Hoteliers have been warned to ensure they have the correct fire safety cover and the latest systems in place in the wake of the Newquay hotel blaze that claimed three lives.
The head of the Fire and Security Systems Division at Plymouth-based Securi-Guard believes many in the trade may not be fully aware of the legal requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 governing fire safety – and have systems meeting the required Fire Risk assessments.
An inquest into the three deaths at the Penhallow Hotel in August 2007, the UK’s worst hotel fire for 40 years, heard that the owners failed to heed four warnings that it was trading illegally by failing to update its fire safety system.
The hearing was told that the Holdsworth Group, which owned the hotel, were advised following an audit by Cornwall Fire Services in July 2006 to upgrade to the system to comply with the new regulations introduced in October of that year.
But at the time of the blaze, the hotel did not have the system installed which would have meant there was a smoke detector in every bedroom. A fire safety consultant told the inquest he felt the existing system was inadequate and wrote to the Holdsworth Group four times advising them of his concerns.
Paul Steeper, Divisional Manager of Fire and Security Systems at Estover-based Securi-Guard said the legislation meant a much more rigorous fire risk assessment had to be carried out to enable efficient and more effective enforcement by the fire and rescue service.
“This kind of tragedy brings into sharp focus the need, not only for a proper fire safety system to be in place, but also a much tougher risk assessment to ensure both employees and visitors are fully protected,” said Paul.
“The changes in the law basically put much greater emphasis on the business owner for fire prevention in all non-domestic premises and a greater duty of care for anyone potentially at risk, but it could be the case that some businesses may not be aware of the full extent of the requirements.”
Paul added that a correctly completed Fire Risk Assessment would help the business owner to understand the risk and what was required to reduce it. Wireless systems can be installed without major disruption and are far more cost effective than traditional systems.
“This kind of system is ideal for those in the hotel and guest house trade because as there is no need for cabling, labour costs and disruption to the business are both kept to a minimum,” said Paul.
“But the important thing to remember is that there is a lot of different technology available and at Securi-Guard we ensure that we offer a system depending on the type of risk and the customer’s budget.
“By employing a company with NSI Gold Fire and BAFE SP203 accreditations you can ensure you are helping to meet your responsibilities in meeting the RRO 2005."
