Fire Safety Guide for Hotels & Accommodation Providers

Fire safety is an important aspect of hotel operations. Read this guide to learn more!

Fire Safety Guide for Hotels & Accommodation Providers

Fire safety is an important aspect of hotel and guesthouse operations. The main causes of hotel fires are electrical equipment, cooking equipment, smoking, and candles. Following these safety tips can help prevent hotel fires and keep your guests and employees safe.

1. Start with a Fire Risk Assessment

All hotels, regardless of size, must have a completed Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) in place. Fire risk assessments should be ongoing, and all risks should be identified and addressed as soon as possible. The building and its fire safety equipment, such as its escape routes, fire alarms, extinguishers, fire doors and emergency lighting, must be inspected on a regular basis to keep compliant.

1. Fire Doors

Fire doors should not be damaged or compromised in any way and should be kept shut and not pinned open to help contain fire and smoke, should one occur. Fire doors must be fitted correctly by a professional and should close into the frame with intumescent strips embedded into each door.

1. Electrical Safety - PAT Testing

Electrical appliances should be tested every 12 months by a professional PAT Testing company. Tests will identify dangerous conditions, such as frayed wiring or damaged plugs.

1. Clear Evacuation Routes.

In the event of an emergency, ensure that there is a clear evacuation route. Your staff and guests must have a clear indication of what to do in an emergency situation. Remember that each room and floor level may have a different route and evacuation point.

1. Staff Training

All employees must be able to recognise and report fire hazards and be familiar with all escape routes and what to do in an emergency. Attempt to spread out fire training throughout the year. This includes evacuation drills, learning how to use a fire blanket, using a fire extinguisher, and changing the lint filters in tumble dryers.

1. Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection System

Ensure that fire alarms, call points, and smoke detectors are installed throughout the building, and that staff members are trained to use them properly. These should be inspected regularly and updated in your Fire Risk Assessment.

1. Inform your guests

Keep a fire safety information sheet inside each room and communal areas. This could include your smoking policy, info about not overloading electrical sockets and details of what to do in the event of a fire, for example, not to use the lift in an emergency.

The most common breaches of fire safety regulations are:

• No fire risk assessment in place

• Poor emergency lighting

• Inadequate alarm systems

• Obstructed evacuation routes and fire escapes

• Doors that do not fit properly into their frames

• Inadequate call points

• Missing fire doors

• Fire doors that are damaged

• Poorly maintained fire and smoke seals

• Fire doors pinned open

• Incorrect signage

• Damaged or faulty electrical equipment

Carbon Monoxide Alarms are another safety precaution to consider in a hotel that is often overlooked.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, transparent gas that can be deadly if undetected. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all areas that use gas appliances, gas fires and open fires.

Understand the Importance of Fire Safety.

A fire can be traumatic if preventative measures are not taken and can result in fines, closure and loss of life.

Fire safety compliance does not have to be complex for you; we can assist by providing solutions that make it simple. Our fire safety services are both affordable and effective.

Keep yourself, your hotel, your staff and your guests safe. Contact Metro-PAT 24/7 Ltd for your hotel's fire safety requirements.

Call: 0800 014 6728 or book our services online.

See our Fire Safety Services