Fire alarms for shops and retail.
Open trading floors, stockrooms and often a flat upstairs. The fire alarm has to work for customers, staff and neighbours.
What matters in this kind of building
Shops combine public access, stored stock and, frequently, other uses above or behind. Many are in older terraced buildings where escape routes are limited, which makes early warning more important.
- Detection in stockrooms, back offices and any upper floors, not just the shop floor
- Coverage that protects residential accommodation above, where there is any
- Sounders that can be heard over music and background noise, with visual alarms where needed
- A weekly call point test that staff can actually carry out
- Clear, short instructions for staff, many of whom are part-time
Systems that tend to suit
Most shops suit a conventional or wireless system. Wireless is useful where the shop can’t close for building work, or where the building is old and cabling difficult.
Practical points
- Keep stock clear of detectors, call points and escape routes
- Do not prop open fire doors to the stockroom
- Check extinguishers are suited to what you sell. See types
- Tell us if there is a flat above, since that changes the design
Responsible personIf you run or manage these premises you are likely to be the ’responsible person’. See your responsibilities, or arrange a fire safety check.
Common questions.
Do shops need a fire alarm?
The fire risk assessment decides what detection and warning is needed. In practice most shops have a system, and GOV.UK states that you must have a fire detection and warning system.
Can you install a fire alarm while the shop is open?
Yes, we plan around trading and, where cabling would be disruptive, use wireless devices.
Speak to a fire engineer.
Call, message or send the form. We reply the same working day wherever we can.
