The purpose of this document is to provide guidance in regard to: • Identifying if there is a flooding risk to a property
• Establishing the level of flooding risk to a property • Managing the level of flooding risk to a property Identifying the Locations at Risk
The nature and pattern of flooding has altered in recent years with the effects of man- made physical changes to the landscape/environment and changes to weather patterns resulting in previously unprecedented incidents occurring both within and outside indicative floodplains.
Whilst the causes of flooding events may differ a level of risk from flooding may exist in any premises in the UK.
Identifying the Sources of Potential Flooding
The starting point of any risk management is to identify the sources of risk.
Flooding can occur from any open or enclosed watercourse, natural or man-made, both in isolation but more commonly in combination.
The proximity & relationship between the following sources and the premises should be understood:
• Open Sea – estuaries, harbours, docks, quays etc.
• Fluvial - Rivers, streams, brooks, lakes, reservoirs, dams, open drains/ditches etc,
• Pluvial - sewers, storm drains, culverts etc. Identifying the Responsible Parties
The above sources could be owned, managed or maintained by a number of different parties:
• Local Authorities
• Water Authorities • Internal Drainage Board • Private Land Owners
To ensure that any potential problems, e.g. damage, blockages, failure or physical damage, can be dealt with quickly contact details for the each of the responsible parties should be obtained and kept at hand.
Establishing the Level of Risk
Many authorities/ agencies have or are carrying out risk assessments/evaluations for the watercourses under their control and should be able to provide their view on the potential frequency and severity of flooding, along with details of any maintenance &/or improvements programmes they have in place.
Factors that Could Reduce the Level of Risk
• Premises are protected by adequately constructed & maintained defences • Watercourses & drainage systems in the area are unobstructed & well
maintained
• Premises as a whole are situated in a position of raised ground & would not be totally or partially cut off in the event of flooding in the surrounding area • Pumped drainage and sewage systems in place
Factors that could Increase the Level of Risk
• Premises are not protected by adequately constructed & maintained defences • Watercourses & drainage systems in the area are obstructed &/or poorly
maintained
• Any part of the premises are situated in a low lying area of ground • Inadequate natural or man-made drainage for size, type and use of
premises/business
• Natural soil soak away of surface water reduced or lost due to ground coverage by non-porous materials, e.g. large car parks, yards,
• Premises located at the foot of raised areas of ground, e.g. hills, mountains, valleys, embankments (surface water run-off risk)
• Premises are situated in a position of raised ground and total or partial access would be prevented in the event of flooding in the surrounding area.
Flooding regardless of depth or frequency is very disruptive both economically and in terms of the health & well being of the property owner, tenants & employees.
Insurance is not able to reduce all the effects and in the most severe instances is not always available.
Once floodwater comes in contact with the fabric of a building it is only possible to slow its ingress. The water will find its way into the building through the weakest point so it is therefore not only necessary to prevent water from entering the premises via doors and windows, but also via drains/sewage outlets and other cavities and in instances of prolonged inundation through, the external brickwork and internal floors.
Flood water is likely to be contaminated and may result in some property that would normally be salvageable having to be destroyed.
Whilst it is not always possible to prevent flooding its effects may be reduced or managed the following are examples of the actions that may be appropriate:
Permanent Changes/Actions
Below are some examples of actions that should be considered where it is possible and appropriate to do so:
• Relocate/ reposition/ raise machinery, contents & stock to areas well above the expected water levels, e.g. from basement or ground floor to first floor, or raise upon racking (stillage) etc.
• Replace susceptible linings, furniture, fixtures & fittings with water-proof alternatives, e.g. stone/plastic floorings, tiled or water resistant wall coverings, water retardant plasters & linings, plastic kitchen cupboards etc.
• Reposition electrical points and other essential utilities to heights well above the expected water levels
• Ensure that power to alarm/security system can be maintained during flooding • Relocate/ reposition safes and strongboxes & business documentation above
expected water levels
• Consider installing one-way or pumped valves to waste outflows
• Store & Maintain Flood Defending Equipment & Supplies above expected water level or in a location away from the expected flooding
• Consider the use of demountable flood alleviation products to slow the ingress at weak points in & around the building, e.g. sand bags, flood boards, drain bungs etc – remembering that they should be removed after the flood has subsided
For existing properties that are at a high risk of flooding structural solutions may be the only option in which case the involvement of the Local Planning Authority is likely to be required in addition to the services of a specialist engineer.
