It is absolutely essential that your Hotel or Bed & Breakfast (B&B) has the correct fire safety measures in place. Otherwise, you could end up breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The hospitality industry has a responsibility to keep its guests safe; this involves fire safety practices and measures that could potentially save the lives of your guests at any given time.
How important is fire safety for Hotels/B&Bs?
Fire safety in hotels is especially important as the risk of fatalities increases within sleeping accommodation. Firstly, the UK Government states that fire safety laws apply to anyone who has guests pay to stay at their property, other than to live there as a permanent home. As a result, a fire risk assessment is needed alongside improvements to fire safety measures currently in place, as well as regular reviews to keep safety measures intact. Having all of this in place helps to protect your guests and prevent any damage to the premises. Abiding to fire safety rules also ensures that you don’t get hit with any hefty fines as well!
By cutting corners with your fire safety, you will only invite problems. So it is much easier, less expensive and less time-consuming to integrate fire safety measures that are future-proof and designed around your business. Did you know that those who breach the fire safety rules can be punished with unlimited fines and up to a maximum of 2 years imprisonment? Make sure that you are following the rules!
What benefits can Hotels/B&Bs expect to see?
If you integrate all the fire safety procedures required, you prevent the risk of costly fines and reduce the likelihood of property damage or destruction were a fire to break out. Not only that, but you’ll also attract more customers who will feel safer knowing there are good fire safety measures in place. These are all obvious benefits that any Hotel or B&B owner should already be taking note of.
Since hotels and B&Bs are sleeping accommodation, people are much more vulnerable in the event of a fire. Having reliable fire prevention methods available will only serve to increase everyone’s chances of safety - the fire can either be put out quickly, or everyone will be able to evacuate in good time. Preventing a fire is always better than having to deal with one. If you have a structured plan ready to go, you can prevent the fire from spreading before it has the chance to.
How can Hotels/B&Bs improve their fire safety?
Firstly, fire doors are needed. This includes installation at convenient locations for escape as well as regular inspection, maintenance and servicing to ensure they work.
Next, emergency lighting should be installed. When fires spread, visibility is reduced due to smoke and fumes. Emergency lighting leads the way to safety, ensuring everyone can find the fire doors.
Then, fire alarms should be set up. This will alert everyone to a fire, ensuring escape in good time and reducing the risk of the fire spreading.
To aid in that prevention, fire extinguishers can be used to put out smaller fires and reduce damage to property.
Not only that, but fire risk assessments are also extremely vital to identify any weak points in your premises that need to be completely overhauled or policies that would benefit from some tweaks.
Last but not least, fire alarm monitoring is important for alerting keyholders and emergency services to your premises in the event of a fire. This ensures that the blaze is responded to quickly and efficiently.
What type of training can Hotels/B&Bs implement?
Everyone at your Hotel or B&B needs to be aware of the fire safety measures as well as what to do in the event of a fire. Simple training sessions could help to save lives. Staff training has to be done, and fire safety drills need to be completed so that everyone knows what to do in case a fire were to break out. This will significantly reduce the risk of people being trapped and could potentially prevent the fire from spreading at all. Fire drills are recommended to be done at least once per year. New staff come and go all the time, so it is essential that they are all properly trained and informed on what to do in the case of an emergency. They should be taught about discovering a fire, hearing the fire alarm, assembly points, calling the Fire and Rescue Service, a basic knowledge of the fire theory, and how to properly use fire extinguishers.
Who can be called on to help prevent fires at Hotels/B&Bs?
At Jackson Fire & Security, we have everything your Hotel or B&B possibly needs to keep it safe from fire. Whether it be fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire risk assessments, or fire alarm monitoring, then please get in touch to find out more about our fire safety services!