New fire safety help for B&Bs, guest houses and self catering properties
A booklet explaining how small accommodation providers comply with fire safety law has been launched by Fire Minister Sadiq Khan this week.
This new guidance has been welcomed by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service as a positive step towards helping small hospitality businesses understand what is required of them by law.
‘Do you have paying guests?’ gives the hospitality industry practical advice; including a five-step action plan for reducing fire risks in small establishments.
Head of Community Fire Protection Services, Richard Buxton said: "We welcome this publication which helps to simplify legislation for small hospitality businesses. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to fire safety and this guide provides small businesses with the right tools to prepare for fire related emergencies which may arise.“
The booklet includes a five step action-plan to help carry out a fire risk assessment:
* Think about how a fire could start on your premises and how quickly it could spread
* Think about who is at risk
* Make a plan to keep people safe by removing fire hazards wherever possible and then putting in place measures to detect a fire and ensure, if one does start, that everyone can escape safely
* Make a note of your plan and train for the worst
* Keep your plan updated to reflect any changing circumstances or risks
Fire safety regulations introduced in 2006 requires those responsible for small hospitality businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment, to ensure fire action procedures are in place and fire protection equipment is properly installed and maintained.
For further information log onto http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/payingguests