During the several years I worked in hotel security, I was in charge of conducting security audits for various management companies. I offer the list below not as a comprehensive checklist, but as a starting point to work toward better safety or to prepare for an upcoming audit. Your insurance company likely has a multi-page list they can share with you based on updated concerns.
These items are compiled from multiple audit forms I’ve filled out in the past. A few are based on errors I made and corrected. These are shared here in the hopes it will prevent others from making the same mistakes.
- What happens when a guest dials 911?
- Is dialing 9-911 necessary? Are there instructions posted in each room? (Preferably 911 and 9-911 both work)
- Does 911 ring PBX, security, or go directly out to emergency services?
- Is security alerted if the call goes directly to emergency services? (Critical for meeting an ambulance outside)
- Is there a list of serial numbers for expensive items that are prone to theft?
- What police reports have been filed for this address in the last few years?
- Are there sidewalk cracks or other tripping hazards?
- Are there cameras covering the main entrances?
- Are all POS areas on camera?
- Are CCTV recordings saved for at least 30 days? (Preferably 90)
- How often are full patrols conducted?
- Is safety paint in good condition?
- Do guest room doors close automatically and with enough force to latch? (From 45 degrees?)
- Are carpets and rugs free of trip hazards?
- Are grills and drains flush with the floor?
- Are handrails and guardrails secured?
- Are emergency exits lighted and facing the right direction?
- Do emergency phones in the elevators work?
- Do holdup alarms work?
- Are full-length windows and glass doors marked with decals at eye level?
- Are exit pathways free of obstructions?
- Is there a safety committee in place?
- Does the parking lot have potholes or other hazards?
- Is there adequate perimeter and pathway lighting at night?
- Are trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent access to upper floors and prevent hiding areas?
- Do windows on higher floors have child safety features?
- How often are door access codes changed?
- Are all walkways non-slip?
- Are swimming pool numbers posted at a nearby phone?
- Is all the lifesaving equipment in place, in good condition, and in clear view?
- Shepard’s crook
- Lifebuoy rings with length 2x width of pool
- Rope separating shallow from deep end
- Are pool rules visible?
- Are there “No diving” signs?
- Are depth markers in feet and meters?
- Are ladders and railings in good condition?
- Is a daily log kept?
- Are pool chemicals checked frequently and results logged?
- Is the pool enclosed with a fence and self-closing gate?
- Is the pool chemical storage room well ventilated?
- Are pool chemicals properly secured?
- Is the water in the hot tub 104˚F or less? Does it meet local health requirements?
- Does the kitchen use non-slip mats?
- Are bartenders trained in ServeSafe or TIPS?
- Is bartender training documented and up to date?
- Are there designated alcohol servers?
- Can people outside the hotel directly dial rooms? (Potential fraud or harassment)
- Does the operator ask for both first and last guest names before transferring a call?
- Do all staff members protect guest privacy by not publicly referencing their room number?
- Are employees trained in handling possible bloodborne pathogens?
- Are there first-aid kits?
- Are all items unexpired?
- Is there a regular schedule for stocking the items?
- Are emergency numbers posted at the front desk? (police, ambulance, fire, burst pipe, company contacts, etc.)
- Are there defibrillators in common areas?
- Are they checked regularly for charge and expired pads?