There are various rules to follow when starting an inn business, such as registration rules and local rules.

There are also rules for constructing buildings, and if you do not comply with the rules, you will not be able to open a hotel. Therefore, it is important to understand the rules of the hotel business in advance.

Therefore, in this article, we will explain about "firefighting equipment" when constructing a building. Please refer to it as it explains the necessary equipment and points to note when installing it.

The hotel industry and the role of firefighting equipment

Accommodation businesses (hotels, shared lodgings, private lodgings, etc.) are classified as "specified fire prevention objects" under the Fire Service Act. This is because they are used by an unspecified number of guests, and since users are unfamiliar with the facility structure and evacuation routes, they tend to be susceptible to widespread damage in the event of a fire.

Especially at night or when the building is unmanned, it is easy for detection and evacuation to be delayed, so a higher level of fire safety measures than that required for an ordinary home are required.

Furthermore, firefighting equipment is a mandatory requirement for applying for and renewing a hotel business license and for fire inspections, making it essential from the perspective of legal compliance.

Firefighting equipment required for hotels

There are five facilities required to obtain a hotel business license.

(1) Automatic fire alarm system

An automatic fire alarm system is a device that uses sensors to quickly detect the outbreak of a fire and sound an alarm. It is considered an essential piece of equipment for detecting abnormalities in the early stages of a fire and enabling guests to evacuate quickly, and is one of the most important safety devices for preventing human casualties.

There is no obligation to install automatic fire alarms in ordinary detached houses, but if the property is used as accommodation, the law requires that automatic fire alarms be installed throughout the building.

This is because it is a minimum safety measure aimed at protecting human lives, taking into account that guests may be unfamiliar with the building structure and the risk of a fire breaking out while they are sleeping.

In addition, small-scale accommodation facilities that meet certain conditions may be permitted to install "automatic fire alarm systems for specified small-scale facilities." Automatic fire alarm systems for specified small-scale facilities are simpler systems than regular automatic fire alarm systems, and are designed to ensure minimum fire detection and alarm functions while keeping installation costs down.

Disaster prevention equipment for specified small-scale facilities and residential buildings (special exception)

In the case of small-scale accommodation facilities (for example, a two-story wooden building with a total floor area of less than 300 m2), it may be possible to use simplified equipment for specific small facilities rather than the full-featured firefighting equipment required for regular large hotels.

Automatic fire alarm systems for specific small facilities do not require receivers or wiring, so they can be installed at a lower cost than regular automatic fire alarm systems. Furthermore, installation work can be done without the need for a fire protection engineer license.

It is easy to install, but be aware that you will need to inspect it at least twice a year after installation and report the inspection results.

(2) Fire extinguisher installation standards

The installation of fire extinguishers is not mandatory for ordinary detached houses. However, if the house is used as a lodging facility, it is considered a "special fire prevention property" and the installation of fire extinguishers is required under the Fire Service Act.

The Fire Service Act requires accommodation facilities that meet the following conditions to install fire extinguishers.

Even if the above criteria are not met, it is still recommended that you voluntarily install a security device to ensure safety and the peace of mind of users.

Many users, such as elderly people and foreigners, have difficulty evacuating quickly, so the installation of initial fire extinguishing equipment is essential for safety management.

Precautions when installing fire extinguishers

① Install it in a place that does not obstruct aisles or evacuation routes and is easily accessible when needed.

② Fire extinguishers must be placed within 20 meters walking distance (within 30 meters for large fire extinguishers) of each fire prevention area, and must be installed on each floor.

③ Fire extinguishers must be installed no higher than 1.5 meters above the floor and a "Fire Extinguisher" sign must be displayed in a visible location.

④ Make sure to securely fasten the product to prevent it from falling or tipping over due to earthquakes or vibrations.

⑤ External inspections must be carried out at least once every six months.

(3) Guidance light

Accommodation facilities are required by law to install "guidance lights." This is based on the Fire Service Act and the Building Standards Act, and applies to all accommodation facilities, regardless of their size or type.

Emergency exit lights are extremely important for guiding guests safely to the evacuation exits in the event of a fire, power outage, or other emergency. Visible even in smoke or darkness, they play a crucial role in preventing delays and confusion during evacuation.

In particular, in accommodation facilities where the owner is not present or where there is no front desk staff, it can be difficult to guide guests in an emergency because they are unfamiliar with the building. In such environments, emergency lights are the only "signpost" and are key to saving lives.

The installation of emergency lights is a basic requirement for hotel business licenses and fire inspections. Having safety measures in place will also lead to a sense of security and trust among guests.

(4) Pit section

The pit compartments required in the hotel business are compartments that prevent flames and smoke from a fire from spreading through spaces connecting the upper and lower levels of a building, such as staircases and elevator shafts.

In particular, the installation of pit compartments is required, and this is an important measure to create a safe evacuation environment in accommodation facilities such as inns and hotels.

Enclosing the facility with semi-fireproof walls and doors will limit the spread of fire and ensure the safe evacuation of guests. For safe facility operation, it is important to work with the fire department and experts to carry out appropriate design and construction.

(5) Sprinkler

The installation of sprinklers is mandatory for buildings with 11 or more floors or a floor area of 3,000 m2 or more. Under the Fire Service Act, the installation of sprinklers is not mandatory for apartment buildings with 10 or fewer floors.

Therefore, this equipment is installed in relatively large hotels or hotels that are deemed to have no windows.

The automatic release of water extinguishes the fire in its initial stage, which directly minimizes the damage caused by the fire. Although it is not mandatory for small facilities to install it, in recent years, there has been an increase in cases where people voluntarily install it to increase safety.

summary

The purpose of installing firefighting equipment is to enable early detection of fires and rapid response, thereby protecting human lives and property.

In particular, in accommodation facilities, where guests are often unfamiliar with the building and the risk of fires occurring at night is high, automatic fire alarm systems and fire extinguishers are required by law, which play a major role in ensuring a safe evacuation environment and minimizing fire damage.

When installing firefighting equipment, it is necessary to consult in advance with the fire department that has jurisdiction over the area where the hotel is operating. However, if this is difficult for you to do on your own, we will install the equipment and handle the application, so we will provide you with consistent support.

Please feel free to contact us.