Fire service offers tips for storing retail Christmas stock safely
The retail sector will be getting ready for one of their busiest times of year - Christmas. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have highlighted that in order to ensure maximum sales, some retailers will fill every available space with merchandise. The Service says that this can mean that escape routes and fire exits that normally are empty become a fire hazard area full of extra Christmas stock.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are reminding 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.
They offer the following advice:
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.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it is committed to making communities safer places to live, work or visit. For more information on fire risk assessments please visit their website.
With firefighters on strike this Saturday, October 19, from 6.30pm to 11.30pm they are reminding businesses to take extra care and visit our Industrial Action page.
