Why do Hotels need Fire Risk Assessments

Fire risk assessments play a key role in helping ensure that hotels are not only fully complying with all their legal requirements, but also providing their premises, guests and staff with the best possible protection against the threat of fire. The threat fire poses to hotels is highlighted in home office data which shows that in England in 2023-2024 that 587 hotels, boarding houses and hostels experienced primary fires of which 458 were accidents. Two of these fires resulted in accidental fatalities while there were a further 92 non fatal casualties. 

Even though those figures include boarding houses and bed and breakfast accommodation it is clear that the risk of fire in hotels is a real one. A few examples of hotel fires over the last 12 months include a solar panel fire at a travelodge in Poole and a fire caused by an e bike battery at a hotel in Newham London. 

The fact that they are often older structures can make hotels a fire risk. This can sometimes be magnified by the presence of commercial cooking facilities and negligent guests. Fire safety is paramount not just to protect lives but for the wellbeing of your business. In this blog post we are going to take a closer look at fire safety in hotels, the legal requirements and why fire risk assessments are an integral part of this. 

Legal Requirements 

The “responsible person” outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 can be either the employer, owner, or anyone else who is deemed to have overall control of the property. Responsibility can also be placed on anyone who is in charge of the repair or maintenance of the premises. 

It is important that you have a clear understanding of who the responsible person is as it is imperative that they carry out all the duties that are outlined in the order. If a hotel is found to be in breach of the order it can leave both the company and certain individuals facing prosecution. Financial penalties can be severe and in the most serious cases the responsible person could even face imprisonment. 

What are the Key Responsibilities Of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

As we mentioned earlier it is imperative the responsible person complies with their duties as per the order. These duties cover things like ensuring the premises have the appropriate fire fighting equipment, detectors and alarms. They are also responsible for making sure that all emergency exits and evacuation routes are kept clear at all times. The responsible person is also required to keep the premises safe by taking general fire precautions. 

Ensuring a Fire risk assessment is carried out is one of the main responsibilities of the responsible person. When carrying out a fire risk assessment you must ensure it is ‘suitable and sufficient’ for the specific premises. It must also be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure it is up to date. 

As we alluded to earlier, responsible persons are required to take general fire precautions. This includes both passive and active measures for fire safety. An active fire safety measure is one where action is taken to detect or prevent a fire. This covers things like fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and smoke ventilation. 

A passive fire safety measure differs in that it covers those that once they have been properly installed do not need action to be taken to detect or prevent fire. Good examples of this are fire doors, compartmentation and fire dampers. 

Where fire doors are concerned these are required to be the correct specification and tested to the approved standard. Correct installation is imperative as it means they will work efficiently when it comes to preventing the spread of smoke and fire allowing occupants to evacuate the building in safety. 

A common fire hazard in hotels are fire doors that have either become damaged, have seals that were not installed properly or have been wedged open. Poor, insufficient or badly maintained signage and emergency lighting are another fire hazard in hotels which is why the order states that the responsible person must make sure that all emergency exit routes have directional signs and are well lit and clear. 

Fire Safety Training 

Another area that the responsible person has responsibility for is ensuring all members of staff have undergone adequate safety training. Fire safety training must be carried out at the time they are employed and if new risks arise as a result of a change of role or if new equipment or technology has been introduced. 

`The responsible person is also required to furnish all employees with information relating to risks that were identified during the risk assessment and the measures implemented to counteract these. The responsible person is also required to ensure that all equipment undergoes regular maintenance by someone who is qualified to do so. 

What Areas of the Hotel Should be Covered During a Fire Risk Assessment 

During a fire risk assessment the relevant areas to look at include: 

Kitchens : Because of the nature of the work carried out there and the type of equipment used such as electrical appliances along with cooking materials such as oils and fats means there are a number of fire hazards within a kitchen. For this reason it is essential that you have the most appropriate type of extinguisher along with other fire fighting equipment such as fire blankets. 

Bedrooms : Any electrical appliance supplied in a hotel bedroom is required to undergo an annual safety test. Notices must be placed advising staff and guests of the potential dangers associated with the use of electrical equipment along with procedures that should be followed in the event of a fire. 

Lifts : You should never use a lift  in the event of fire and the assessment should highlight the procedures you need to follow if you are on upper floors. 

Hallways: When conducting a fire risk assessment for a hotel, it is essential to include communal spaces. These areas serve as ideal locations for installing fire fighting equipment such as fire hoses, extinguishers, and other tools. Equipment placed here is easily accessible to both staff and guests.

Car Parks: Be sure to incorporate all parking facilities, including those designated for staff and guests, into your fire risk assessment.

Storage Areas: Special attention must be given to storage spaces, including cupboards or rooms used for linens, bedding, towels, and flammable cleaning products. These areas should always be kept clean and organised. Staff should receive proper training to understand the associated risks and maintain safe practices.

Smoking: Discarded cigarette butts remain a leading cause of fires in hotels and other establishments. Designate all high-risk areas as no-smoking zones, ensuring they are clearly marked with appropriate signage. Staff should be trained to enforce these rules. While smoking is banned in many settings, clear communication about this policy remains critical.

Hopefully the information contained in this blog post will have highlighted the important part that fire risk assessments play in mitigating the risk of fire in hotels. If you are looking for a professional company that offers fully comprehensive fire risk assessments for hotels get in touch with the team here at Acuity Compliance today and give yourself peace of mind that your premises are not only safe but c comply with all current legislation.