Engineering Inspection Insurance

You can help avoid costly equipment failures with engineering inspection insurance. This policy helps ensure your equipment and machinery are safe, compliant with regulations, and regularly inspected.

What is engineering inspection insurance?

Engineering inspection insurance can provide regular, independent inspections of your equipment and machinery to help meet statutory requirements as well as insurance cover. It helps identify potential issues early, so you can plan for repairs to avoid major breakdowns.

Independent inspections can be key, as they offer an unbiased evaluation, focusing only on necessary repairs and maintenance. This service is designed to ensure your equipment complies with UK health and safety laws, reducing risks and downtime.

What is an engineering inspection?

An engineering inspection is a thorough check of machinery and equipment. It’s essential when health and safety risks may arise from incorrect installation, wear, or reinstallation. These inspections help prevent hazards, ensure compliance with UK safety laws, and can help save you money by identifying faults early. Different types of equipment, including items such as lifting gear, boilers, and electrical installations, have varying inspection periods.

Key features of our engineering inspection policy

With our engineering inspection insurance, you can benefit from:

• Independent inspections: This includes essential equipment such as lifts, boilers, window cleaning hoists, and portable electrical device PAT testing. These inspections help ensure your equipment is safe, compliant, and in good working order.
• Insurance: Protection for breakdowns and unforeseen damage to mechanical and electrical systems. This includes cover for the explosion or collapse of boilers and other pressure-operated equipment.
• Extended cover options: Includes protection for consequential losses, temporary hire of replacement machinery, and professional fees for investigating losses.
• Replacement as new equipment cover: helps ensure you’re not left with outdated or compromised machinery after a breakdown.

What machinery and equipment need to be inspected?

Equipment that needs inspecting includes:

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998):

• Passenger lifts – every 6 months
• Goods lifts – annually
• Lifting accessories (tackle) – every 6 months
• Vehicle lifts – every 6 months
• Window cleaning gantries – annually

PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000):

• Steam boilers and steam ovens – every 14 months
• Hot water boilers (>100°C) – every 14 months
• Other pressure systems – every 26 months

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989:

• Electrical installations and equipment – every 5 years
• Electric gates and barriers – annually

Is engineering inspection insurance a legal requirement?

While not all businesses are legally required to have engineering inspection insurance, certain inspections are mandated by law for specific types of equipment.

Regular inspections help meet health and safety regulations and ensure compliance with standards such as LOLER and PSSR. Landlords and property managers may risk hefty fines or legal repercussions without this insurance.

What to expect from an engineering inspection

During an engineering inspection, trained professionals will assess your equipment for wear, malfunction, and safety risks. They’ll check that the machinery complies with regulations and identify immediate or future repair needs.

You’ll receive a detailed report outlining recommended actions to maintain compliance and prevent unexpected failures. Depending on the risk level, this inspection may be scheduled annually or more frequently for certain equipment, like passenger lifts.

How can you claim engineering inspection insurance?

Claiming under engineering inspection insurance is simple. Contact us  by phone or through our online portal. You’ll need the necessary details about the equipment, the inspection, and any issues identified.

Our claims advisors will guide you through the process, from initial notification to settlement, ensuring a smooth and swift resolution.

Why choose Gallagher for engineering inspection insurance?

We work with you to understand the nature of your work and the risks you face. That way, we can develop a policy that meets your specific requirements.

• We offer standard cover plus optional extras.
• We cover properties of standard construction, converted properties, listed buildings and purpose-built blocks.
• Our specialist claims advisors provide step-by-step support from first notification to claims settlement.
• We provide a 24-hour claims reporting service so that you can report a claim anytime, 365 days a year.

If you have any questions regarding what plant does require inspection by law please contact us to discuss. For a copy of our guide to Engineering insurance and inspection services and the cover provided under a standard policy* click here.

*As with all insurance policies, the policy is subject to limits, conditions and exclusions. For full terms and conditions please refer to the policy wording available on request. This document does not purport to be comprehensive or to give legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Gallagher cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained within the document. Readers are always recommended to take further professional advice before making any decisions.

FAQs:

Please note that these Frequently Asked Questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.

Which scenarios can be covered with engineering inspection insurance?

Engineering inspection insurance can cover a wide range of potential issues with machinery and equipment, including:

• Smashed glass in lifts: Often happens when furniture or large items are moved in or out of the building.
• Short-circuiting: Electrical faults that can cause system breakdowns.
• Over voltage: Electrical issues that can damage equipment.
• Faulty operation or non-operation of safety devices: This includes malfunctioning safety or protective devices.
• Incorrect operation of equipment: Cover for human or mechanical errors leading to equipment malfunction.
• Boilers and pressure plant issues: Sudden and unforeseen damage, including cracking, fracturing, water hammer action, or frost-related damage.

Which machinery and equipment can be checked at a block of flats?

• Electric gates and barriers: Ensures smooth and safe operation for entry/exit points.
• Garage doors and roller shutters: Regular checks to prevent breakdowns.
• Lifts: Essential for safety and reliability.
• Plumbing and heating systems: Prevents leaks, breakdowns, and compliance issues.
• Fuse boxes: Inspections to ensure electrical systems are safe and compliant.
• Window cleaning pulleys: Regular checks to ensure safe operation.
• Heat exchangers: Prevents overheating or breakdowns.
• Back-up generators: Inspections to ensure they’re ready to operate in emergencies.
• Air conditioning and ventilation units: Regular servicing to ensure air quality and system efficiency.
• Disabled access systems: Ensures that they remain operational for accessibility.
• Doors and intercoms: For secure entry and communication.
• Smoke alarms, fire hydrants, and fire doors: Ensures fire safety compliance and proper function in an emergency.
• Lightning protection systems: Inspections to prevent lightning-related damage.
• Pool/spa cover systems: Regular safety and proper operation checks.
• Security lighting: Ensures reliable operation for building safety.

Can’t find an answer to your question?  Simply email your question to us at ukinfo@ajg.com.