A shop is full of people who have never seen the back of the building and do not know where the second exit is. A fire risk assessment for a retail unit makes sure they could still get out, and that the stockroom behind the counter is not where a fire is most likely to start.
What the law requires
Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 places a duty on anyone having control of a premises other than a dwelling house to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire, and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of people on the premises. Employers must also identify hazards and hold a written risk assessment under section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Common fire risks in Dublin retail units
- Overfilled stockrooms: stock stacked to the ceiling, against light fittings or in front of the electrical board.
- Blocked rear exits: deliveries, cages and cardboard left in the back corridor.
- Packaging waste: cardboard and plastic stored inside until collection day.
- Seasonal peaks: extra stock and extra display stands before Christmas narrow the routes to exits.
- Electrical displays: lighting, screens and chargers running all day on extension leads.
- Security shutters and locks: exits secured against theft in ways that slow an evacuation.
Units in shopping centres and shared buildings
In a shopping centre or a street-level unit below offices or apartments, you share the building’s alarm and escape routes. Your assessment should confirm how the landlord’s alarm links to your unit, where your staff and customers go when it sounds, and who is responsible for the shared corridors and service yards. Our guide to who is responsible for fire safety in a building explains how the duty is split.
What the assessor checks
- Customer and staff escape routes, exit widths and signage.
- How stock and waste are stored.
- Fire alarm, emergency lighting and extinguishers.
- Fire doors between the shop floor, stockroom and any upper floors.
- Staff training, including part-time and seasonal staff.
- The fire safety register.
What you get
A written report with findings ranked by priority. In most shops the urgent actions cost little: clear the back corridor, lower the stock, brief the staff.
Safer Solutions carries out fire risk assessments in Dublin for shops, retail parks and shopping centre units across the city and county. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.