A 10-Item Checklist to Begin Restoring your Factory after a Flood

by Asia Pacific Plant Management on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7:28pm

We don't normally post our Editor's Notes up on Facebook, but because this is particularly relevant and could help people affected (whether it is your home or your factory, they are useful tips), we though we would make an exception. This article comes courtesy of our Technical Editor, Pissanuwat Keowamrat.

A 10-Item Checklist to Begin Restoring your Factory after a Flood

It’s not a year to remember for the automotive industry. The Japanese car industry, according to the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, is expecting its worst year since 1978 as it still focuses on the supply chain disruptions caused by March’s natural disasters. Thailand is currently facing its worst and most damaging flood in its history. As I am writing this article, the situation has still not hit rock bottom. Not only are people’s houses, property and agricultural products affected, but many industrial estates, which house more than 1,000 factories, mostly engaging in automotive parts and electronics parts production, have been affected by this disaster as well.

The Industry Ministry, provincial industrial offices and factories jointly evacuated workers, goods and raw materials from factories. As soon as the situation has returned to normal, it's time to start the recovery process. Here is a 10-item checklist which can help to begin restoring your factory.

If your factory has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
Take photos of any floodwater in your factory and any damaged personal property.
Check for structural damage before re-entering your factory to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts.
Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
Let engineers or technicians do their job of restoring the electronic system and electrical appliances that have been flooded. Never try yourself.
Have the insurance agent check the factory for structural damage before you can start the cleanup.
Prompt and sanitary disposal of animal carcasses is necessary to protect people and living animals from diseases. Consult an authority in case you don’t have the necessary knowledge.
Grade the ground, and fill in holes or hollows near your factory to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and insects.

10. Do not drive or park vehicles on previously flooded roads or car parks before they are inspected.