Page 27 - Personal Underwriting Mandates & Guidelines - Binder - Version 3

Buildings and Household contents
Note:
The client should retain proof that the installation was done because we might ask for it in the event of a claim. This includes invoices from the electrician or photos of the installation, showing both the surge suppressor as well as its wiring in the distribution board.
Please click here to download the Hollard brochure explaining the recommendations for surge protection.
An additional excess may be applicable in the event of a power surge claim and no surge protection being in place. The additional excess will be waived only if surge protection has been installed as per the relevant requirements.
Surge protection
We have secured preferential rates for Hollard clients on surge arresters. To benefit from this offer the client can contact the following national share call number: 0860 4 SURGE (78743) or complete the forms that are saved under the following link: https://www.hollard.co.za/business-insurance/risk-insurance/risk-improvement-solution/surge-protection.
National Building Regulations
The building must have building plans approved by the local authority and comply with National Building Regulations, which would have applied when the building was constructed. Be aware that some municipalities have unique bylaws for residents to comply with, for example, a requirement that a swimming pool must be fenced and another municipality might not have this requirement.
Generator installations
Many households are installing standby generators and the following should be considered:
○ Standby generator installations must comply with the South African National Standard (SANS10142-1) for the wiring of the premises. The standard prescribes the minimum safety requirements for the installation of low- voltage generators. This is a legal requirement and failure to comply with these requirements will invalidate cover should it be established that a fire or injury is caused as a result of the incorrect connection of the generator.
○ A licensed electrician or registered electrical contractor must carry out the installation. Ensure that an electrical Certificate of Compliance is obtained. Failure to obtain such a certificate could invalidate any insurance claims arising because of electrical faults or accidents.
○ A small fire extinguisher must be kept near the generator. A 4.5 kg dry chemical powder (DCP) or 2 (two) kg carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is recommended.
○ Hazards to consider for portable generators
–
–
–
Generators pose a risk of shock and electrocution, especially if they are operated in wet conditions. If used when it is wet outside, the generator must be protected from moisture to help avoid the shock/ electrocution hazard. It should ideally be operated under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface out of the reach of water and adequate drainage under it.
Attempting to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as ‘back-feeding’, must be avoided at all cost. This is extremely dangerous and presents a possible electrocution risk to outside workers and neighbours served by the same transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, fire and burns.
Storing fuel is considered a fire hazard. Petrol, diesel, propane and other flammable liquids must be stored away from living areas in properly labelled, non-glass or breakable safety containers. Do not store them near any fuel-burning or heating appliance.
26
Personal Underwriting Mandates & Guidelines – Binder – Version 3