Health and Safety compliance checklist

Hazards in reception and throughout corridors and stairs can be easily identified and rectified or made suitably made. Make sure that floor surfaces are of suitable material; floor coverings securely fitted; trailing cables suitably secured; access and escape routes kept clear from obstruction and any low ceilings/beams or steps near doors suitably signed to make people aware of the hazard.

This must be considered and any areas where it is poor should be improved if possible.

Have you checked the lightings fixtures and fittings? Click here to find out how.

If you have six or more letting rooms then a fire certificate is required.

Consider possible ignition sources within the premises, are they suitably controlled?
What are your emergency procedures for evacuation?

You should call your local Fire Service for further information.

When moving equipment and laundry, can it be done in a more appropriate or safer way, for example reducing or sharing the load?

Identify the cleaning chemicals that you use, how they should be used and if any personal protective clothing e.g. gloves are required.

Adequate ventilation must be provided either by natural means i.e. opening window or mechanical extract fan to any bathrooms and the kitchen area.

Adequate first aid provisions must be available along with emergency contact details. Contact the Local Authority for further information on the accidents or incidents which may be reportable.

Hoteliers with lifts/elevators must be aware of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and the necessity to regularly monitor the safety of lifts/elevators. Thorough examinations must take place:

• Every six months for a lift that is used to carry people and every 12 months for a lift used solely to carry loads.
• After substantial and significant changes are made
• Following ‘exceptional circumstances’ that might include damage to, or failure of the lift or lengthy periods of inactivity which might impair the integrity of the equipment.

The guest’s bedroom should be a prominent consideration with risks such as:

• Tripping over bedding carpets and furniture
• Stability of furniture and fittings
• Protruding shelves or television brackets
• For the maintenance and regular inspection of portable electrical equipment such as a kettle – 95% of faults can be found just by looking. This type of equipment does not require an electrician as long as a ‘competent’ person who has knowledge and training as to how to use the equipment carries out the inspection and/or maintenance
  Click here to find out how to check electrical items and the consequences of not doing so regularly.
• Windows:
  • Is part of a door made out of safety glass?
  • Is there a danger of people falling out of the window? (windows should be at least 800mm above floor level unless there is a barrier present to prevent falls)
  • are devices present to prevent opening too far so as to present a falling risk?

The guest’s bathroom can feature numerous hazards including:

• Slipping – especially where showers are located over baths. This can be alleviated by non-slip flooring, slip mats and grab rails.
• Water Temperature – risk of scalding

• Ensure gas fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition.
• An annual safety check must be carried out on each gas appliance. This would include a gas central heating system and boiler, and any gas fires available for use in any areas where residents have access.
• Any other gas equipment such as a gas cooker should also be on a service plan as recommended by the manufacturer. These checks must be carried out by a CORGI registered gas installer
   
• Keep a record (detailed inspection report) of each safety check for two years.
• Have the certificate on display or available for inspection.