Safehotel checklists


Checklists

Checklist M – Managing fire safety

Point(s)
M1 Responsible person for fire safety appointedIn small hotels this may be the owner; in larger hotels the general manager or a department head. The responsible person must have the authority to make decisions regarding fire safety. 6
M2.1 Fire safety register availableThe fire safety register may be kept either in printed form or stored digitally. In particular, it should contain: A fire service floor plan showing the layout of the hotel as an overview and by floor & A copy of the evacuation route plans for each floor & A list of all fire safety equipment and installations present in the hotel & A list of maintenance records from the last 2 years & A written emergency plan & Proof of staff fire safety training from the last 2 years & Proof of evacuation drills carried out & A list of false alarms A description of measures taken to prevent false alarms & A list of fire incidents and their assessment & A report of the last fire prevention inspection carried out by the local fire brigade / fire safety authority 6
M2.2 The fire safety register is updated regularlyThe register is reviewed and updated whenever there are changes to structural, technical or organisational circumstances. 1
M2.3 The fire safety register is accessible to all relevant personsThe fire safety register must be easily accessible to all relevant staff and kept up to date. 1
M3.1 Emergency plan availableThe emergency plan describes procedures in case of fire or other hazards, including alarm, evacuation and task distribution. 5
M3.2 Emergency plan is reviewed regularlyThe emergency plan is updated at least once a year or whenever conditions change. 1
M3.3 Emergency plan is known to all employeesAll employees must be informed about the contents of the emergency plan and know their responsibilities in case of fire. 1
M4.1 Annual fire safety instruction for all staffThe instruction covers basic fire hazards, behaviour in case of fire, alarm procedures and evacuation. 5
M4.2 New employees receive fire safety instruction before starting workNew employees must be informed about fire hazards, alarm procedures and evacuation routes before beginning their duties. 3
M4.3 Instructions are documentedDocumentation includes date, content and participants of the instruction. 1
M5.1 Standard evacuation drill carried outThe drill is documented and evaluated to derive improvement measures. 5
M5.2 Standard-Evacuation drill carried out at least once a yearThe drill must take place at least once per year and include all relevant areas of the hotel. 2
M5.3 Results of the evacuation drill are analysedThe analysis includes identified weaknesses and resulting measures. 1
M6.1 All existing technical fire safety systems and equipment are serviced regularlyMaintenance is carried out by qualified persons according to manufacturer specifications and national regulations. 5
M6.2 Maintenance intervals are observedIntervals follow legal requirements, technical rules and manufacturer recommendations. 2
M6.3 Maintenance is documentedDocumentation includes date, type of maintenance, identified deficiencies and corrective actions. 2
M7.1 Regular 'fire risk assessment' carried outThe assessment may be performed using checklists or other suitable methods and must be documented. 7
M7.2 Results of the fire risk assessment are implementedMeasures derived from the assessment must be implemented and followed up in a timely manner. 1

Checklist B – Building fire prevention

Point(s)
B.1 Fire compartmentation prevents the spread of fire and smokeFire compartments must be created using fire‑resistant walls, floors, partitions and doors to prevent rapid fire and smoke spread.The same objective may be achieved by automatic sprinkler systems or smoke and heat exhaust systems. 1
B.2 Sufficient width of escape routesStaircases must have a minimum width of 0.80 m. 1
B.3 Escape routes free of obstructionsEscape routes must be accessible at all times and kept free of obstacles. 1
B.4 Escape routes as short as possible and leading directly outdoorsThe distance to a staircase must not exceed 35 m.A distance of 50 metres is permitted under the following conditions: - there are two safe, independent escape routes in opposite directions within the corridor - the corridors are designed to a high standard of fire safety, e.g. through separate smoke compartments and self-closing doors - in addition, technical systems such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems or smoke and heat extraction systems are in place, - exceptions are documented and approved in the fire safety plan 1
B.5 Escape routes sufficiently illuminatedLighting must be functional at all times and allow safe orientation. 1
B.6 Emergency lighting availableEmergency lighting must switch on automatically in case of power failure and provide sufficient light for evacuation. 1
B.7 Escape route signage availableSignage must be clearly visible, permanently installed and illuminated.Emergency signs must be used in accordance with recognised standards (white symbols on a green background, sized appropriately for the viewing distance, but at least 150 × 300 mm) 1
B.8 Escape route plans availablePlans must be posted in suitable locations and kept up to date. 1
B.9 Doors in escape routes easy to openDoors must be openable without keys and without special knowledge.Emergency exits must open in the direction of escape (for rooms accommodating more than 20 people) 1
B.10 Fire doors available and functionalFire doors must be self‑closing and must not be blocked. 1
B.11 Staircases kept smoke‑freeStaircases must be protected against smoke ingress by structural measures. 1
B.12 Smoke extraction systems availableSmoke extraction systems must be functional and accessible. 1
B.13 Fire compartment doors availableFire compartment doors must be self‑closing and functional. 1
B.14 Fire compartment doors not held openDoors may only be held open with approved hold‑open devices. 1
B.15 Walls and ceilings meet required fire resistance classesBuilding components must comply with national regulations. 1
B.16 Service shafts fire‑stoppedShafts must be secured against fire and smoke transfer. 1
B.17 Cables and wiring installed with fire protectionPenetrations must be sealed and protected against fire transfer. 1
B.18 Fire loads in escape routes minimizedEscape routes must not be used as storage areas. 1
B.19 Decorations in escape routes meet fire safety requirementsDecorations must be flame‑retardant and must not obstruct escape. 1
B.20 Floor coverings in escape routes are flame‑retardantFloor coverings must comply with national requirements. 1
B.21 Walls in escape routes are flame‑retardantWall coverings must comply with fire safety requirements. 1
B.22 Ceilings in escape routes are flame‑retardantCeiling coverings must comply with fire safety requirements. 1
B.23 Escape routes sufficiently wideWidth depends on number of persons and national regulations. 1
B.24 Escape routes sufficiently highClear height must comply with national regulations. 1
B.25 Escape routes non‑slipFloor coverings must ensure safe walking. 1
B.26 Escape routes barrier‑freeBarrier‑free access must be ensured according to national regulations. 1
B.27 Escape routes protected from weatherOutdoor escape routes must be protected from weather conditions. 1

