Personal Safety & Security of an Energy Assessor

As a normal, everyday citizen the chance that you will be a victim of violent crime is low.

Violent crimes are still comparatively rare and account for a very small part of recorded crime.

However as Energy Assessors

We do face some unique risks.

To reduce the risk of attack/theft/injury is by taking sensible precautions. Most people already do this as part of their everyday lives, often without realising it.

The aim of this CPD is to remind you of not only the normal precautions but provide you with techniques/ideas to reduce the risks that are unique to the Energy Assessor.

Personal Security and Safety... lets break it downBasic tips for everyday use:

Planning your day as an Energy Assessor

Arriving at a property

Security whilst at a property

Health and Safety

Assault – How to deal with it and report it.

Basic PrecautionsIf you carry a bag (Handbag or work bag). Carry your car/ house keys in your pocket.

Cover up expensive looking jewellery or do not wear it.

If someone grabs your bag, let it go. If you hang on, you could get hurt.

Remember your safety is more important than your property.

A bag can be replaced.

If you are using a car park...If you are using a car park that issues a ticket that you pay for on leaving the car park, do not leave the ticket in the car, take it with you.

Have your key ready when you go back to your car.

Make sure there is no-one in the car.

If, on driving away, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the outside of your back window...carry on driving!

This is a “new trick” by car thieves.

They are waiting for you to get out of your car, leaving the engine running, to remove the paper. The thief then jumps in your car and is away.

So, carry on driving and stop in a safe place and then remove the paper.

Whilst driving in town...Whilst driving in town keep your widows closed or only open slightly to prevent someone reaching in. Also lock your doors.

A favourite trick is for a thief to loiter at traffic lights, open a door and steal your handbag, bag or Sat Nav

At traffic lights or in a queue, always leave sufficient space between you and the car in front.

A good guide is that you can see a gap between the end of your bonnet and their rear bumper.

This is for two reasons.

If the car in front breaks down

or

you are attacked

you can pull out and go around them.

Planning your day as an Energy AssessorKnow where you are going!

Having to stop and ask for directions increases your risk of theft from your car or even the car itself. Also how do you know you are not being “set up” and getting directed into a quiet, dead end street?

Ensure that someone knows where you are going and what time (Entry in your desk diary?). This is very important if the property is empty (Injured and alone?) or you are aware that the area is a “dodgy” one.

Arrange to phone in after each job is good practice. There are other methods that will be covered later.

Set a Key Word which if used when phoning indicates you are under duress. Something you can say within an “innocent” sentence.

“I am going to the next property” (Insert a “Key Word” address here)

Arriving at a PropertyWhen arriving at the property, it is worth doing a “drive by”.

This will give you the opportunity to look over the property and give you time to work out where best to park.

This is your FIRST Risk Assessment

Top Tip:

If the street is a “Dead End” then always park facing the direction that you came in.

Then if you have to make a “quick exit” you can without having to go to the end of the street to turn around

and

Not having to go back past the “problem”.

Security whilst at a propertyHaving left the relative security of your car you are now entering a “new” environment.

The outside appearance of any property may not reflect what you could find within the property. Do not be too quick to judge.

There are many types of properties, each have their own type of risk, whether empty or occupied.

There are also many types of people in many different situations and living conditions.

That is for you to assess when you arrive.

But if you feel threatened or unhappy about the situation.

You need to have an exit plan.

That is in both a verbal and a physical sense.

Situations where you may feel the need to leave.Threatening or abusive behaviour (to you or anyone else in the property).

Occupant being difficult or uncooperative.

Occupant intoxicated (Alcohol/Drugs)

Property unhygienic.

Occupant (male or female) “scantily dressed”.

A “home alone child” (Under 16 years old).

Occupant ill.

Physical exit plan.The first and most important consideration is how you can get out of the property. Have a plan. If the occupant locks the door after you have come in (not an unreasonable action) take note of where the key is.

If you are in a block of flats. Get your “bearings” before entering the flat (note the fire escapes?).

This is your Second Risk assessment.

Top Tip:

Ensure you keep your car keys and mobile on your person at all times.

If you have a work bag, leave it near to the door.

And your ladders!

Verbal exit plan.So if you need to leave.

You can either inform them that you are terminating the assessment

or

“Sorry, I have left my Disto/Tape measure etc, in the car. Back in a moment” And GO!

or

“Sorry, called away on an “urgent job...Bye”

or

If the situation requires it...just get out of there!

In all cases...In all cases, make an entry on your site notes.

It is also advisable to notify your Accreditation Body by phone.

But back it up with an email.

The Empty, Unoccupied Property.Make sure the property is actually unoccupied.

Lock your entry door, but leave the key in the lock.

This is for the following reasons.

It would prevent somebody entering the property behind you.

By leaving the key in the lock it prevents a disgruntled ex tenant/husband/wife/partner

or

a repossessed home owner

using their key to unlock it and enter.

Ensure you have your mobile phone on your person.

Health & Safety.You should be aware of basic H & S through your training.

Using your training this is your Third Risk Assessment.

However, some ex occupants can leave behind some little surprises.

Some deliberate and others not.

Some little surprises.Disgruntled tenants have been known to leave razor blades embedded in stair banisters or stuck to door handles.

“Super Glue” remains as a liquid on metal surfaces (Door Handles) for some time.

(Where is your mobile phone?)

Syringes hidden in hot water tank jackets.

Syringes hidden amongst the insulation between roof joists.

Some home owners may forget to tell you that they have set mouse traps just inside the loft access.

Should you receive a puncture wound, make the wound bleed (express blood), wash it immediately and cover. Seek medical advice.

Assault.Think what you would do if someone attacked you. Could you fight back, or would you avoid resisting and wait to escape?

Only you can decide whether to fight back, but preparing yourself for all possibilities could provide a split-second advantage.

You have every right to defend yourself, with reasonable force with items which you have with you like an umbrella, hairspray or keys can be used against the attacker.

The law however doesn’t allow carrying anything which can be described as an offensive weapon.

Consider purchasing a Personal Attack Alarm.

Reporting an assault.Call the police straight away. They need your help to catch the attacker. You can help the police by:

Taking the name or address of any witnessTrying to remember exactly what the attacker looked likeIf a car was involved, try to note the colour, model and registration number.

Although your immediate reaction will be to wash, try not to if you can possibly help it. This could destroy vital medical evidence that will help prove the case against the person who raped or assaulted you.

You do not need to go to the police station to report an assault – you can be interviewed in your own home if you wish.

These crimes are dealt with sympathetically, regardless of sex. Police stations have specially trained officers who will help and support you, and many areas have comfortable victim suites, separate from the police station, where you can be interviewed privately.

Suggested items to carry in your car.A First Aid Kit.

Bottle of Sterile Water (can be used as an eyewash or to wash out a wound).

Antiseptic Hand Gel.

and/or

Antiseptic Wipes (can also be used to clean equipment, DISTO, tape measure etc).

Latex Gloves.

Plastic Overshoes.

Face Mask.

In Summary.Check your kit. (In addition to your Disto, Site Notes and ladders).

Mobile phone charged. Credit on your phone (999 calls are free).

PPE and First Aid Kit in the car.

Keep your mobile phone and car keys on your person at all times.

Know where you are going.

Ensure someone knows of your movements.

Set your “Key Word”.

Be aware of your surroundings and constantly assess the risks.

Know your “Exit” strategy.

STAY SAFE!Security is not something that is set in stone. Security precautions require constant review, as threats increase or decrease and should be based on advice and experience.

STAY SAFE!

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