As Christmas is fast approaching, the retail sector will be getting ready for one of their busiest times of year. Some retailers will fill every available space with merchandise. This can mean that escape routes and fire exits that normally are empty, become a fire hazard area full of extra Christmas stock preventing a quick escape route if a fire were to happen.

Tips for storing retail Christmas stock  

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service remind shop owners that fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for all businesses (even one-person operations) and must be completed for every shop location. This aids fire prevention by identifying and taking remedial action against any significant findings, the risk of fire is reduced and therefore reduces the risk to your staff, visitors and business assets.

Extra Christmas Staff?

At this time of year many businesses will be recruiting additional members of staff in the run up to the Christmas period. These new employees may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff. They might not be aware of the vital steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues if a fire were to break out. Ensure all employees are fully trained in emergency procedures and know where their fire assembly points are located.

When was your last shop fire risk assessment carried out?

Stockroom safety, fire precautions, escape routes, slip and trip hazards, ladder and kick stools, waste storage are among the items that need to come under your scrutiny.

If you employ five or more people you must record the significant findings of the assessment. It is not difficult and you do not need to buy external advice to help you with it. You know your business better than anyone else.

Once a fire risk assessment has been conducted, it is necessary to review it on a regular basis – ideally annually. If a shop has had a recent refit, this may have impacted on your fire safety measurements.

Poor storage practices

Many fires occur from poor storage practice, particularly when close to sources of heat.

• Do not store combustible materials close to gas or electric heaters or boilers, light fittings or other heat generating equipment.
• Avoid using portable heaters with naked flames or hot radiant surfaces, fan heaters and fluid-filled radiators.

Follow our SIMPLE reminders:

• Store stock safely: keep corridors, stairs and exits clear
• Identify alarm points so you can warn others
• Make sure doors are closed to stop fires from spreading
• Place things that catch fire away from things that cause fire
• Let someone know if you spot fire safety problems
• Ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire alarm sounds

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is committed to making our communities safer places to live, work or visit. For more information on fire risk assessments please visit our website.

Contact the Fire Service

Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 17:00. Call 01392 872288 to be put through to your local Business fire safety team. Email firesafety@dsfire.gov.uk

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service offers advice and guidance to business and commerce and the general public on all fire safety matters. Make the call to request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 05 02 999.