User Manual
4
Siemens Switzerland Ltd
Building Technologies Division
1.1.1. Fire load
Fire risks are largely determined by the fire load of a room, an area, or a building. This term describes the latent
energy which can be released by the combustion of materials in fixtures, fittings, furniture and furnishings during
an outbreak of fire.
The typical fire load in hotels can be classified as ‘low’ to 'medium'. Due to their construction and decoration, older
buildings usually have a larger fire load than newer ones.
It must also be considered that refurnishing (new carpets, curtains, bedding, etc. which differ in fabric
composition from the old furnishings) can drastically alter the fire load in a hotel, as can temporary exhibitions,
seminars and other functions.
If not already required by local codes and regulations, the chief engineer of the hotel or a similarly qualified
person should be permanently on the look-out for changes in the fire load, and should initiate appropriate
measures to reduce fire risks as much as possible.
1.1.2. Fire risks
Fire risks result basically from the probability of occurrence and the effect caused by fire. In hotels, fire dangers
are found almost everywhere.
The main causes of fire outbreaks in general areas are the following:
• Malfunctions in electrical equipment (e.g. electrical distribution systems, motors, transformers,
ventilators, electrical heaters and lighting systems) leading to short circuits, overloads, discharges, etc.
• Maintenance work such as welding or soldering.
• Carelessness such as negligence in turning off electrical equipment, use of combustible materials and
liquids (cleaning, painting, etc.), and smoking.
• Temporary decorations for festivities and functions.
• Spontaneous combustion of cleaning rags, cotton waste, etc.
• Arson and sabotage acts also remain a very serious fire risk.
The main causes of fire outbreaks in guest rooms are the following:
• Smoking, especially in bed and under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Use of faulty electrical equipment, such as electric blankets, kettles, cookers, irons, razors, heaters, hair
driers and radios, which are possibly not suited to the hotel`s outlets and voltage.
• Carelessness with electrical equipment, especially negligence in turning off equipment at night or when
leaving the room.
Risk = probability of occurrence x effect