Hospitality
EFP understands the importance of providing safe and secure environments for hotel guests and staff. Our experienced fire protection engineers, and life safety and security consultants have a thorough understanding of the challenges and the issues that need to be addressed in a hotel environment. Working together, our project teams help hotel owners and managers meet these challenges by maximizing system efficiencies and achieving compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Maintaining Daily Operations
Customer service and guest experience are fundamental to the hospitality industry. Life safety and fire protection systems are critical components for guest and staff safety, and ensure that hotel facility operations remain unimpeded.
It’s important to recognize that fire alarm systems rely on electrical components and control equipment that have an approximate 20 year operating lifecycle. Aging fire alarm systems present a number of challenges that may include:
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Increased service and maintenance costs
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Limited availability of replacement parts and equipment
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Discontinued product support by original manufacturer
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Accidental alarms and unnecessary building evacuations
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Unexpected system failures requiring emergency fire watch services
EFP specializes in retrofit fire alarm installation in operating hotels adding value to fire alarm improvement projects that includes:
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Guidance and consulting during capital planning to develop fire alarm system improvement strategies and funding allocations before existing system become problematic
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Negotiations with local fire departments and building officials to resolve code compliance challenges prior to permitting
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Preparation of fully engineered and detailed design documents producing more thorough and competitive contractor bidding
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Independence from fire alarm equipment manufacturers and contractors offers unbiased consulting and recommendations in the interests of our clients
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Providing a higher standard of quality assurance during installation and commissioning through technical oversight by our industry experts
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Human Factors
Guests are unpredictable, particularly when it comes to anticipating how each will respond in the event of an emergency. In a hotel with people who are in unfamiliar surroundings and who may have varying degrees of mobility, sight or hearing impairments, it is easy to understand why fire protection can be a challenge.
While human factor will always be an unknown variable, we do know that the best protection is preventive action and planning, coupled with effective occupant notification and fire protection systems. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough analysis of all fire and life safety systems and programs for your facility, and provide appropriate recommendations and solutions that comply with applicable building codes and standards so that you and your guests can rest easily.
Minimizing False Alarms
Given the number of people involved in a hotel evacuation and the possible consequences, especially if a false alarm occurs in the middle of the night, it is obvious that hotels must place emphasis on minimizing such incidents. Additionally, if a hotel develops a reputation for repeated false alarms, causing guests and staff members to assume alarms are false, the effectiveness of automatic systems is greatly reduced.
False alarms can be reduced or eliminated by a proper system design. False alarms often stem from resolvable issues such as faulty equipment, poor maintenance, improper equipment placement, and/or excessive features. Our team will identify and resolve problems that inhibit maximum system performance while offering sound, cost-efficient strategies for maintaining an effective fire detection and alarm system.
Security
Hotel owners and managers are pressed to implement practical solutions that protect assets while safeguarding guests and staff against any number of incidents. Equally challenging is the fact that designing effective security systems has become complicated. Up-to-the-minute knowledge of security methods, equipment and technology, and the vision to foresee future needs is vital to addressing the types of threats that exist today.
EFP security professionals will evaluate your hotel’s needs and compare them with your existing security measures. Our extensive knowledge and security consulting experience help clients by maximizing security while minimizing costs.
American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design have a larger reach than the previous ADA requirements and are significantly more restrictive. The newly-revised 2010 ADA and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards adopted by the US Department of Justice were developed to be compatible with the building standards as well as private sector model codes adopted by most states. New provisions have been added concerning places of lodging and compliance with the 2010 ADA Guidelines became mandatory on March 15, 2012. When it comes to accessibility, facility managers need to ensure their hotel complies with the revised standards and is providing a safe and welcoming environment for disabled guests and employees to minimize exposure to potential civil rights litigation.
EFP code consultants are thoroughly familiar with ADA design standards and can help you achieve compliance by providing facility audits and design document reviews, and aiding in the development of design approaches. Our code consultants will prepare a report identifying challenges and proposing potential solutions.