Fire safety duties: what the law says
Running a hotel in the UK means juggling a lot of responsibilities—but few are as vital as fire safety. While most hoteliers are aware of their legal duties, many still overlook key areas, particularly when it comes to signage and evacuation planning. And in case of emergency, these details make all the difference. Here’s what every hotel owner should have in place to stay compliant—and keep guests and staff safe.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the hotel owner—or whoever has control of the premises—is legally defined as the “responsible person”. That title brings with it a list of specific obligations.
First, there must be a fire risk assessment in place, tailored to the building’s layout and usage. This involves identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and setting out actions to reduce them.
Then come the physical measures: fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, clear escape routes, and fire doors where necessary. These need to be maintained regularly and checked for faults.
There must also be a clear evacuation plan, with visible signage to guide both guests and staff—especially those unfamiliar with the building. And critically, all employees, including part-timers or seasonal staff, should know what to do in case of emergency. Training isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a legal requirement.
Why signage still trips up many hotels
Even when the basics are covered, signage is one area that frequently falls short—either through poor placement, lack of clarity, or simply not meeting the latest standards.
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 make it clear: where a risk can’t be avoided or controlled by other means, signage must be used—and it must be clear, visible and consistent.
For hotels, that means:
- Fire exit signs and evacuation maps in communal areas and back-of-house spaces.
- Hygiene notices in kitchens and staff areas (e.g. hand-washing reminders).
- Wet floor warnings where slips might occur—especially near spas, pools or after cleaning.
- Guest safety notices—from allergen warnings to lift instructions.
It’s not just about compliance. When guests are in an unfamiliar building, well-placed signage can make the difference between confusion and a calm, safe response in an emergency.
Time to rethink the traditional exit sign?
Most hotels still rely on electrically powered exit signs. They do the job—until the power fails. While many systems have battery backup, these batteries need regular checks and replacements, and they don’t last forever.
A growing number of properties are now moving to photoluminescent signage—a type of glow-in-the-dark sign that works without wiring or power. These signs charge under normal indoor lighting, then shine brightly for hours during a blackout.
In heritage properties or buildings with complex layouts, they’re particularly useful—no drilling, no cabling, just straightforward placement.
The risks of cutting corners
Even with the best intentions, many hotel owners find themselves drifting out of compliance. It’s rarely deliberate—it might be that a staff member hasn’t had their fire safety briefing yet, or a fire extinguisher check is overdue. But regulators don’t overlook these gaps.
In recent years, there have been fines of over £200,000 for breaches in hotel fire safety. And it’s not just the business that carries the liability—the responsible person can be personally prosecuted, especially in cases where the risk was clear and avoidable.
That’s why many hotel operators now bring in third-party specialists to audit their safety systems, run staff training, and upgrade signage and alarms. It’s not about outsourcing responsibility—it’s about knowing it’s been done right.
Safety that guests notice—before they even realise it
Guests rarely comment on fire signage in a review. But when they see clean, clear, professional signs, it reassures them that the property is well run. And when it comes to accessibility, inclusive signage—readable, visible and multilingual—can be a big plus for international visitors or those with visual impairments.
Whether you’re operating a large hotel or a family-run B&B, safety isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s about making sure your guests and team are protected—and that you’re confident in your building’s readiness, should the worst ever happen.
If your signage is overdue an upgrade, or you’re still relying on old electrical systems, now’s the time to take a closer look. Fire doesn’t give warnings—but your building should.
