the insurers' terms and conditions in force at any given time – it is worth going through these item by item when you request a quote. Updated: August 2026.