Checklist S: Safeguard features

Point(s)
S.1 Electrical lighting systemThe main lighting system of a hotel must be an electrical lighting system. 1
S.2 Electrical installation in good conditionThe electrical installation must be designed and installed to prevent fire ignition and spread. Proper grounding is required. 1
S.3 Emergency lighting in escape routesThe hotel must be equipped with an emergency lighting system that activates automatically when the main lighting fails and operates long enough to allow full evacuation. 1
S.4 Heating room of required qualityThe requirements for the boiler room depend on the burner output and comply with national regulations. 1
S.5 Emergency shut‑off for liquid and gaseous fuelsIt must be possible to interrupt the fuel supply using at least one manually operated shut‑off device. 1
S.6 Emergency shut‑off for gas supplyA manual shut‑off device must be installed and clearly marked where the gas line enters the building. 1
S.7 Storage of liquefied gas outside the buildingLiquefied gas must be stored outside the building. Small quantities for daily use may be stored inside according to national standards. 1
S.8 Fixed heating appliances safely installed and regularly maintainedFixed heating appliances must be installed so that they pose no fire hazard and are safe for occupants. 1
S.9 Operating instructions for fixed heating appliances clearly displayedOperating instructions must be clearly visible. 1
S.10 Emergency shut‑off for ventilationVentilation systems must be equipped with a general shut‑off device located in an easily accessible and clearly marked position. 1
S.11 Lifts comply with industrial and safety standardsLifts must comply with local regulations and include features allowing rescue of trapped persons even during power failure. 1
S.12 Firefighting equipment of required qualityFirefighting equipment should include portable extinguishers and, if required, fixed systems, installed according to national standards. 1
S.13 Firefighting equipment installed in correct locationsEquipment must be installed on each floor near staircases or exits, and in escape routes at intervals not exceeding 25 m.Equipment must be installed according to national regulations. 1
S.14 Firefighting equipment functional and easily accessibleEquipment must be functional and easily accessible. 1
S.15 Firefighting equipment clearly markedFirefighting equipment must be labelled in accordance with the national versions of EN 3, and its location must be indicated in accordance with EN ISO 7010 (symbol F001 for fire extinguishers, symbol F002 for wall hydrants). 1
S.16 Firefighting equipment regularly maintainedThe following must be clearly visible on the fire-fighting equipment: • Maintenance label / inspection sticker • Date of last maintenance • Next due date • Company / inspector’s identification 1
S.17 Acoustic alarm system of required qualityHotels must be equipped with a reliable acoustic alarm system whose signal is distinct from the telephone system. 1
S.18 Reliable emergency call systemIt must be possible to alert emergency services via telephone, direct line or other suitable means. 1

