Safety panorama

by | Oct 20, 2014 | Safety of accommodation services

The safety panorama for accommodation services includes the essential safety aspects which the accommodation operator should take into account.

The hot spots of safety refer to the behaviour of the personnel or fixed equipment that ensures safety. This section includes tips for risk management, induction training and safety surveys, for example.

Hot spots in the lobby

Front desk

  • Customers cannot access the back room.
  • It is also a good place for getting away from a threatening customer.
  • There should always be at least two exit routes from behind the front desk. If one of the routes leads to the back room, the back room should have another exit.
  • The front desk acts as the command centre for exceptional circumstances.
  • The front desk should be equipped with an emergency backpack (that leaves both hands free), which the receptionist can take with him or her when responding to a fire alarm, for example. The backpack should include e.g. the following items:
    • high-visibility vest
    • phone and walkie-talkies
    • megaphone
    • master keys
    • torch
    • first aid supplies
    • masking tape
    • bolt cutters
    • sticky notes and a marker pen
  •  The front desk is equipped with an alarm button and no unnecessary or sharp objects.
  • 24/7 availability of the front desk creates a sense of security.
  • Friendly and helpful service by the personnel improves safety.
  • The first aid supplies and defibrillator are located in the personnel facilities, and everyone is able to find and use them.

Information security

  • Protecting the critical information – who has access to the computer?
  • Customer information must be protected – the customer must not see the computer screen.
  • It is important to be able to identify valid payment instruments.

Fire extinguishers are visible and readily available. Consider the possibility of vandalism and periodically check the pressure of the extinguisher.

Safety technology

  • The automatic fire detector system triggers the fire alarm and contacts the Emergency Response Centre at the early stages of a fire.
  • The fire alarm must sound in the event of a fire, and it must be heard everywhere.
  • Sprinkler system: some hotels may be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, which sends an automatic notice of the fire to the Emergency Response Centre
  • The front desk personnel can order the evacuation of the hotel by using the public address system.
  • During power outages, the hotel premises are illuminated by battery-operated safety and emergency lights.
  • The personnel must know the location of the fire alarm system and be able to determine the source of the alarm. The personnel should never silence the alarm themselves.
  • Usually, there is an emergency stop switch for the ventilation system near the fire alarm system.

Front door

  • The door can be opened with an emergency release switch if the automation fails to operate.
  • The green exit signs show the way out, including during a power outage.
  • The building must have a sufficient number of exit routes which are wide and easily accessible.
  • Access control: Is the door closed at night-time so that only the personnel can open it?
  • Colour coded sticker at the door for determining the height of the person causing a disturbance.
  • Sufficient signs, accessible pathways, ice sanding and lighting must be ensured in the yard.
  • The contact information of the accommodation must be visible from the outside (and not covered by snow, steam, etc.).
  • Especially in the winter, the floor may be slippery.
  • When necessary, use signs warning of the slippery floor and entrance mats that remove snow.

Hot spots in meeting rooms

  • The safety instructions must be prominently displayed; they must indicate the rated person capacity of the room.
  • The meeting room must have a lockable door.
  • The customers’ privacy must be protected by ensuring that their discussion cannot be heard or the presentation cannot be seen outside the room.
  • Loitering is prevented.
  • The condition of equipment, devices, furniture and structures is periodically checked.
  • Clear instructions for contacting the personnel from the meeting room.
  • Electric kettle, drying cabinet and other electrical equipment are used intensively, and their condition must be checked periodically.
  • There are clear, multilingual instructions for using the fireplace and sauna.

Hot spots in the sauna/pool facilities

  • The pool area must be equipped with appropriate markings, e.g. regarding the cleanliness of water and depth of the pool.
  • The pool area should be equipped with security cameras.
  • Sign indicating that the pool area does not have a lifeguard.
  • The stove must be protected with guard rails.
  • Attention should be paid on the floor materials.
  • The electrical equipment must be appropriately installed and protected.
  • The fire protection equipment must be readily available.
  • The clear instructions for using the sauna must be prominently displayed.
  • The exit routes must be marked.
  • The dressing room cabinets should be lockable.

Hot spots in the hotel rooms

  • The rooms must have the appropriate safety equipment.
  • The door must be equipped with a security chain, peephole, a modern locking mechanism and an exit sign.
  • New and renovated rooms should be equipped with sprinklers.
  • The flashing hotel TV can provide more information and alert the guests with hearing impairment during a fire alarm.
  • The safety information document must be clear and easily accessible.
  • The cleanliness of the room must be maintained. Any reports of insects must be taken seriously and responded to immediately.
  • Fire safety should be considered when selecting the materials.
  • Cleanliness and the condition of structures and fixtures form an important part of safety.
  • The electrical outlets must be undamaged.
  • The night light is always on, creating a sense of security and facilitating movement in the dark.
  • The mini-bar can be locked when necessary.
  • The materials in bathrooms and toilets must be carefully selected in order to avoid slippery surfaces.
  • The electrical equipment must be marked with a pictogram “Do not use when wet”.