Key points:
- In most cases, you don’t have to evacuate your retail establishment for mandated firewatch.
- Your trained and certified fire guard will need access to all areas of your business for complaint patrols and patrol logs.
- Depending on the risk factors, you may require more than one fire monitor, and they may need to monitor beyond your retail interior.
If you own or operate a retail establishment, you may be wondering if you must shut down operations during fire watch. Risk mitigation is your top priority, but we understand your fiscal responsibilities. Here are the answers to your top questions related to retail store fire watch in Denver.
The increase in mobile electronics, wireless lighting, and electronic displays increases retail fire hazards. As a result, many retailers must add Class L fire classification to their fire code audit and log. This impacts your Wildfire Risk Score and insurance premiums. Ensure you invest in a fire extinguisher for every class of fire present in your business and train your team in the difference between your different fire extinguishers.
Top Fire Hazards in Retail Environments
- High-Density Stock and Supplies: Clothing, cardboard boxes, paper supplies, cleaning supplies, and other day-to-day supplies are high-density, flammable, combustible, or accelerate the rate of spread.
- Technology: Fabric steamers, electronics chargers, display lighting, electronic signage, stationary electronics, lithium-ion battery-powered mobile technology increases your electrical load. They may also increase the need for power strips and extension cords.
- Blocked Sprinkler Clearance: Inventory and supply crates and racks must not be stacked higher than 18 inches from the lowest sprinkler head. When stacked higher, it obstructs water flow.
- Lint and Dust Buildup: When clothing fibers, lint, and dust build up in the HVAC system or dryer vent, it increases fire risk.
Can My Retail Store Legally Stay Open During Fire Watch?
In most cases, your retail location can stay open during standard fire alarm or fire sprinkler maintenance and repairs. If your system is down for more than 4 hours, work blocks exit, or fire risk is higher than average, you may need to evacuate.
Don’t forget, when your system is down or hot work is required, liability extends beyond your 4 walls. If you aren’t in full compliance, you may be liable for damages to your building, property, nearby properties, team, patrons, and negatable impacted community members.
What Access Does My Fire Guard Need to My Business?
For compliant fire monitoring, your trained and certified guard must have unrestricted access to your retail location. This includes your stockroom and other employee-only areas. Otherwise, they can’t complete compliant patrols and logs. If you’re in a mall, strip mall, shopping center, or shared building, they may require access to other areas of the building or grounds.
How Does a Fire Guard Protect My Inventory?
Your firewatcher’s role is to assess, prevent, detect, and respond to fire hazards, smoke, sparks, and fire. The first step is assessing your property and fire risks. They’ll review your Emergency Response Plan, inquire about your firewatch trigger, and assess your business for risk factors. They’ll advise on initial and ongoing areas of opportunity.
For example, if your inventory is stacked higher than 18 inches from the ceiling, it must be lowered before hot work can begin. Or if an exit is blocked for any reason, they’ll advise on clearance and response to maintain efficient egress.
Retail Fire Watch in Denver
Scout Security provides pre-scheduled and 24/7 emergency response retail fire guards in Denver and The Springs. Our services include advising on how many trained and certified guards are required after a mandated trigger.
Reach out now or add us to your emergency response list!
