South African hotels cater for the safety of all visitors!

South African hotels cater for the safety of all visitors!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever been amazed at the amount of foreign visitors and airline personnel entering the foyer of hotel where you are staying? I spent a few days at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton during the past week and was amazed at the colorful display of airline uniforms entering the hotel. I have been expecting many financial specialists, investment managers and business directors staying at the hotel, situated opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange – but why so many pilots and air hostesses?

Could this merely be affordability or the shopping malls and restaurants around the hotel, or could it also be an attention to other details such as safety? Having been passionate about road safety and working at this for the past 5 years, I decided to enquire from hotel management as to the measures they have been implementing to ensure the safety of our foreign and local visitors.

I raised these questions with management at the Protea Balalaika Hotel:

• Are there industry requirements or guidelines pertaining to safety at hotels?

Yes we have to have a health and safety procedure in place as we get audited annually by Alexander Forbes. With our last audit we received a merit of 98%. The health and safety procedure entails the general safety with regards to kitchen, guest, staff and building. We also ensure the safety of our guests when they feel unsafe to go to the shopping centre next to the Hotel, by escorting them. Should they require it, our security staff will gladly walk with the guests to the various ATM’s to ensure a hassle free experience.

• Does the airline industry require specific requirements for overnight facilities and the safety of their personnel?

Yes it varies between different airline standards for the various airlines that are currently staying with us. Some of the main requirements are 24 hrs security on site as well as the 24hrs camera surveillance outside the rooms. They also require easy and safe passage to the shopping centres in the areas. Another big requirement by some of the airlines are the implemented Fire Evacuation procedure as well as a safe Evacuation Point, should the need be there to evacuate. The Balalaika Hotel is fortunate enough to not only have one evacuation point, but two evacuation points.

• How does the Balalaika facilitate such requirements?

We have already implemented all requirements set by the Airlines, as they would not come and stay at the Hotel if there requirements are not met. Our hotel is monitored by both uniformed as well as civilian clothed security personnel. We also ensure the safety of the guests after hours, as we then close all Hotel doors and control the access of it through a system of registration upon entry.

• Are you comfortable with the safety measures provided?

Yes we are comfortable with the current measures, but we always endeavor to add more and making the safety measures even better than what it currently is.

• Do you ever receive queries from international visitors about safety?

Yes we do, but all Hotel staff are trained to inform the guest that we have excellent security measures in place, should they need any assistance, the staff know that they can call the security to assist the guests.

• Do employees receive safety training and are their procedures in place for emergency evacuation etc…?

Yes most definitely, as training in the safety aspect of the Hotel is an ongoing exercise. We are at the moment training staff in basic fire-fighting. It is also a requirement by Alexander Forbes that we have trained staff, and have to produce training certificates to that effect. We also have and continue to conduct Fire Drills, even during the night. This is done without any disruption to guests, and done purely to see how the trained staff cope in a real life situation.

South Africa is well known for the turbulent political past, cultural diversity and the achievements of leaders and professional sportsmen. Many people planning to visit our country for the 2010 World Cup might seek confirmation on aspects such as travel and safety. A big thumb up to our hospitality industry and hotels for the implementation and maintenance of world class safety standards!

May we offer our visitors respect and hospitality and seek to enhance their safety on and off the road!