What standards should be respected to ensure customer safety while optimizing outdoor layout?
Outdoor space design for hotels and restaurants offers a great opportunity to attract customers and offer them an unforgettable experience. However, safety must remain a priority. Current standards and regulations are not there to hinder creativity, but to guarantee a pleasant and safe environment for all. So, how do you reconcile customer safety and optimizing outdoor spaces? Here are some key points to consider.
Evacuation routes and accessibility
The first rule of safety is to ensure that customers and staff can leave the premises quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. To achieve this, it is crucial to provide clear paths to emergency exits. These paths should be:
- Wide enough to allow smooth traffic flow, even in busy conditions.
- Free from any obstacles, including furniture or decorative elements.
- Clearly marked, with optimum visibility day and night (for example with suitable lighting).
Furthermore, it is important to comply with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility (PRM). This includes the installation of access ramps, adequate width of passages, and the installation of suitable furniture.
Outdoor Furniture Safety
Choosing outdoor furniture is another essential component to ensure the safety of spaces. It must not only be aesthetic but also functional and secure. Here are some tips:
- Weather resistance: Furniture must be designed to withstand outdoor conditions (UV, rain, wind). It is best to opt for durable materials, such as synthetic resins, treated metal or rot-proof wood.
- Stability and solidity: Tables, chairs, and other furniture must be stable to avoid tipping over. Choose models with non-slip feet, especially on slippery floors such as wooden or stone terraces.
- Fireproof materials: If you use decorative items such as cushions or curtains, make sure they meet fire resistance standards.
Decorative elements: beware of the risks
Umbrellas, gazebos, and other structures must be securely anchored to withstand gusts of wind. It is also important to regularly check their condition to avoid any risk of falls or accidents. If you use outdoor heating systems, such as patio heaters or fire pits, be sure to respect safety distances from furniture and passageways.
In conclusion
The security of outdoor spaces for hotels and restaurants should not be seen as a constraint, but as a guarantee of comfort and well-being for your customers.
By complying with current standards and adopting a proactive approach to maintenance and development, you ensure a safe experience, while optimizing your spaces.
With the right furniture choices and careful attention to safety, you can create a welcoming environment where customers feel comfortable and confident.
