Retail Refurbishment Projects: Understanding the Risks

In France, retail premises are classified as ERP (Établissements Recevant du Public) Type M buildings. As such, they’re subject to the requirements of the Arrêté du 25 Juin 1980 and the Code de la Construction et de L’Habitation, which establish the fire safety standards applicable to public buildings. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory throughout the refurbishment process to ensure the safety of workers, occupants and the public.

While the final refurbished building must fully comply with all applicable fire safety regulations before reopening, construction works are typically managed using a risk-based approach. This means that temporary arrangements may be implemented during the refurbishment period, provided they maintain an acceptable level of safety.

In practice, some permanent fire protection systems may be unavailable, partially decommissioned or undergoing modification while works are in progress. Consequently, alternative measures are often required to mitigate fire risks until the permanent systems are fully operational.

Importance of temporary detectors

Although French regulations don’t explicitly mandate the use of temporary fire alarm systems during refurbishment projects, they do require that adequate safety measures are maintained at all times. Temporary fire detection and alarm solutions can therefore play a critical role in ensuring continuous protection throughout the construction phase.

Systems such as Ramtech’s WES3 wireless fire alarm solution provide rapid installation, flexible coverage and reliable fire detection, making them particularly suitable for refurbishment projects where traditional fire alarm infrastructure may be unavailable or disrupted.

Retail refurbishment sites are particularly vulnerable to fire incidents due to the combination of combustible materials, temporary structures, electrical installations, hot works and heavy machinery. Activities such as welding, cutting, grinding and roofing works can significantly increase the likelihood of ignition. At the same time, construction materials, packaging, timber, insulation products and waste accumulation can provide ample fuel for a fire to spread rapidly.

However, one of the most significant risks associated with refurbishment projects is often the lack of continuous supervision, particularly so outside normal working hours. Construction sites are frequently unattended during evenings, overnight and at weekends, allowing a fire to develop unnoticed and grow to a dangerous scale before the Emergency Services are alerted.

Insurance data

The risks associated with refurbishment projects are reflected in wider construction insurance data. According to Allianz Global’s construction claims analysis, fire and explosions account for approximately 27% of the value of construction and engineering insurance claims globally, making them the single largest cause of loss in the sector.

Blanca Berruguete, global industry solutions director for construction at Allianz Global, stated: “Fires and explosions have long been the primary cause of insurance claims in construction.”

These risks can become even greater during refurbishment works where buildings may be partially occupied, unsupervised outside of normal hours or operating with impaired permanent fire protection systems. 

The importance of early detection is highlighted by incidents such as the Donauzentrum fire in Vienna, which began before 7.00 am and may have spread extensively before effective intervention could take place. Although the incident, which occurred on 9 March, didn’t result in any fatalities, several retail units and a veterinary practice were affected, while emergency operations required the intervention of around 100 firefighters.

Stark reminder

The Donauzentrum fire serves as a stark reminder that refurbishment works can significantly increase fire risk in retail environments, particularly so when buildings are partially occupied, unsupervised outside of working hours or undergoing complex construction activities.

While regulations provide a framework for safety, effective fire protection during refurbishment ultimately depends on proactive risk management and rapid response capabilities. Temporary fire alarm systems help to address this challenge by providing continuous monitoring and instant notification capabilities. Modern wireless systems can automatically alert project managers, site supervisors and designated ‘Responsible Persons’ the moment a fire alarm is activated. This enables a faster response, facilitates earlier engagement with the Emergency Services and can significantly reduce the consequences of a fire incident.

As retail refurbishment projects become increasingly complex, maintaining robust fire safety measures throughout the construction phase is essential. By combining regulatory compliance, effective risk management and temporary fire protection solutions, project teams can help to safeguard workers, assets and project timelines, while ensuring that an acceptable level of fire safety is maintained from the first day of refurbishment through to final completion.

*Further information is available online at www.ramtechglobal.com