Following the fire in Switzerland, fire safety in the hospitality industry has become a top priority, and hospitality entrepreneurs are taking this very seriously, according to a member survey conducted by the Royal Dutch Hospitality Association (KHN) among restaurants and beverage providers.
Checking escape routes, maintaining safety equipment, and fire department inspections are routine for hospitality businesses. However, KHN advises its members to be extra careful with burning or sparking party items, such as sparklers or ice fountains, or, if possible, to stop using them altogether. It is also recommended to seal fire-sensitive decorations and sound equipment on walls and ceilings. This way, we can work together to ensure fire-safe hospitality businesses.
Fire incidents are relatively rare in the Dutch hospitality industry, but the use of candles and burning party items, for example, is quite common.
As a sector, we want to prevent the terrible event like the one we recently witnessed in Switzerland. With this research , we want to encourage each other to remain vigilant, especially during moments in the hospitality industry when conviviality and atmosphere play a role. By sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and providing practical tools, the sector can further reduce risks.
KHN chairman Marijke Vuik.
The results of the poll
The member survey shows that:
- 62% of entrepreneurs check daily whether escape routes and emergency exits are free of obstacles and easily accessible, 17% weekly and 7% monthly.
- 96% had their safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers and emergency lighting, serviced in the past twelve months, 3% had it serviced 1 to 2 years ago and 1% had it serviced more than 2 years ago.
- 44% have had an inspection by the fire brigade in the past twelve months.
In addition, used:
- 76% of catering companies have handled fire-sensitive items.
- 49% have used burning or sparking party items, such as sparklers and ice fountains.
- 52% candles or open fire at tables or bar.
- 8% fire-sensitive decorative or sound materials on walls and ceilings.
Research
The survey was conducted by Abbi Insight on behalf of the Royal Dutch Hospitality Association (Koninklijke Horeca Nederland). The survey was completed by 558 members.
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