To be bothered by this at Morrison's? Photos included

[VictoriaMeldrew2020]

Our local Morrison's had reduced its customer capacity because of covid.

Though it just feels like normal everyday busyness in there.

There's 3 customer entrance/points in normal times, nowadays there's just one.

The one entrance is fine with respect to being able to socially distance from others going in and out, there a a lot of Christmas stock in there creating a barrier.

I'm very aware I'm becoming a Grumpy Old woman, so I'm just asking for perspective regarding the following issue. Please be candid.

The other two ebtrabce/exit points are blocked off

One is at the top of a ramp and opens onto the High Street. One is much bigger and opens on to the car park.

The car park doors has a lobby and this is now used for storing stock in big crates. The ousyde of these doors are barriered off. (Photos just about show the stock from inside the store, my camera is shit, apologies)

I feel that this situation is worryingly unsafe.

Perhaps the smaller customer numbers has meant that the risk has been assessed, and the single entrance (full of chocolate boxes) is sufficient?

AIBU to be concerned?

I would contact them and ask about the fire exit risk. It may be that because they've limited the numbers in store they don't need as many, and definitely escalate it to the fire bridge if you are still concerned after your answer. When I worked for them there were multiple fire exits in the customer cafe, by the checkouts, through the warehouse, and between all of the little departments around the edge of the building.

And yes there have been many fires in supermarkets over the years. This one was in August:
www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/live-fire-heckmondwike-morrisons-closed-18827186

YANBU. That's insane. Incredibly dangerous.

Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? In my lifetime, never.

There was one in June.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-53530162

The large stores I used to work in had only ever had one customer entrance but had 2-3 dedicated fire exits on the shop floor and at least one in the back store.

Even the tiny stores had one in the back shop.

Just speak to the manager about fire exits. It would be very unusual (imo unsafe) to have the only fire exit full of combustible material. And, for the purposes of fire safety, anything blocking a fire exit is a bit no no, even if that thing is easily moved.

It has probably been check and approved. If so, the manager will be able to confirm that and reassure you.

YANBU, however it is likely there are at least 2 other fire exits in the warehouse/ stock store. These should still be sign posted to customers using the appropriate signage.

YANBU

I worked in a supermarket where we had a fire in the roof on a rather quiet day. It was terrifying and every single exit was used to the max. We even had to usher customers out through the warehouse and loading bays to get them all out safely. Just before Christmas and with 2 of the main exits blocked, would have been a distaster.

I would certainly question this. My parents were in a large hotel that burnt down, fortunately my DM is the type to always read the fire notices and notes the emergency exist - she was very early cabin crew and is fire and escape route crazy. If they hadn't have known where to go they would have been trapped and most certainly have died.

Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? That is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen expressed on here.

I agree with the posts above. These doors are unlikely to be classed as actual fire exits although would probably normally be used in the event of an evacuation

These doors are unlikely to be classed as actual fire exits although would probably normally be used in the event of an evacuation

They are a means of escape and likely included when the assessment of safety was undertaken. That makes them fire exists.

Have you tried speaking to Morrison’s about it?

You've not been here then. Our Morrisons burnt down two years ago after a pan in their kitchen caught fire. The whole store had to be rebuilt.

Folkestone, right? (I'm in Ramsgate, hi!)

Plenty of supermarkets only have one entrance/exit to start with, though.

I would suspect the blocked off doors aren't officially fire exits and that it's been risk-assessed, but there's no harm in asking.

It definitely seems to be a fire hazard. They should still be accessible in case of emergency.

My local Morrisons is atrocious. Had multiple issues with them pre-Covid, then they let me down badly wrt a delivery whilst I was shielding during the first lockdown (messaged halfway through my slot time to say they weren't coming...no explanation until the following afternoon, no apology).

I told them where to poke it and haven't been anywhere near virtually or in person since.

There's fire exit signage above the doors. You can see it in thr photos.

I've messaged them but heard no response

There's fire exit signage above the doors

In that case I'd definitely call the fire service rather than waiting for the store's response - I once had to do it myself over a community building and they were round there pretty darned fast

@JinglingHellsBells

Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? In my lifetime, never.

www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7741934.fire-report-lauds-crews/

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-53224692

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-36699036

There are a fair few more, ranging from severe ‘burn to the ground jobs’ to small, no harm, minimal damage fires.

I was the USDAW H&S officer ina big supermarket years ago and repeatedly told management they couldn't store large cardboard boxes in the corridors to the offices and canteen etc which also led to a fire escape for staff. Manager said staff would just have to run back into store and use the fire exits on the shop floor. I served a HS order on him in the end to which he just laughed arrogant twat You literally couldn't get to the other end of the long corridor completely blocked with stock. I called the local fire brigade headquarters and reported it and they sent the fire chief round no less, who told the manager either move the lot or lm shutting the store down. It was all moved, was great to see his face and then him helping to lug boxes. Said manager got moved to a really rough area after several complaints about him

@JinglingHellsBells

Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? In my lifetime, never.

I've been in a supermarket when it caught fire, EVERY exit was used, staff were literally throwing you out of them.

I reported a local supermarket to the fire inspector a few years ago when they blocked off one of two entrances. There was also a smaller exit only door. This was pre covid of course. I think they did it in the winter to reduce the amount of cold air coming in from the second set of doors.

The next time I shopped there they had both doors in use again, so presumably, the fire inspector came around and sorted it out.

@VictoriaMeldrew2020

There's fire exit signage above the doors. You can see it in thr photos.

I've messaged them but heard no response

I saw that. I agree with the PP who said call the fire service.

In the event of a fire you might attempt to make your way to the fire exit sign (not being able to see anything else through thick smoke) and then not be able to get out.

I think it’s good that you’ve raised this. We’re all responsible for looking out for each other and inquests have raised some outrageous failures in common sense over the years.

Has everybody been living under a rock for the past year? ONLY covid matters!! Any other danger, illness or risk is insignificant

Yes it’s completely ridiculous but that’s what has happened.

I'm pretty sure you aren't allowed to block up fire exits, even for Covid reasons. Which seems rather spurious anyway. Someone may have done a risk assessment, but they have done it very poorly, not actually properly assessing the relative risks or knowing much about health and safety legislation.

I'd send an email to the manager.

There must be other fire exits that aren't main entrances. Even with covid there has to be safety regulations met. The supermarkets here only have one main entrance and exit but will have other fire exits around the store.

Emergency routes and fire exits must be kept clear of obstruction

Final fire exit doors should never be blocked from the inside or outside. Equally, the internal escape routes must not be blocked. Items that are a source of fuel, pose an ignition risk, or are combustible and likely to increase the fire loading or spread of fire, should not be located on any corridor, stairway or circulation space that will be used as an escape route. Such items include portable heaters, (bottled gas or electric radiant heaters), gas cylinders, etc

www.safelincs.co.uk/blog/2014/05/12/fire-exits-guide-businesses/

It's all right though as they have loads of other fire exits. Unless they were blocked by the fire in a fire of course

Presumably there are large doors at the back where goods are received.