It is no secret that every business should ensure the safety of their customers. Responsibility is at peak when patrons are living in your building. If you own or manage a hotel, you need to make sure your guests are safe. There have been more than three hotel fires in New Zealand over the last three months. At Jim’s Test & Tag we offer fire protection services to buildings across the country. Protect your business before it is too late.

There are a number of steps you can take to verify the safety of your building. The first step is to make sure you have fire safety equipment available in your building. The second step is to check that each of your devices are accessible and in working order. Our testing team can complete all of your hotel fire safety testing and remind you when your next test is due. We offer the following range of services to Hotels across the nation:

Fire Extinguisher Testing
The majority of small fires can be contained with the use of handheld fire-fighting equipment. According to the NZS 4503:2005 standard for hand operated fire-fighting equipment, all portable fire extinguishers need to be tested every 12 months. Ask a member of our fire protection testing team to assess the nature of your environment – in a hazardous environment, you may need to complete testing every 6 months. We can make sure your extinguishers are accessible and working so that your staff are armed in the event of a fire.

Fire Hose Reel Testing
A hose reel should be easy to use as an option for any member of the public as the first line of defence against fire. Our fire safety services include hose reel assessments. Our technicians can visit your hotel and verify the accessibility and usability of your fire hose. You can perform your own monthly checks of your hotel fire hose however it is important to ask a professional to test your reel at least once a year.

fire protection services

Firefighters attending a Wellington Hotel fire in December. Photo: Michael Cropp/ Radio NZ

Fire Blanket Testing
Every kitchen should be equipped with a fire blanket. They are manufactured for specific defence against fires fuelled by oils and fats. Cooking equipment and kitchen fires are the most common sources of fire in hotels and motels. All fire safety testing needs to be carried out in accordance with the NZS 4503:2005. You can contact one of our team members for the testing frequency you require according to your environment.

According to the Fire Protection Association New Zealand, regulations require that building owners ensure a means of escape from a fire. The building owner must consider the following points:

  • Make sure all evacuation routes are clear
  • Maintain safety devices with fire equipment testing
  • Do not store flammable liquids near evacuation routes
  • Occupants should be briefed on evacuation procedures
  • It is recommended that you have a fire warden or a number of staff who are trained to assist guests in the event of an emergency
  • Perform regular maintenance on appliances that use electricity or gas
  • Control the use of open flames

If you would like to invest in some training for you or your staff members, take a look at the range of seminars offered by FPA New Zealand.

fire safety testing

Firefighters on the roof of the Glenavy Hotel in November. Photo: John Bisset/Fairfax NZ

Common Causes of Hotel Fires

If you are in charge of safety in your hotel, it is important to be aware of the risks so that you can manage them effectively. We have included some of the most common causes of fires in hotels so that you can work towards ensuring safety in your building.

  • Kitchen appliances, cooking equipment
  • Old electrical wiring
  • Careless smoking (staff and guests)
  • Faulty laundry room appliances
  • Heating equipment
  • Other faulty electrical equipment and lighting

In addition to our fire safety services, we also offer testing and tagging of electrical appliances and equipment. Contact one of our team members today if you have any concerns about the devices in your building. Preventative measures will reward your business in the future.

Fire Protection Services Save Lives

If you own or manage a hotel, you need to make sure your staff and guests are protected. You could endanger lives and lose thousands of dollars in damage if you sit back and avoid regular fire protection testing. At Jim’s Test & Tag, we offer notification of scheduled maintenance and detailed reports for each appliance we test. Never miss a test with our fire testing team. Our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to ensuring safety in your building. You can protect the livelihood of your business with careful planning and fire prevention measures.

Make sure your building is safe today. Have a chat to your designated fire warden to refresh your evacuation procedures and make sure all routes are clear. Get in touch with our team on 0800 454 654 or fill out the free quote form for fire equipment testing today.