Evergreen Fire and Safety Services has many valued clients conducting business in the retail industry. There are many potential safety issues to deal with on an on-going basis in the retail sector. With a few simple maintenance procedures to follow each month, these safety related practices can ensure a workplace that is free from hazards and is prepared in the case an emergency occurs.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
A few simple but important things to Quick Check, especially in a retail environment include:
- Is the extinguisher on its bracket and is the bracket securely fastened to the wall
- Is the safety pull pin in place and fastened with a tamper seal
- Is the gauge in the operable “Green” area.
Initial and date the back of the tag if all is acceptable after your check. Do this to each extinguisher in the workplace. This will ensure the extinguisher is functional if needed and will familiarize one with the location of each extinguisher. If there is anything wrong with the extinguisher or it’s mounting, call the toll-free number on the tag.
Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. – Pull – Aim – Squeeze – Sweep
Fire Extinguisher Tutorial
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
The Emergency Lighting in your workplace is designed to illuminate specific areas allowing you a safe path out of the workplace in the event of a temporary power outage.
Design criteria include illumination for a period of approximately 30 minutes. The emergency lighting is not intended to provide light to conduct business but to allow one enough time to clear the workplace safely.
Quick Check – includes (and only if the unit has an accessible test switch) using an extension pole with a loop or hook, gently pull down the Test Switch on the side of the cabinet for a few seconds and see if the DC battery supply is functioning by illuminating the lamps on the unit.
Never try to climb up to the unit and never open the cabinet for any reason whatsoever.
The batteries in the unit will usually last 4-5 years or more, depending on the product, usage and design criteria.
One other important issue is to ensure the emergency lighting is not blocked with stock, prohibiting the illumination of an area.
EXIT SIGNAGE
The exit signs in your workplace should be illuminated at all times. Technology, including newer LED low wattage lamping, can make it difficult to see if the sign is actually illuminated or not in the daytime.
Quick Check – would be to be to ensure there are Exit Signage at each exit and if possible, to look for illumination during night time.
FIRST AID KITS
When the need for a first aid kit arises, you or your staff should not be racing around looking for the items you need. All staff should know it’s location and have basic first aid knowledge.
Quick Check – to make sure there is a kit that is fully stocked and is designed for the number of people within the workplace.
EYE WASH STATIONS
There is no substitute for proper eye protection. If work tasks and conditions warrant protection from eye hazards, protective eyewear should be worn at all times.
Quick Check – is there a Portable or Stationary Eye Wash station on the premises? Is the solution in the station past its expiry date? For larger workplaces, there should be a station within a reasonable distance to minimize damage to the eyes in the event of an accident.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The fire alarm system in your workplace is constantly functioning and should definitely be monitored by an outside monitoring company that lets the fire department know to dispatch the fire trucks in the event of an alarm. This obviously is important to protect the building and its contents when vacant.
Quick Check – ensure that the system is being tested annually and that the system is monitored.
ROUTES OF EGRESS (Exiting The Workplace)
This is one of the most common problems we find, especially in a retail-type environment. There is a constant turnaround with product being sold and new product being shipped in. This has to be but it does not have to be temporarily or worse, almost permanently blocking routes of egress and exits from the workplace.
Product and any other materials should NEVER interfere with employees and customers being able to exit the building during an emergency.
Quick Check – Daily, ensure that all routes of egress and exits are kept clear.