How to Use: Walk the plaza in daylight—check stores, parking, and common areas. Use a flashlight for dark spots like alleys. Ask the manager: “Last inspection? Claim logs?” Mark High (wet parking, blocked exits), Medium (faded signs, clutter), or Low (clean, lit, maintained) risk. Mercantile plazas face high liability—slips cause 30% claims, average $20,000+ (National Safety Council 2025). Fires from stores add $100 million losses yearly (National Fire Protection Association). Prevent with local building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration retail rules.
THE BASICS: WHAT A MERCANTILE PLAZA IS
A mercantile plaza is a group of stores in one area with shared parking and walkways. It includes retail shops, food spots, and services for customers.
Main Areas to Check:
- Parking Lots – cars and walking paths.
- Store Fronts – entrances and windows.
- Common Areas – benches, signs, lights.
- Food Courts or Restaurants – eating and cooking spaces.
- Service Areas – trash, deliveries, LPG tanks/meters.
Fire Systems – alarms and sprinklers.
Why Inspect: Wet lots cause slips, dark areas hide trips, bad fire systems fail—most issues are easy to spot and fix.
Easy Fact: Plazas bring shoppers—good safety keeps them safe and stops lawsuits.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST PARKING LOTS
o Pavement smooth, no potholes or cracks Why: Trips or car damage.
o Lines painted clear, handicap spots marked Why: Guides safe parking. o Lights working at night, no dark zones Why: Stops trips and crime.
o Drains clear, no standing water Why: Wet spots slip people.
STORE FRONTS & ENTRANCES
o Doors easy to open, no broken glass Why: Stuck doors trap in fires. o Mats at doors, non-slip and clean Why: Traps water from rain.
o Signs for “Wet Floor” if needed Why: Warns of slips.
COMMON AREAS
- Benches stable, no sharp edges Why: Stops cuts or falls.
- Trash cans empty, lids on Why: Stops pests and smells.
Plants trimmed, no overhanging branches Why: Clears paths for walking.
FOOD COURTS OR RESTAURANTS EATING AREA
o Tables stable, floors clean no spills Why: Stops slips on food.
o Fire extinguishers near, current tags Why: Puts out grease fires fast.COMMERCIAL COOKING AREA
o Hood clean, no thick grease Why: Grease starts roof fires.
o Fire suppression system (under hood) has current tag Why: Dumps foam on
stove fires.
o No propane tanks inside Why: Gas leaks explode. o Electrical cords not frayed Why: Sparks cause fires.
SERVICE AREAS
o Delivery zones clear, no boxes blocking Why: Trucks need safe space.
o Trash dumpsters closed, away from buildings Why: Stops fires from spreading. o Utility boxes locked Why: Keeps kids out of danger.
EXTERIOR LPG TANKS & METERS
o Tanks upright, chained, at least 10 feet from doors/windows Why: Stops leaks from entering building.
o No rust, dents, or gas smell Why: Leaks can explode.
o Meters protected by posts, no vehicle damage Why: Cars hitting meters cause
breaks.
o Signs posted: “Propane – No Smoking” Why: Warns of fire danger. o Valves shut when not in use Why: Stops accidental flow.
FIRE ALARMS & SPRINKLERS
o Fire alarm serviced – annual tag current (last 12 months) Why: Proves full test and battery check.
o Smoke alarms beep when tested, no dust Why: Warns of fire early.
o Sprinkler heads clean, nothing within 18 inches Why: Water sprays free in fire. o Alarm panel green light, no trouble beeps Why: System ready to call help.
o Fire doors close tight, no props Why: Stops smoke spread.
SPRINKLER RISER & FDC (Fire Department Connection)
o Annual service tag current (last 12 months) Why: Proves full check and flow test. o Riser room door unlocked, area clear of storage Why: Firefighters need fast
access.
o Siamese caps on tight, no missing or painted Why: Lets trucks pump water in. o FDC sign visible: “Sprinkler Connection” Why: Guides fire crew quickly.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MANAGER
1. “When was the last full plaza check? Repair logs?”
2. “Any slips or car accidents in parking lot last year?”
3. “Fire alarms and sprinklers—tested when? Annual tag?”
4. “Cooking hoods—cleaned how often? Suppression tag?”
5. “LPG tanks—chained? Leaks checked? Distance OK?”
6. “Riser room clear? FDC caps on and signed?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Damaged lot surfacing, greasy hoods, missing FDC caps → Suggest fixing immediately, close area
- Medium = Faded lines, missing signs, poor housekeeping → Suggest 30 days
Low = Clear, lit, logged → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Clear it. Light it. Maintain it.” Resources:
- National Safety Council Retail Safety Tips
- Local Building Codes for Parking and Stores
- National Fire Protection Association Plaza Fire Guide
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration Mercantile Rules
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.