Etana aims to reduce South Africa’s R3bn fire losses

"Through timely and knowledgeable guidance, your power to save assets and even lives is enormous,” says Marcel Wood, head of Risk Management at Etana Insurance which is South Africa’s largest insurer dedicated to business insurance, only through brokers. He is also on the board of the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa.

 

 

• Power surge protectors, inserted into DB boards, provide significant protection (see full description under ‘Free Surge Protectors’);

• Regular surveys using infra-red technology can detect invisible, electrically related, fire risks. In 2012, Etana was the first insurer to offer this service to its policyholders at no charge;

• Advanced, computerised risk assessments replace paper lists, designed to reduce human error and oversights (Advanced Risk Questionnaire); and

• Water drenchers should be installed on the peaks of all thatched roofs on tourist venues and homes.

 

 

• Before purchasing a property, get certification of sprinkler systems by the ASIB (Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau). Have regular tests thereafter;

• Explain to your clients the statistical value of sprinkler systems and the importance of maintenance. (these statistics are available on www.etana.co.za)

• Promote continued staff awareness through regular fire drills, fire prevention education and informed maintenance of fire-fighting equipment.

Clients should be aware that sprinkler systems are reliant on designed and requisite water pressures and flows. So it is important they do not erroneously assume a sprinkler system is operational when purchasing a property just because there is piping visible on the underside of the roof.

"Also keep batteries for fire pumps fully charged and operational,” Wood advises. "There have been incidents when the batteries powering fire pumps have been allowed to run flat, resulting in enormous damage because the sprinklers can’t operate as required.”

To make a difference in bringing down the R3 billion fire losses in South Africa, Etana Insurance’s chairman, Paolo Cavalieri, announced at the recent FIA regional conference that Etana will be giving away fire-risk prevention equipment and ensuring independent offsite security optimisation free of charge. Discounts on fire-fighting equipment can also be organised.

"This will remove the cost and hassle from businesses under financial pressure as well as give a quantifiable competitive boost to our brokers, which is unavailable anywhere else,” said Cavalieri.

 

* Free surge protectors: These will be installed into the DB boards of policyholders, which will prevent around 70% of lightning and power surge damage, which involves electronic equipment and data loss.

* Free thermographic imaging: Electrical faults cause about 60% of fires worldwide. Using infrared equipment, Etana’s surveyors, who are qualified in carrying out thermographic imaging, will immediately be able to detect any electrical faults or hot-spots invisible to the naked eye.

* Free optimised security: An Etana service provider uses advanced technology in off-site monitoring software to optimise holistic security solutions, which includes third-party monitoring of guards, CCTV and armed response, with significant results.

* Discounts and premium reduction: Other financial advantages include access to up to 15% discounts on: installation and maintenance of fire extinguishers, hose reels as well as installation and financing of sprinkler systems through Etana’s panel of suppliers. The reduced risk and losses can also lead to competitive premiums.

 

Etana’s local branches will be giving information and assistance to brokers who wish to become involved in this programme.