| If a decision has been made to close a section of the property for reasons of the economy; or as
an energy saver, do not "abandon" that space and believe it will also save in employee
involvement and work hours. Here are a few caveats:
When cutting back on HVAC for the section to be closed, be careful to maintain airflow
and humidity control to avoid conditions that might lead to mold or mildew. Under very
dry conditions, furniture joints and surfaces may be negatively impacted.
To avoid stagnant water problems such as legionella, assign a staff member to daily flush
each toilet and, on a pre-determined schedule briefly activate all faucets and showerheads
in the closed section.
Some staff may be given additional duties that require work outside. Instruct them and
the regular outside workers to take special care.
1. To prevent heat or sunstroke, the head should be covered and there should be rest
periods in each work hour while the employee is exposed to heat and/or the sun.
Lifeguards and pool or beach attendants should work under protective cover, such
as an umbrella or canopy.
2. Insist on use of sun screen. Severe sunburn, received during a work assignment,
will be considered as a workers compensation case.
3. Heat exhaustion is also a possible reaction to outdoor assignments under heat
conditions. Again, a period of rest should be provided in each work hour and
liquids, preferably cool, not iced, should be available. Review with the property's
medical services, the addition of salt for employees to compensate for body salt
lost through perspiration. Salt tablets are available but nauseate some employees.
For such persons, a medical decision should be made on appropriate salt
replenishment.
4. First aid-trained employees should work with the property's medical services on
emergency treatment for sun stroke and heat exhaustion. (Remember, OSHA
requires at least one employee per work shift that is currently certified by an
organization, such as American Red Cross. This is one of your author's favorite
recommendations. When time and the economy permit, give thought to training
every employee in fist aid and CPR. What a response capability you would then
have. No frantic effort "to find Pete" as he knows CPR. Everyone would be
capable of responding.) |
Article
Some Operations Tips when Closing a Section of a Hotel