Fire Safety in Hotels & Guest Houses


Fire is a principal threat to life and property in hotels and guesthouses.

Common fire hazards

  • Careless discarding of lighed cigarette ends.

  • Non standard and faulty electrical equipment

  • Loose electrical wiring/terminals/switches

  • Overloaded electrical circuits

  • Heating equipment and cooking fuel

  • Use of candles

  • Boilers

  • Diesel or other fuels for alternative power generators

  • Linen stores and furniture storage rooms

  • Combustible building materials, furniture and decorations

  • Repair and maintenance involving hot work

Fire Safety Measures

The following measures would help to prevent fire and in the event of fire to minimise loss of life and property.

Fire Safe Design:

  • All false ceilings and furnishing and decoration materials used on escape routes should have Class 1 flame spread rating and should not generate toxic and asphyxiating gases on burning.

  • All vertical shafts/ducts for drainage pipes, plumbing, wiring and cabling, etc. should be sealed at each floor and enclosed by 2 hours fire-resisting enclosure.

  • Kitchen rooms, laundry, linen stores and furniture storage rooms should be of fire resisting construction and provided with one hour fire resisting self-closing doors.

  • Air conditioning should be linked with fire detection system to automatically cut off the air conditioning on the respective floor in case of a fire.   Suitably placed fire dampers in the AC ducts play positive role in stopping the spread of fire.

  • Transformers, air conditioning/handling units and boilers should be in separate fire resisting rooms.

  • All electrical equipment including cables, light fittings, gauges, etc should be in conformity with relevant Indian Standards.

  •  Every room should be provided with an overload and earth leakage trip outside it.

  • A stand-by emergency power supply should be provided to cater to fire water pump; fire lifts; mechanical ventilation for basements; emergency illumination of all corridors, staircases, basement and exit signages and other emergency systems for fire fighting.

  • Means of egress at least 1.5m wide (2m in case of dance/banquet halls) and exit signages should be provided as per National Building Code.

  • Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems including hydrants, sprinklers, fire detectors, protable extinguishers and efficient public address system should be provided and maintained.

Role of management

  • Don't use basements for baquet halls or dance halls unless one entire side of such basement opens up directly to the open and also the entire basement including such halls is fully sprinkled.

  • Display in each guest room and at other prominent locations and also screen on cable television at regular intervals vital fire safety information including a floor map showing the location in question, escape routes to staircases and clear instructions on what the guest should do in a fire emergency.

  • Introduce and practise religiously 'Hot Work Permit' system for contractors to work inside the hotel.

  • Arrange frequent inspection of lounge restaurants, halls, etc. for smoulddering cigarette butts.

  • Maintain electrical and fire protection equipment in good condition.

  • Train all employees in fire prevention, fire fighting and emergency response.

  • Conduct periodic emergency drills.

Role of employees

  • Clean kitchen hood regularly.

  • Use semi-enclosed containers for candles.

  • Empty ashtrays properly and on regular basis.

  • Follow good housekeeping practices.

  • Keep all fire and smoke doors closed unless they have automatic closing arrangement in case of fire.

  • Be familiar with emergency plans and procedures.

  • Know your role in assisting guests to escape to place of safety, controlling the growth of fire and other actions that lead to life safety.

Tips for Occupants/Guests

  • After check-in, know the location of fire alarm points, fire exits, staircases, escape routes and fire extinguishers near the room.

  • Learn how to find and unlock door of the room in the dark.

  • Keep the room key and a flashlight close to the bed.

  • Never smoke in bed. Use ashtray.

In case if fire in the room

  • Don't panic. Sound the alarm.  Report to the. fire department/front office desk. Clearly state the location of fire.

  • If trained and confident, use the nearest extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Otherwise, get out of the room and close the door. Do not try to pick up valuables and possessions. Take your room key with you.

  • Never use elevators, use staircase.

  • In case of smoke accumulation, crawl low.

in case of fire outside your room or when you hear fire alarm

  • Remain in the room if the room door is hot or smoke outside is dense. Turn off the fan and air supply to the room.

  • Close the door nearest to the fire and use wet towels, sheets to block any openings.  Signal from window or balcony for help by waving towel/bed sheet.

  • Open the window if there is smoke in the room.

  • Avoid jumping out if you are at higher floor.

  • Never re-enter the building until notified by the Fire Brigade.