R.1 Combustibles in covered shopping complexes

NOTE Any fire in a public area, given the opportunity for growth, can present a greater risk to safety than one that starts in a unit. Additional fire risks are sometimes created in public areas by persons introducing combustibles into common spaces, e.g. by extending a sales display beyond the line of the front of a unit in a shopping mall.

Management of Combustible Materials in Public Areas:

a) General Rule:

· Prevent introduction of combustible materials into public areas.

b) Permit System:

· Implement a management permit system for controlling use of public common areas.

c) Static Combustibles:

· Prohibit static combustible materials on upper walkways and in malls less than 5 m high or with canopies.

d) Combustible Displays and Promotions:

· Restrict to ground level.

· Limit height to 1 m.

· Ensure items are uncovered.

· Position at least 3 m from unit openings.

· Do not obstruct escape routes.

e) Shops, Kiosks, Stalls:

· Ensure compatibility with fire safety strategy.

· Maintain escape width in public areas.

R.2 Food courts, catering and demonstrations

Fire Safety Management for Public Areas:

a) Catering Outlets:

· Limit combustible furniture and materials.

· Ensure frequent clearance of food and litter.

b) Demonstrations and Promotions:

· Avoid if they pose a fire risk or affect fire safety systems.

· Prohibit events involving:

· Production of fumes or flammable aerosols.

· Use of flammable liquids over 0.5 l.

· Use of liquefied petroleum gas.

c) Refreshment Areas:

· Designate as a separated unit within the complex.

d) Shared Areas:

· Formally allocate management responsibilities for areas shared by multiple organizations.

R.3 Assembly and performance functions

COMMENTARY ON R.3

Assembly and Performance Functions in Public Areas:

a) Licensing and Permissions:

· Consult licensing and fire authorities before granting permissions.

b) During Use:

· Ensure exit routes are fully restored to effective width post-event.

· Avoid temporary storage of combustible items in public areas.

· Provide sufficient stewarding staff for the event based on function type, location, and attendance.

R.4 Leisure facilities

a) Installation:

Install leisure and entertainment facilities in separate units, not in public common areas.

b) Management and Control:

Ensure all leisure facilities are managed by the complex management.
Implement appropriate fire precautions for each activity.

NOTE Guidance on safety provisions for fairground rides is given in HSE publication HSG 175 [95].

R.5 General fire safety controls

Regular Checks and Inspections in a Complex:

a) During Opening Hours:

· Regular inspections, potentially using video cameras.

· Check every 30 minutes in public areas and every 60 minutes in non-public areas.

· Inspect cloakrooms, medical rooms, and infrequently visited areas.

· Verify fire and rescue service access, fire appliance access, and system operability.

b) Daily Inspections:

· Check access to fire mains and appliance positions.

· Ensure fire detection, alarm systems, and safety equipment are operational.

· Conduct a daily inspection after closing to minimize fire risks.

· Perform visual checks on fire warning systems, firefighting equipment, and safety lighting.

c) Unattended Premises:

· Turn off non-essential electrical services at the mains.

· Turn off gas-fired equipment not equipped with flame supervision devices.

Annex R (normative) Control of conditions in public areas