When are fire-rated hoardings needed by retail companies?

Any retail company that is setting up within a shopping centre will need hoardings during the fit-out. These are necessary both for privacy and advertising reasons. They are also about safety though, and that means standard hoardings are not enough – they must be fire-rated.

What does that mean?

Hoardings shield retail units from public gaze before opening, while also providing advertising space. When it comes to the hoardings you need though, the situation is different if your outlet will be based in a shopping centre.

You will need special fire-rated hoardings that are proven to limit the ability of fire to spread. The safety standards are Euroclass B or over and BS 476 Parts 6 & 7. You must comply with those, right down to making sure any printed advertising on the hoardings is fire-retardant.

Why is that?

The reason for this is because shopping centres present a higher risk of fire. They are enclosed spaces full of people, electrics and stock. Managers of shopping centres will usually demand evidence that your hoarding signage is fire-rated before allowing you to proceed.

What are the penalties if you fail to comply?

Penalties for getting it wrong can include delays in the fitting out, with the resultant rising overheads. Common errors are using non-certified timber or ACM for the panels and adding advertising graphics that are not fire-retardant. Getting your hoardings made by professionals will help you avoid such mistakes.

At Ainsley Signs, we have been creating retail hoardings signage in Manchester for years. Contact us to place an order.