Hotel Owners Should Know About Fire Safety Standards
Every hotel is at risk of fire, which may present a serious risk to guests, property and also the business' reputation. Fire safety in hotels must be a number one priority, busy kitchens, careless guests and malfunctioning tools can contribute to the risk of fire. Thus, hotels must sufficiently be prepared by having the correct fire protection systems in place in addition to ensuring that the staff is trained in fire safety Standards and fire safety training.
Hotel owners are actually required to go along with the same fire safety standards as all businesses. These establishments need to issue a fire safety policy for their staff and maintain compliance.
While having proper fire safety equipment in place, hotel owners must also invest in appropriate fire safety training for the staff to make sure that useful plans and methods are actually prepared to be carried out in the occasion of a fire.
A good fire prevention plan should primarily be created in accordance with the Australian Standard, AS 3745 2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, standard concerning fire prevention that outlines the minimum requirements for the improvement of the emergency program and also offers assistance for the planning as well as the implementation of effective emergency response procedures.
The initial step in achieving the objective is usually to determine all products that are needed and install them. Then, a fire safety program should be devised and acquire sufficient training for all hotel staff.
Sprinkler Systems And Alarm Requirements
Sprinkler systems are installed in the ceilings of all rooms, corridors, and interior spaces. The systems distribute water once a fire is detected in a given space. The systems are connected to an alarm system that generates an alert to notify all occupants of the presence of a fire.
The alarm systems and smoke detectors are situated throughout the building. Once a fire or smoke is detected, these systems alert fire rescue authorities. All fire safety devices that are connected to these alarm systems perform the task for which they are designed immediately. They reduce the impact of the fire by decreasing the severity of property damage and protecting the occupants against injuries.
Fire Extinguishers And Placement
According to Australian Regulations, fire extinguishers must be placed around the common areas outside the Sole Occupancy Units (SOUs). The extinguishers must be appropriate for paper-related fires. They must possess tags that identify all the steps for using the extinguishers. They must be placed in areas where they are always visible to occupants.
Additionally, fire extinguishers must be present in all kitchen areas in accordance to Section 6 of AS 2444, corridors and any areas in or nearby occupied spaces. The hotel owner must acquire the appropriate fire extinguisher types appropriate for these areas. They must be based on the type of fire that is most probable for these areas. For example, if the hotel has an on-site kitchen for breakfast preparation, they need an extinguisher that puts out grease or oil-based fires. All extinguishers must be tested on a 6-monthly basis according to Fire Safety for the hotel's regulations.
Designated Escape Routes
The hotel owner is required to post maps for all designated fire escape routes. These maps must appear in all guest rooms, corridors, and exit or entrance ways. The hotel staff must know these routes to aid occupants in the event of a fire.
Installing Fire Exits And Emergency Doors
The owner must install lighted fire exit signs throughout the hotel. They must be positioned in all corridors to guide guests to safety. Additionally, the hotel must have emergency doors near these signs to aid guests when escaping a fire.
Employee Fire Safety Training
All employees must attend fire safety training to be informed of Fire Safety Standards. The training course teaches them all fire safety regulations and compliance requirements. It presents them with the motel's fire safety policy and plans. They learn about fire safety devices and escape plans that they will need in the event of a fire.
In conclusion, having all the fire safety equipment and accessories in place for a fire occurrence is important but it is also vital to have staff that knows the Fire Safety Standards and how to use these safety devices during emergency situations.
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