The retail sector is Ireland’s largest, employing more than 270,000 people. Hazards associated with a retail environment are often thought to be low risk, but accidents remain common and can inflict significant extra costs on a business. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) states that employers must ‘ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees’. The person in control to any extent of the workplace should ensure a safe workplace, safe access, safe egress and safe articles or substances.
Fire Prevention - Fire hazards often exist in retail stores due to flammable and combustible materials, electrical malfunctions, open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, smoking and unsafe storage of chemical products. Workers must have an emergency plan for how to evacuate the store, who to call in case of fire, and job tasks for people responsible for evacuation. Exit paths should not be blocked and must be clearly marked with exit signs that are lighted. It is better to have a pre-emergency plan than for chaos to result when a fire breaks out, causing loss of life and property damage.
Fire extinguishers must be available, and workers should be trained in how to use them. They must be the correct type for the hazard: type A for combustibles, type C for electrical equipment and type ABC for general fires. Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working order. The needle gauge must be at the 12:00 o’clock position and the nozzle in good shape. Sprinklers must be installed and inspected at least once a year.
Good housekeeping and proper storage and disposal of combustible and flammable materials are the most important steps in preventing fires in a retail store. The employer must allow time in the work day for this type of work to be done.
Floors - Slips, trips and falls are common causes of injuries in all retail stores. Wet, slippery floors around produce, meat, fish and freezer areas are especially hazardous in grocery supermarkets. Similarly, aisles that are cluttered with boxes, and uneven cracked flooring are all hazards commonly found in department stores.
All spills need to be cleaned promptly, and time needs to be allowed to clear clutter and waste from the aisles.
Fire Exits - There are several important points concerning fire exits:
- There must be at least two exits which are separate from each other so that if one is blocked by fire another is available for escape. More than two exits may be required depending on the number of people to evacuate and the level of fire danger.
- Exits should not be locked or blocked. If doors are locked for security reasons, they must be able to be opened immediately in an emergency.
- Exits, and the pathways to exits, should be clearly marked, easy to get to and well lit. Every exit sign should be illuminated by a reliable light source. Doors and passageways that are not fire exits should be marked “NOT AN EXIT.”
Fire Drills - Fire drills should be conducted on a regular basis so that every worker knows how to evacuate the building quickly. You need to know where your nearest exit and alternative exit are located.
Emergency Action Plan - Employers should develop an emergency action plan. This plan should include a written policy that includes at least the following:
- How to report a fire
- How and where employees will escape the building including how disabled employees and employees involved in shutting down critical plant equipment will be evacuated.
- The type of emergency alarm system(s) to be used throughout the workplace.
- Training and retraining on evacuation procedures for all employees.
- Designation of fire wardens or other responsible individuals who can answer questions and give further information.
Evacuation Safety Points - If you are escaping from a building:
- Know your escape route
- Don’t use the elevator or escape to the roof
- Close all doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire.
- The smoke is often the most hazardous part of a fire. If it is smoky, stay close to the floor; crawl if necessary.
- Don’t open a door if it feels hot.
CFSG is a one-stop shop for all your Fire Safety needs, contact us now and arrange a free consultation info@cfsg.ie and the telephone number is (01) 295 7540.
Source: - HSA Ireland, NSAI
