Fire & Life Safety Audit for Shopping Malls

Why Fire & Life Safety Audit in Shopping Malls important?

A shopping mall (or simply mall) is a North American term for a large indoor shopping centre, usually anchored by department stores. The term "mall" originally meant a pedestrian promenade with shops along with it. Usually, these buildings are considered as Assembly buildings as per NBC 2016 & are prone to vulnerable hazards based on public approach, attitude & behaviour.

FLS Audit programs are designed for people who want to feel safer in their public space where people are gathered in large numbers. Safety Audits would improve the physical environment in ways that will reduce the opportunities for accidents and injury.

Objectives of FLS Audit

The objectives of Fire & Life Safety Audit can be focused on the following:

• Review of Fire safety policy statement (Fire order)
• Identify all significant fire hazards
• Identify the people who are at risk from each hazard
• Evaluate the existing control measures
• Determine the additional control measures required
• Examine the availability of a suitable emergency plan detailing the responsibility and action of key personnel
• Review the availability of a suitable fire alarm and detection system
• Review the availability of suitable firefighting facilities, such as hydrants, sprinklers, extinguishers, etc.
• Evaluate passive fire protection systems provided
• Evaluate the general awareness of occupants and security personnel on matters relating to fire safety and rescue operations
• Evaluate the training and instructions on fire safety imparted to the employees and occupants
• Verifying the records of training imparted to employees and occupants with regards to fire safety
• Assessing all relevant electrical safety risks
• Examining the storage and control of flammable and hazardous substances
• Assessing the existing fire preventive and protective control measures, On-site emergency response plans and fire risk assessment report
• Testing of all fire safety equipment and systems (Optional).