Royal Dutch Catering Association calls attention to fire safety 

Call: be extra vigilant about burning and fire-sensitive items

Following the fire in Switzerland, fire safety in the hospitality industry is a top priority and hospitality entrepreneurs are taking this extremely seriously, according to a member survey by Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) among restaurants and beverage service providers. Checks on escape routes, maintenance of safety equipment and checks by the fire brigade are routines for catering entrepreneurs. Still, KHN advises its members to be extra responsible when handling burning or sparking party supplies, such as starlets or ice fountains, or if possible even prefer not to use them anymore. They are also advised to impregnate fire-sensitive decorations and sound materials on walls and ceilings. This is how we ensure fire-safe catering together.

Fire incidents are relatively rare in the Dutch hospitality industry, but the use of, for example, candles and burning party supplies is quite common. “As an industry, we want to prevent the terrible event as we saw recently in Switzerland. With this research, we want to encourage each other to stay sharp, especially at times 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”, said KHN president Marijke Vuik.

Poll results

The member survey shows that:

• 62% of business owners check daily that escape routes and emergency exits are free of obstacles and easily accessible, 17% weekly and 7 % monthly.
• 96% had maintenance on safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers and emergency lighting, carried out in the last 12 months, 3 % had it done 1 to 2 years ago and 1 % more than 2 years ago.
• 44% has had an inspection by the fire brigade in the last 12 months.

Also used:

• 76% of catering establishments occasionally fire-sensitive items.
• 49% occasionally burning or sparking party items, such as starlets and ice fountains.
• 52% candles or open fire at tables or bar.
• 8% Fire-sensitive decor or sound materials on walls and ceiling.

Research

The survey was conducted by Abbi Insight on behalf of Koninklijke Horeca Nederland. The poll was completed by 558 members.