Fire safety in
shopping centers
Welcoming a large influx of visitors, shopping centers must be particularly vigilant about the safety of people in order to protect them from fire and/or panic.
According to the National Council of Shopping Centers (CNCC), “a sales area is classified as a shopping center if it brings together in a single entity at least 20 shops or services over a minimum surface area of 5,000 m².”
As such, from a legislative point of view, a shopping centre is a type M building, a category that covers all retail outlets. From a fire safety point of view, it is subject to the decree of 22 December 1981. A guide to best practice summarises all the compulsory fire safety systems in shops and shopping centres.
The systems to be put in place to enable people to be evacuated immediately, quickly and safely
Mandatory detection in reserves
The installation of automatic detectors is not a regulatory requirement, except for reserves considered as high-risk areas. The closure of doors in these areas must be linked either to an autonomous triggering detector or to a system of automatic smoke detection and combustion gas detection.
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Give the alert immediately
In the event of a fire outbreak signaled by detectors or manually, the first action to take is to inform the public and invite them to exit quickly and calmly through the sound diffusion of the fire alarm, which is mandatory.
This system can be integrated into a sound system that combines safety sound with comfort sound. It is used to broadcast ambient music as well as announcements and messages related to the site’s regular and commercial operations.
Facilitate the evacuation of fumes
In shopping centers larger than 300 m², smoke extraction is mandatory.
This solution helps limit the spread of hot smoke, toxic gases, and flames. It protects visitors from harmful and burning substances during evacuation and assists rescue teams by providing better visibility.
Train employees
The strength of shopping centers lies in the presence of many employees on site. They are the first to respond and ensure the safety of visitors, especially those with disabilities.
For this, staff must be trained in the use of emergency equipment and evacuation procedures, even in establishments with a dedicated fire safety service.
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Contact usThe specific case of underground parking lots
If the shopping center includes underground parking, they can be equipped with fire detectors. Charging stations for electric vehicles can be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems using water mist.
The importance of the security PC
and supervision
As shopping centres have a capacity of over 2,000 people, it is compulsory for the security control centre to be equipped with an Operations Assistance Unit (or OAU). This supervision tool provides a single interface for monitoring the operating status and all the information relating to fire safety equipment.
This unit, which aids rapid decision-making in the event of a fire, is highly relevant in these buildings, given the surface area to be covered and the number and diversity of fire safety-related equipment.
Make your buildings safer
Although not mandatory, insurance companies may require the directors of shopping centers to implement additional protection measures, particularly to guard against malicious acts.
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Access control can be managed at the building entrance by a security team, while emergency exits can be remotely managed through a Centralized Emergency Exit Management Unit (UGCIS).
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CONTACT USRéseau DEF, at your side for your fire safety projects
For over 60 years, Réseau DEF has supported numerous shopping centers with their fire safety projects. We work from risk analysis to system implementation and maintenance.
The network’s 60+ companies are all experts in a specific area of fire safety and work together to offer you comprehensive solutions tailored to your industry and projects.
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