We recently published a guide to some of the emerging risks that hotels must contend with in the coming years. Yet no matter what challenges the next few years bring, there is one risk that hotels will always have to contend with: Fire.
In this post we will explore the fundamentals of a hotel fire risk assessment plan, to help you understand and mitigate the fire hazards in your hotel.
Hotel Fire Risk Assessment: Understanding The Risks
When it comes to fire, hotels and B&Bs are considered high risk premises. This is because of the presence of temporary guests who will not be familiar with the building’s layout and fire safety procedures.
The building’s fire safety systems will need to be capable of alerting multiple people at the same time – many of whom may be asleep – while helping them to navigate an unfamiliar environment to safety.
The fire safety plan must also account for how some guests may have certain mobility impairments. Plus, some may not speak English, and some may be under the influence of alcohol.
Because of these unique risks, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that any building where guests sleep for payment must have a written fire risk assessment in place, which must be reviewed regularly. This extends to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, hostels, and serviced apartments.
What To Include In Your Hotel Fire Risk Assessment
- Identify All Possible Fire Hazards – Depending on your facilities, this might include kitchens, laundry facilities, and electrical systems. You should also factor in accidental fires caused by guests (due to appliances they bring with them, and discarded cigarettes), along with the risk of arson.
- Identify Who is At Risk – Beyond your guests, you will also have to account for the safety of your staff, to contractors and delivery drivers, and to members of the public who might be visiting the premises temporarily – such as those who eat at your restaurant without staying the night.
- Outline Your Existing Fire Precautions – What have you currently got in place to alert staff and guests, to help them evacuate, and to contain or control a fire outbreak? This might include fire alarms, emergency signage and lighting, fire doors, and firefighting equipment.
How to Devise Your Action Plan
Once you understand your risks, and the measures that are currently in place to address them, you might identify some areas for improvement. This might include:
- Ongoing staff training, to ensure they understand the risks, and the actions they are to take if an alarm is raised.
- Routine inspections of your fire safety equipment, and replacement of any perishable items as often as necessary.
- Specifying who is responsible for every action, with a target completion date for any changes or improvements you wish to make.
- Reviewing your action plan at least once a year, or immediately following any fires or alarms (even if they are false alarms). You should also review your plan should you ever make any changes to your hotel building or operations.
Other Risks For Hotels
Beyond our guide to the emerging risks for hotels, you will find a number of guides on our site to help you understand and mitigate the various risks associated with running a hotel business:
- How to protect your hotel from theft
- Hotel maintenance checklist
- Cyber threats for hotels
- A hoteliers guide to managing risk
Get the Tailored Hotel Insurance You Need
Specialist hotel insurance can cover your hotel against many of the risks you will face, including fire risks.
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers. No matter if you are running a large or a small hotel, we can tailor a niche insurance package to ensure you are covered for all risks at the best possible price.