Checklist E - Enhanced security features

Point(s)
E.01 Wireless interconnected smoke detectors and internal alarm system in every guest roomGuest alarm can be automatic and/or triggered from reception. Smoke detectors may be wireless or mains-powered with battery backup. 35
E.02 Hotel partially equipped with automatic fire detection and alarm systemFire detection system in escape routes and high-risk rooms 65
E.03 Hotel fully equipped with automatic fire detection and alarm systemFire detection system in all rooms including guest rooms 110
E.04 Maintenance of fire detection and alarm systemSupervision and inspection according to manufacturer requirements. 0
E.05 Hotel partially sprinkleredSprinklers in escape routes and high-risk rooms 65
E.06 Hotel fully sprinkleredSprinklers in all rooms including guest rooms 165
E.07 Maintenance of sprinkler systemSupervision and inspection according to manufacturer requirements. 0
E.08 Automatic fire brigade alerting possibleAutomatic alerting in connection with fire detection or sprinkler system. 10
E.09 Special provisions for guests who cannot respond to acoustic alarmsExample: Flashing lights in guest rooms. 10
E.10 Smoke compartments in horizontal escape routes not longer than 30 metersAreas must be smoke-tight; smoke must not enter adjacent areas. 5
E.11 Smoke compartment doors fitted Smoke compartment doors prevent the spread of smoke Do not stop flames, or only to a limited extent 10
E.12 Smoke compartment doors are self-closingSmoke compartment doors prevent the spread of smoke Do not stop flames, or only to a limited extent 5
E.13 Smoke compartment doors held open by magnets and close via automatic fire detection systemSmoke compartment doors prevent the spread of smoke Do not stop flames, or only to a limited extent 10
E.14 Maintenance of smoke compartment doorsSupervision and inspection according to manufacturer requirements. 0
E.15 Smoke extraction in escape routesSmoke extraction must activate automatically after detection of fire or smoke. 5
E.16 Smoke extraction in stairwellsSmoke extraction must activate automatically after detection of fire or smoke in the stairwell. 10
E.17 System for generating positive pressure in stairwellsOverpressure must be generated automatically after detection of fire or smoke. 10
E.18 Maintenance of smoke extraction and/or overpressure systemSupervision and inspection according to manufacturer requirements. 0
E.19 External emergency exitUnlocked external emergency exit outside the building. 10
E.20 Guest rooms constructed as fire and smoke compartmentsMinimum 20 minutes fire resistance, self-closing doors. 20
E.21 Guest rooms separated by fire-resistant wallsWalls with minimum 30 minutes fire resistance. 15
E.22 Self-closing guest room doors; not self-lockingReduced spread of fire and smoke after leaving the room. 20
E.23 No basementBasements often house technical equipment (heating, electrical systems), storage areas or laundry rooms – all of which are potential fire hazards. Without a basement, this particularly high-risk area is eliminated. 5
E.24 Floors below ground level separated by 2 doorsDoors classified EI2-C30. 5
E.25 Evacuation liftAn evacuation lift is designed to evacuate people from a building in an emergency. It can be used by anyone, is particularly important for people with reduced mobility, and is actively controlled in the event of an evacuation (e.g. by building management or the fire service) 10
E.26 Fire brigade liftA fire service lift is primarily a piece of equipment used by the fire service to assist with firefighting and rescue operations. It is intended solely for use by the fire service, not for general evacuation, and is fitted with a special fire service control panel (fire service switch) to provide rapid access to floors affected by fire. 10
E.27 Fire inspection every 24 monthsInspection by independent person (inspector, expert, fire brigade). 5
E.28 Fire inspection every 12 monthsInspection by independent person (inspector, expert, fire brigade). 10
E.31 Fire safety regulationsFire safety regulations consist of parts A, B and C. Part A for guests, part B for staff, part C for persons with special duties. 5
E.32 Pictograms in the reception hallPictograms overcome language barriers; European standard symbols recommended. 5
E.33 Pictograms in every guest roomPictograms overcome language barriers; European standard symbols recommended. 5
E.34 Emergency instructions via TVInformation on escape routes, assembly points, escape hoods, phone numbers, fire prevention. 5
E.35 Evacuation instructions in several languagesInstructions should include lift prohibition and route to assembly point. 5
E.36 Automatic evacuation systemAutomatic output of escape information in several languages. 10
E.37 Emergency number 112 dialable directly from guest roomEmergency button on the phone recommended. 5
E.38 Escape hoods for every bedEscape hoods bearing the European safety seal are designed to enable people to escape safely for at least 10 minutes in the event of smoke, fire fumes or chemical substances. During evacuation procedures, escape hoods are used by some fire services to guide people through smoke-filled areas to safety. 10
E.39 Additional instructions for guests with special needsDisabled guests and staff are informed about special measures. 10
E.40 Fire brigade arrival time within 10 minutesTime from alerting until arrival on site. 5
E.41 Guest register available at all timesRegister at reception with access for fire brigade. 5
E.42 Guest register with special needsSupervision until fire brigade arrives. 5
E.43 Route cards / orientation cardsRoute cards show emergency services the quickest and most efficient route to the destination – usually within a building. The shortest route to the alarm-triggering detector must be indicated. Orientation cards provide an overview of the entire site or premises to help emergency services find their way around. 5
