According to Nahtay, an FM200 fire suppression system is a requirement for hotels in the region. The system attempts to fight fire within 30 seconds with zero loss. However, as with many regulations, it is one imposed only on newly built properties.
“The FM200 system is followed widely in Gulf. Our hotel [Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay] opened at the end of 2015, and it is using this type of system. Usually this system is the most expensive. However, some will try to save money, and try to secure the building with other systems,” Nahtay added.
The Westin Doha’s Cristino added that once installed, all equipment must be diligently maintained: “Following the construction and opening of the hotel, the operations team must ensure always that all emergency exits are clean, dry and free from any constraining objects; that all detection (fire and smoke detectors) and extinguishing systems (fire sprinklers and extinguishers) are working, through a preventive maintenance plan.”
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Samadoney added: “The fire-fighting system in general, should be checked every month. Fire extinguishers, every week. This is the normal procedure.”
Another consideration when it comes to fire safety, in addition to training and other systems, is hotel guest behaviour.
Nahtay tackled one of many topics that has dominated industry conversation of late: the use of shisha and bakhoor in guest rooms.
“Prevention training is the most important. How to discover hazards, how to prevent them from the beginning. In the Middle East, we understand that one guest habit is the use of bakhoor (incense burners) and shisha.
“It’s one of the things that we need to change. Of course, we do not allow that in our hotel. To allow guests to smoke in rooms is really a potential hazard,” he said.
At the time of going to press, Emaar had not yet responded to our request for comment.
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