Details on structural solutions, for both new and existing buildings, can be found in: • The "Preparing for Floods" booklet produced by the Department of Transport,
Local Government & Regions (DTLR)
• The Construction Industry Research & Information Association (CIRIA) website – www.ciria.org/flooding/reducing_the_impact.htm
The more permanent changes made the easier it will be to deal with a flooding event, especially if there is little to no warning.
ii) Flood Event Procedures
It is recommended that homes & businesses at risk should introduce formal plan that outlines the roles, responsibilities & actions to be carried out in a flooding event.
The plan should be kept in a water-resistant container in an easily accessible location that is known by all key staff:
• Important contact details – i.e. Environment Agency, Local Authority, insurance adviser / company, Property Owners & Employees
• List & location of items that should be moved above flood waters
• List & location of items that can’t be moved but should be enclosed in water- tight bags or containers or have the power source isolated/disconnected • Location of gas & electric isolation cut off points
• Location of Flood Defending Equipment & Supplies
• List weak points in & around the building that would need to be protected by sand bags or other suitable alleviation products – toilets, washing machine/ dishwasher waste pipes
• List & location of external equipment that can be moved or secured (including vehicles/ vessels)
• Evacuation Instructions
Flood Defending Equipment & Supplies
It is recommended that the following equipment is made readily available to assist in dealing with a flooding event:
• Water-tight plastic bags - varying sizes • Shovels
• Torches – including spare batteries • Water-proof clothing & foot ware • Spare warm clothing
• Protective clothing – gloves, boots (due to potentially contaminated flood water)
• Battery operated radio (to monitor flood warning announcements) • Mobile Phone
• First Aid Kit
• Vacuum flasks & energy foods
Actions to Take Before & During a Flooding Event • Once a flood warning is received:
• Put Flood Event Procedures into operation • Monitor flood warnings and announcements Actions to be taken After a Flooding Event
Once the all-clear is given you should seek advice on how best to handle the clean-up operation, this should be obtained from:
• Your insurance adviser/ company • The Local Authority
BSI Kitemark Scheme for Flood Protection Products – A Guide for Purchasers
The Standards
The BSI, in association with the Association of British Insurers, the Environment Agency, the Flood Protection Association and HR Wallingford, has prepared two specifications covering flood protection products:
PAS 1188-1 Flood protection products – Building apertures
Specifies the designation, testing, factory production control, installation information and marking for different types of flood protection products intended for installation across building apertures and property entrances.
PAS 1188-2 Flood protection products – Temporary or demountable types
Specifies the designation, testing, factory production control, installation information and marking for different types of flood protection products intended to be
demountable or for temporary installation around structures.
Manufacturers’ claims of conformity
Flood protection products offer a more effective means of limiting the passage of floodwater than simply using sand bags. They generally allow time for possessions to be moved above the flood level and for other damage limitation plans to be put into action.
In a flood situation. It should not be assumed that there would be no water seepage through the building fabric, i.e. through the brickwork, cavities, floors and drainage systems etc.
Flood protection products are intended to limit the passage of water through entrances over which they are installed.
Any manufacturer can claim conformity of their products to a standard – it’s their responsibility to ensure any claim is not misleading.
Using the specification number e.g. PAS 1188-1 on the product, on an attached label or on its packaging is solely a declaration of conformity by the manufacturer.
Purchasers of flood protection products should not confuse such a claim with independent testing and certification of product conformity to the required standard by BSI Product Services.
Only the Kitemark carries the assurance that BSI Product Services has certified the product as meeting the required standard.
The BSI Kitemark Scheme
The highly acknowledged product certification trademark – the Kitemark – may be found on a wide range of products intended for use in providing protection in the event of flooding.
The Kitemark on flood protection products demonstrates the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to quality, giving confidence to potential customers to buy their product.
Manufacturers are required to have a comprehensive production control system to ensure products are manufactured consistently to the required standard.
In addition, BSI Product Services, in association with HR Wallingford, carries out type testing of the product to establish that any leakage is within acceptable limits. Samples of the product are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended installation procedures.
Periodic inspection vists to manufacturing premises ensure production quality is being maintained on an on-going basis.
Further information about the Kitemark is available on the BSI web site – www.bsi- global.com/kitemark.
Purchasing flood protection products
Purchasing flood protection products should be regarded as one element of a
comprehensive flood preparation plan for a particular property or group of properties, at risk of flooding.
BSI Product Services is committed to helping purchasers of flood protection products to identify suppliers and products that meet agreed standards – products that have been independently tested and that conform to specification.
BSI Product Services awards the prestigious Kitemark, which may be used under licence by manufacturers and their agents.
Publicly Available Specifications PAS 1188-8 and PAS 1188-2 are recognized in the UK as defining the standards to which flood protection products should conform.
When making your purchase decision, look for the Kitemark – it’s your assurance of product quality.