Top 10 Tips for Businesses in the Hospitality Sector
Last Updated on 5th August 2020
This article looks at the Top 10 Tips for Hospitality 2020. Fire Risk Consultancy Services specialise in providing fire safety services to several businesses throughout the hospitality industry and to help you keep up high standards of fire safety in your hospitality business we have highlighted in this article the importance of fire safety and the best practices for fire prevention.
Being responsible not only for your own safety but that of the employees and guests, you know more than anyone that keeping safety standards high at all times in your hospitality business is paramount.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 dictates that fire risks must be assessed and action must be taken to prevent issues arising.
Carry Out A Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment plays a fundamental part in any fire safety plan and is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 so it’s wise to make this one of your first steps.
Fire Risk Consultancy Services can provide a fully-qualified and highly-experienced fire risk assessor so the risk of fire will be correctly identified, minimised and a plan put in place.
Provide Staff Training
If the fire alarm sounds, most guests and customers would look to the staff for guidance. If your staff are not prepared to act in an emergency, the consequences could be devastating.
Suitable fire safety training for all employees is a legal obligation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Fire Awareness Training is an essential part of employee training in the workplace and can help prevent serious accidents.
Appoint Fire Wardens
The appointment of fire wardens is essential. In the hospitality environment, adequate cover should be provided at all hours of the day, 365 days a year. Take into consideration holiday and sickness cover and make provisions for this.
Map Escape Routes
The escape routes must be clearly displayed to anyone in the vicinity and must always be kept clear of obstructions. In the hospitality sector, this could include boxes, furniture or equipment.
Make sure your employees not only know their primary escape route but they also know alternatives in case that option is blocked. You should also consider escape route suitability for those with disabilities.
Practice Evacuation Drills
It is good practice to familiarise employees with the emergency evacuation plan.
When fire drills become routine, it’s not uncommon for people to pay very little attention and forget what to do in an emergency. We are adept at arranging and running these drills if required, with debriefing notes provided.
Communicate To All
When guests, visitors or contractors arrive at your business, be sure to explain the fire safety practices if relevant.
Only Use Trusted Fire Safety Services Suppliers
To ensure your business remains compliant and meets British Standards, it is advisable to form a working relationship with a trusted fire safety services provider.
Install Reliable Fire Safety Systems
Fire detection and alarm systems are legal requirements in many hospitality sectors. There are many factors to consider, including the vulnerability of guests or patrons.
Maintain The Integrity Of All Services
Ensure all your fire safety provisions and equipment are tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Review Your Processes
All of your fire safety practices should be reviewed at regular intervals. This could be following renovations of a building where the integrity of items such as fire doors and compartmentation has been altered. Or if the purpose of a room has changed, for example, if a bedroom is converted to a storage room.
Keep your hospitality business safe
Now that you know the importance of fire safety in hospitality and the best practices for preventing a fire, it’s time for you to take the necessary step to keep your business safe.
Please note that this article provides basic easy-to-understand guidance of fire safety provisions and the key fire safety information required to comply with legislation. Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. We aim to assist you to understand the fire-related terms within your Fire Risk Assessment. It does not provide detailed technical guidance on all fire safety provisions, and you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
Fire Risk Consultancy Services have the knowledge and experience to assist your business to comply with all legal requirements surrounding fire safety including legislation. Be sure to read our accompanying guides: Fire Alarm System Types, Fire Extinguishers, Emergency Lighting, Fire Doors, Fire Safety Signs, also published on this site.
Please take a moment to have a look around our website where you will find related articles and guides to all the services we can provide your business with, from providing Fire Risk Assessments, fire safety training, full advisory service to Articles on Fire Safety Provisions and our Top Fire Safety Tips!