Approaches to qualitative fire safety risk assessment in hotel facilities

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate approaches pertaining to qualitative fire risk assessment of existing hotel facilities, for the purpose of identifying and eliminating fire hazards, and meeting requirements of the current legislation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper carries out several research activities, including: identifying the set of factors that render hotel facilities a high‐risk type of facilities in fires; investigating potential high‐risk areas to fires in hotels; exploring the role of hotel managers towards operating safe hotel facilities; discussing the concept of fire risk management, and the role of fire safety inspections as a risk mitigation strategy to ensure the adherence of existing hotels to fire safety legislation; and describing a methodical approach that fire safety inspectors can follow while conducting fire safety inspections. The paper also presents the development of a qualitative fire risk assessment tool, whereby existing hotel facilities can be assessed.FindingsThe paper establishes that hotel facilities are a high‐risk type of facilities in fire emergencies due to the combination of several risk factors. The fire risk assessment tool provides 76 items to assess, in seven main divisions, including exits, fire protection systems, electrical, fire doors, hazardous materials, housekeeping and miscellaneous.Originality/valueThis paper provides for a better comprehension of the roles of hotel managers towards operating safe hotel facilities. The paper emphasizes adherence of existing hotels to fire safety legislation to ensure the minimum level of safety for guests in all hotel properties. It serves to enhance the understanding of the potential dangers present in hotel facilities. It is of practical value to hoteliers responsible for the day‐to‐day operation of hotel facilities and for surveyors inspecting such properties.