E.44 Escape route marking near floor levelSelf-illuminating or illuminated - like in aircraft. 10
E.45 Wall hydrants according to EN 671/1Rigid hose – can be used by guests. 10
E.46 Inspection of building electrics every 12 monthsInspection of general electrical installation. 5
E.47 Self-extinguishing televisionTV must detect fire and include extinguishing function. 5
E.48 Written instructions available for staff at their place of work Tasks should be assigned to specific departments, e.g. reception, kitchen or housekeeping staff. 5
E.49 Smoking bans and rules consistently enforcedSmoking ban in escape routes, safe disposal, designated smoking areas. 10
E.50 Safe waste storage consistently implementedNon-combustible waste containers, safe external storage. 10
E.51 Certified fire extinguisher sprays in restaurant and kitchenCertified fire extinguishing sprays are particularly suitable for tackling incipient fires, even by untrained personnel, due to their ease of use - similar to that of a spray can - and their light weight compared to traditional fire extinguishers. Certification of a fire-extinguishing capacity of at least 25F in accordance with standard EN3-7:2004 10
E.52 Certified fire extinguisher sprays in guest roomsCertified fire extinguishing sprays are particularly suitable for tackling incipient fires, even by layman, due to their ease of use—similar to that of a spray can—and their light weight compared to traditional fire extinguishers. Certification of a fire-extinguishing capacity of at least 5A in accordance with standard EN3-7:2004 10
E.61 Basic training course completed onceTraining objective: knowledge of fire risks and correct behaviour. 5
E.62 Basic training course completed every 12 monthsTraining objective: knowledge of fire risks and correct behaviour. 15
E.63 20% of staff: fire extinguisher training completed onceTraining objective: correct use of a fire extinguisher. 5
E.64 20% of staff: fire extinguisher training every 2 yearsTraining objective: correct use of a fire extinguisher. 10
E.65 Staff with special duties: fire extinguisher training onceStaff with specific responsibilities in the event of a fire: Hotel management & reception staff & housekeeping managers & building services / technical services & evacuation assistants / fire safety assistants 10
E.66 Staff with special duties: fire extinguisher training every 2 yearsStaff with specific responsibilities in the event of a fire: Hotel management & reception staff & housekeeping managers & building services / technical services & evacuation assistants / fire safety assistants 10
E.67 10% of staff: special instruction onceThis specialised training covers, in particular, information on the location and function of: • Fire extinguishers • Fire alarm systems • Smoke detectors • Emergency exits • The importance of visual inspections in the workplace • The obligation to report faults • Escape routes within the building • Smoke compartments and smoke-proof doors 5
E.68 10% of staff: special instruction every 12 monthsThis specialised training covers, in particular, information on the location and function of: • Fire extinguishers • Fire alarm systems • Smoke detectors • Emergency exits • The importance of visual inspections in the workplace • The obligation to report faults • Escape routes within the building • Smoke compartments and smoke-proof doors 10
E.69 Staff with special duties: special fire safety training onceStaff with specific responsibilities in the event of a fire: Hotel management & reception staff & housekeeping managers & building services / technical services & evacuation assistants / fire safety assistants 20
E.70 Staff with special duties: special fire safety training every 12 monthsStaff with specific responsibilities in the event of a fire: Hotel management & reception staff & housekeeping managers & building services / technical services & evacuation assistants / fire safety assistants 20
E.71 Fire safety officer availableTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 15
E.72 Additional fire safety officer availableTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 10
E.73 Refresher training for fire safety officers every 5 yearsTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 15
E.74 Refresher training for additional fire safety officers every 3 yearsTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 25
E.75 Refresher training for fire safety officers every 3 yearsTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 25
E.76 Refresher training for additional fire safety officers every 5 yearsTraining objective: comprehensive knowledge in prevention, response, evacuation, organisation. 15
E.77 Fire safety management courseExample: CFPA 100 hours. 40
E.78 Standard evacuation drill every 24 monthsDrill conducted by hotel staff, written evaluation required. 5
E.79 Standard evacuation drill every 12 monthsDrill conducted by hotel staff, written evaluation required. 10
E.80 Special evacuation drill every 36 monthsDrill together with fire brigade, written evaluation required. 10
E.81 Special evacuation drill every 12 monthsDrill together with fire brigade, written evaluation required. 30
E.82 Refresher training for hotel manager every 5 yearsFire safety management course in addition to basic course. 5
E.83 Refresher training for hotel manager every 3 yearsFire safety management course in addition to basic course. 15
E.84 Fire-trained staff (1 person) available at all timesTraining objective: knowledge of fire risks and correct behaviour. 20
E.85 Fire-trained staff (2 persons) available at all timesTraining objective: knowledge of fire risks and correct behaviour. 25
E.86 Fire-trained staff (3 persons) available at all timesTraining objective: knowledge of fire risks and correct behaviour. 30