The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in keeping with its ongoing efforts to educate the public and raise awareness about fire safety and prevention, has resumed inspections of hotels, restaurants and bars across the country.
This disclosure was made in a release on Thursday from the GFS. It also informed that during the month of October, ranks from the Linden Fire Station had conducted inspections at the following locations: the Massive Inn Hotel at Kara Kara, Linden; Star Bonnet Hotel at Mackenzie, Linden; and Joseph Apartments at Amelia’s Ward, Linden. Meanwhile, ranks from the Anna Regina Fire Station conducted inspections at Sunflower Hotel, Xenon Hotel, and Purple Heart Hotel all located at Charity on the Essequibo Coast, as well as the Arabian Atlantic Hotel at Henrietta, and the Caribbean Heat Restaurant, Hotel, and Bar at Anna Regina, Essequibo.
The resumption of inspections follows a fire at the Ramada Princess Hotel on the East Bank of Demerara in September in which some 13 persons had to be rescued. Some persons were trapped on the 6th floor and bedsheets were tied together to enable escapes. Thus far the GFS is unable to say what caused the fire. Questions had also been raised about the fire safety measures in the hotel and the evacuation plan.
The release on Thursday explained that these inspections entailed ensuring that the hotels, restaurants, and bars were equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and an evacuation plan in case of emergencies. In addition, fire safety talks were held with staff and guests at the various hotels, and the necessary recommendations will be penned in an official document to be presented to all of the hotels inspected. The staff of the establishments inspected were also given demonstrations on the correct use of fire extinguishers.
The GFS wants the staff of any such establishments to understand that identifying and correcting the following issues will help ensure the safety of guests and property in case of a fire emergency at hotels, restaurants or bars:
• Fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers should be tested and be in working condition at all times.
• Management should conduct regular fire drills to ensure public safety. Quarterly fire drills for staff should be conducted as part of the emergency action plan, which allows them to practice evacuation and identify areas for improvement. Regular fire drills are essential for maintaining public safety in hotels.
• Written emergency action plans should be distributed to employees to ensure safety during fire emergencies. These plans should cover evacuation routes, fire suppression procedures, and evacuation route signs.
• Management should review the plan periodically, including when it is developed, updated, or responsibilities change. This ensures everyone knows the necessary actions for evacuation.
• Hotels require multipurpose extinguishers rated A, B, and C for small fires. Extinguishers should be at the proper weight or gauge limit and replaced or recharged after every use.
• Exit lights must be maintained to ensure clear navigation during fires.
• Hotel managers should ensure employees are aware of high-risk fire areas; staff should avoid the clustering of combustible materials; and they should be educated on the use of fire extinguishers.
• Regular fire-safety inspections are crucial for hotels to prevent equipment deterioration and faulty equipment. A professional inspection report, including the inspection date, property address, occupancy type, and any issues, should be kept on file for at least two years, but five years is recommended.
The GFS wishes to emphasise that guests and property will be safer in the event of a fire by paying attention to the aforementioned fire safety recommendations. And as such, hotels, restaurants, and bar owners, are encouraged to contact the Fire Service for inspections and recommendations if there are issues concerning fire safety plans or strategies, the release added.
