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Charity shops are often used to raise valuable funds, but Health and Safety is just as important not just to for the staff, but the customers.
The most important parts of Health and Safety that are relevant in Shops are covered in pages in our main Health and Safety section. The same general rules that apply to Churches and Places of Worship also apply to Charity Shops. This page gives a brief overview of the most important requirements.
General Health and Safety tips
It is important that a first aid kit and accident book is provided and there are suitable fire extinguishers in place in the shop (including any store rooms). Any equipment and electrical appliances that are used in the shop must be in good condition and safe for use.
Electrical equipment needs to be tested to ensure it is safe to be used. Special care is needed in shops, because electrical equipment might be used more often, for example to prepare refreshments, for heating, and to taking cash (cash registers). Also, sometimes equipment might be used to clean donated goods, and this equipment would include hot irons and washing machines.
Sometimes, chemicals might be used in the shop which are hazardous, and there needs to be a suitable chemical assessment for these. Usually, this does not include detergents and soaps, but of the box has the orange "warning" label and the raised tactile triangle, you need to do the assessment. You might need to provide gloves.
In some cases, there might be additional requirements if someone is paid to work in the shop. For example, this could be a shop manager or a cook. Risk Assessment must be written down if five or more people are employed in the shop. You will also need a Health and Safety Policy and a Health and Safety Law poster.
Storage and handling of goods
The careful storage of items in the shop is important. These must not be stored so that they block a fire exit, and clear gangways might need to be marked out in store rooms. Goods must not be stored high up so that people cannot reach them without stretching up, and this would also reduce the risk of something falling and injuring someone. Steps or stepladders must only be used if they are absolutely necessary.
Additionally, rubbish or unwanted items need to be removed from the shop frequently. Rubbish must not be stored directly outside the building because of the risk of fire (possibly arson) spreading into the building. Also for fire safety reasons, goods must not be stored on or near heaters and boilers and candles must not be burnt in the shop. Fires to burn goods should not be permitted.
When people lift and carry goods, they must be trained in how to lift things carefully and correctly. As an example, to lift up a bag containing donated items, bend the knees to lift up the bag gently using the handles on the bag. Walk forward and put the bag down, and avoid twisting or jarring the back.
Donated goods might sometimes be dangerous. This could be accidental, such as broken glass, or malicious, such as a harmful substance. Staff need to be trained to carefully sort items out and be careful if they discover something harmful. Providing gloves can be useful when the contents of bags of donated items is not known. Items such as broken glass must be carefully disposed of, preferably by wrapping it so that it cannot pierce though a bag.
Security
Like all shops, Charity Shops handle money and can be a target for robbery, even though the products are of lower value than some other shops. The door to the premises needs to be fitted with a good quality lock. For more information on security please see the Security page in this section.
Similarly, personnel could be at risk from violence. For the safety and security of staff, they must not work alone in the shop - at least two people must be present. The layout of the shop is also important to make sure that the public cannot get easy access to the cash register. Please see the Personnel Safety page in this section for more information.
Product safety
The sale of certain goods might not be permitted or advisable in some shops, or where certain checks have not been undertaken. For example, toys must not be sold unless they carry the European CE Mark. Similarly, electrical goods are not usually sold in charity shops, however, this might be permitted if the shop carries out electrical safety tests on the items.
If you plan to sell food to customers, you might need to be registered with Environmental Health, which is a department of your local District or Borough Council.
For more information about the products that you can sell, please contact the Trading Standards department of your local District or Borough Council.
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