Legal context
A retail unit is a workplace and a place the public visit, so the Fire Safety Order 2005 applies in full to the occupier as well as the building owner. Where there is residential accommodation above, the shop's risk becomes someone else's sleeping risk, which raises the standard of separation and detection expected. Licensed premises and food businesses may also carry conditions through the premises licence.
Why this sector is different
- Sleeping risk above the trading floor in a large share of high street units
- Stock density and seasonal peaks that block aisles and rear exits
- Single staff member trading alone with no second person to sweep the shop
- Rear fire exits used as delivery doors, then bolted or blocked with stock
- Shopfitting works that cut through the ceiling separating shop from flat
Typical scope on a retail job
- Assessment of the trading floor, stockroom, staff areas and escape to the street
- Separation check between the unit and any accommodation or unit above
- Extinguisher provision matched to the actual risk, including F class where there is a fryer
- Detection appropriate to the premises and to anyone sleeping above
- Staff fire action, sweep procedure and lone working arrangements
- Signage and escape lighting on the rear exit route and yard
Common findings we record on retail sites
- Rear fire exit obstructed by stock, cages or waste
- No fire separation between shop ceiling and the flat above
- Extinguishers hung behind displays or missing from the stockroom
- Electrical distribution boards buried behind shelving
- No record of staff having been shown the escape route or the sweep
How often to reassess
Annually, and again after a refit, a change of use, a change of tenant or a significant increase in stock holding. Seasonal traders should review before the peak, not after it.
What it costs
Fixed fee agreed up front. A single unit shop is a short visit and a same week slot is normally available. Parades and multi unit landlords are quoted per unit at a portfolio rate, with extinguisher servicing bundled into the same attendance.