Charity shops and community premises depend on volunteers, and volunteers change. Donations arrive in bulk and often end up stacked in back rooms. That combination needs a plan.
Common risks
- Large amounts of donated textiles, books and paper.
- Stock piled in back rooms, stairwells and by exits.
- Donated electrical items awaiting testing.
- Volunteers who do not know the exits or the alarm.
- Older buildings with narrow stairs and shared walls.
Practical steps
- Keep donations out of corridors, stairs and exit routes.
- Sort and clear back rooms regularly.
- Brief every new volunteer on the alarm, exits and assembly point on their first shift.
- Keep a simple opening and closing checklist.
- Do not display or switch on donated electrical goods until checked by a competent person.
- Record drills and checks in your fire safety register.
Your duties
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 expect a person in control of premises to take reasonable measures to protect people from fire. Volunteers and visitors count. Our guide on community halls, churches and clubs covers similar ground.
Call Safer Solutions on 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie about a fire risk assessment. Read about fire risk assessments in Ireland.