Own your own business? Fire safety is a crucial aspect of running any retail business, with shop owners and managers responsible for ensuring a safe environment for both staff and customers. With high footfall, numerous staff members, electrical equipment and extensive stock in retail spaces, fire hazards can pose a significant threat to lives and assets if not properly managed.

Adhering to fire safety rules for shops is essential in preventing potential disasters and complying with UK regulations. Understanding the risks and taking the appropriate precautions can safeguard both lives and livelihoods.

What are the fire hazards in retail?

Did you know that retail environments come with their own unique set of risks? This is due to the materials, electrical systems, and high human traffic. 

One of the primary hazards is the sheer volume of combustible stock that many shops store on-site. Items such as clothing, books, packaging materials and DIY equipment can rapidly fuel a fire if one were to break out. Alongside this, many retail premises rely heavily on electrical systems for lighting, tills, security equipment, and display installations. 

Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can lead to electrical fires, which can spread quickly if not detected in time.

Another fire hazard in retail spaces is heating and cooking equipment, which is of particularly high risk in shops that contain food outlets or in-store cafes. Having open flames, hot surfaces and grease build-up in extraction systems increases the risk of fire. 

Retail fire and security systems must be properly maintained to ensure they function as intended in the event of an emergency. Failure to do so can lead to an undetected fire, making it harder to contain and control.

What are the most common fire hazards?

The most common fire hazards in retail premises stem from poor maintenance, human error, and inadequate fire safety precautions. One of the leading causes of fire is the improper use or maintenance of electrical equipment. Most retail stores rely on the constant use of multiple electrical devices, including tills, computers, and decorative lighting, all of which must be regularly inspected to prevent electrical faults. Overloaded sockets and damaged wiring can easily spark a fire, putting the entire premises at risk.

The presence of flammable materials in-store is another major concern. Many stores have excess stock in backrooms or basements where fire protection measures may be lacking. If these areas are uncluttered and unorganised, they aren’t just trip hazards - they also increase fire risks significantly, as well as making it more difficult for occupants to evacuate. 

Improper disposal of waste materials such as packaging, paper, and plastic can contribute to the spread of fire. Retail fire safety regulations stress the importance of keeping escape routes clear but blocked or inaccessible fire exits remain a common issue in many stores. Staff should be trained to ensure that emergency exits are never obstructed.

What is the most common reason for a fire in the shop?

Electrical faults are among the most common causes of fires in shops, often due to ageing wiring, overuse of extension leads, or faulty appliances. The high energy demand of a retail environment means that circuits can become overloaded, leading to overheating and potential ignition. The risks can be reduced with regular inspections of electrical installations, as well as compliance with fire safety rules for shops.

Human error also plays a role in retail fire incidents. This might mean unattended candles, cigarettes discarded near waste, or cooking appliances left on. Small, avoidable mistakes can have devastating consequences - which is why it’s so important to train your employees on the fire safety rules for shops. 

Fire detection systems should be in place to alert staff and customers in the event of a fire, allowing for a swift and safe evacuation.

What are the fire safety rules for commercial premises?

In the UK, fire safety rules for shops fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places the responsibility on business owners and employers to take appropriate fire prevention measures. Being the responsible person means conducting thorough fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards, implementing fire detection systems, and ensuring that escape routes are properly signposted, maintained and easily accessible.

Retail premises must have an adequate means of detecting fire and raising the alarm, along with clear emergency evacuation plans. In addition to this, fire extinguishers should be strategically placed around the premises, and staff must be trained in their correct usage. Compliance with shop fire safety rules is both a legal requirement and essential for protecting employees, customers, and stock. 

Is it a legal requirement to have a fire alarm in a shop?

Yes, it is a legal requirement for shops to have a suitable fire alarm system in place. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that all commercial premises must have a fire detection and warning system that is appropriate for the size and nature of the business, so the type of fire alarm required depends on the risks present within the shop. 

Whilst smaller retail units may be able to rely on manual call points, larger stores require automatic fire detection systems. 

If you are unsure what you need for your business, get in touch with us today. 

Retail fire and security systems should be regularly tested and maintained to ensure they can function correctly in the event of an emergency. Fire detection equipment must be strategically placed to detect smoke or heat as early as possible, providing valuable time for evacuation and fire control measures to be implemented.

Is it a legal requirement to have a fire extinguisher in a shop?

Yes, UK fire safety legislation requires all commercial premises, including shops, to have the appropriate fire extinguishers on-site. The British Standard BS 5306 outlines the specific requirements for fire extinguisher provision and maintenance. The number and type of extinguishers needed depend on the size of the shop and the types of fire risks present.

As an example, most retail spaces require water or foam extinguishers for general fire risks, whilst electrical fire risks necessitate CO2 extinguishers. Businesses must also ensure that fire extinguisher maintenance is carried out regularly, with annual servicing by a qualified professional, such as ourselves. You must also ensure that your staff have basic training on how to use fire extinguishers effectively if they are needed.

How do you make a building fire-safe?

Making a retail building fire safe requires a combination of preventative measures, staff training, and compliance with fire protection regulations. To start, you should conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement strategies to mitigate them. The importance of fire risk assessments cannot be overstated, as they ensure that shops are well-prepared for any fire-related emergencies.

You should also ensure that proper fire detection systems are in place, as these provide crucial early warnings in the event of a fire. Retail fire and security systems should be integrated to allow for efficient monitoring and quick response times. Fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting should all be regularly inspected to confirm they are in working order. We’d also recommend passive fire stopping measures such as fire-resistant doors and compartmentalisation to help prevent the spread of fire and increase that all-important evacuation time. 

Employee training is another essential aspect of fire safety. Make sure that your staff are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures and know how to operate fire extinguishers. In order to ensure that everyone on the premises understands their role in the event of a fire, regular drills should be conducted. Finally, make sure that escape routes and fire exits are kept clear at all times to allow for smooth, speedy evacuation. 

Ultimately, ensuring retail fire safety is about taking a proactive approach, and checking that your store is compliant with regulations. By complying with fire safety rules for shops, regularly assessing risks, and maintaining fire protection systems, retailers can create a safe shopping environment for everyone. 

Need help with your store’s fire safety strategy? Contact Magni Fire today.