By Cliff
With thefts from construction sites on the rise, insurance giant Munich RE has released a guide to loss prevention containing these practical tips:
Security measures for construction sites during working hours:
- Minimise the tools and equipment stored on-site
- Keep tools locked away and out of sight
- Use lockable and alarmed tool chests and steel storage containers
- Keep storage containers out of sight
- Implement a tool/equipment sign-in and sign-out system
- Never leave tools and equipment unattended when they are not in secure storage
- Mark with unique identifiers, e.g. corporate colours, reference numbers written in permanent markers or ultraviolet pens
- Have a security guard at the site entrance
- Carry out random security checks of vehicles leaving the construction site
Security measures for construction sites outside working hours:
- Alarm storage containers
- Return tools and plant to the depot or plant hire company promptly when no longer required
- Use hoarding around the perimeter
- Use SIA-approved security guards with regular patrols and clock-in points
- Set up PIR/PA remotely monitored CCTV
- Set up security alarms and site lighting
- Use high-quality chains and closed shackle padlocks on access gates
- Block smaller equipment in with large plant, extending hydraulic arms to increase effectiveness
- If a crane is available, elevate smaller pieces of equipment on it
- Display security warning signs
Theft prevention for vehicles parked in public places:
- Minimise the tools and equipment stored in vehicles
- Vehicles should be locked and alarmed when unattended
- Keep tools and equipment out of sight – could use mirrored or blacked-out windows
- Use locked steel tool chests, fixed to the vehicle, for storage
- Chain large tools to the inside of the vehicle
- Park in open, well-lit and populated areas
Theft prevention for vehicles parked at home:
- Remove tools and equipment from vehicles overnight
- Park in garage or on driveway
- Ensure vehicles are always locked and alarmed when unattended
Tool and equipment recovery measures:
- Engrave them with unique letter and number combinations
- Mark them with ultraviolet pens and SmartWater
- Paint them in your corporate colours with distinctive livery markings
- Maintain accurate records, including serial numbers, security markings, makes and models
- Keep a photographic record of each item
- Register each item with a security and registration scheme
- Install GPS trackers in vehicles containing tools and equipment
- Notify the policy immediately if anything is stolen