ENSURING FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOTEL BUSINESS IN UKRAINE: OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

Abstract

Problem. Recently, the issue of people’s safety has become particularly relevant, especially in the hotel industry. Whether it's a small guesthouse or a large multi-story hotel complex, a key factor in success is not only high-quality service but also high-quality safety. A hotel is a place of rest and, consequently, a location with a high concentration of people. At the same time, hotel guests vary greatly in physical condition, age, and mental awareness. The hotel administration is responsible not only for providing comfortable accommodation and ensuring a pleasant stay but also for guaranteeing the safety of the guests, their lives, health, property, and more. 
Objective. The objective of this research is to analyze the fire hazards in hotel buildings, identify deficiencies in fire protection that increase the risk of fire, and examine safety measures that can be implemented to minimize the risk of fire. 
Research Methods. Statistical, analytical. 
Main Research Results. Like any other building or structure, hotels are at risk of fire, but there are specific risks that complicate ensuring fire safety. Firstly, as mentioned above, hotels have high occupancy due to the large number of rooms and the numerous guests who may stay overnight. Additionally, unlike office spaces or residential complexes, guests are unfamiliar with the building and evacuation routes. Many hotels also have restaurants—kitchens create significant fire risks due to open flames, flammable grease traps, and the storage of flammable materials. 
Thus, hotel staff and guests are the most crucial components of fire safety since they are the primary sources of fire hazards. 
Conclusions. Hotels are buildings with a high concentration of people, so fire safety must be a top priority. Protecting a hotel from fire involves numerous challenges. The complexity in emergencies is exacerbated by the relatively large number of people inside the building, most of whom are unfamiliar with the building's layout, evacuation procedures, and even alarm signals. 
For maximum protection, a comprehensive fire safety system is necessary, ensuring personal safety and minimizing damage in the event of a fire. The cornerstone of such a system is a fire alarm system that reliably detects a fire at an early stage and activates alarms and appropriate fire management systems. 
Training personnel is a key element in the successful implementation of the evacuation plan. Staff must be trained to recognize fire alarm signals, perform evacuation procedures, assist guests with disabilities, and provide first aid if needed.