Here’s a quick overview of technology options that can help Seattle hotels comply with Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 14.25, which concerns hotel employees’ health and safety. SMC 14.25 has been in effect since Nov. 30, 2016.
SMC 14.25 requires Seattle hotels with 60 or more guest rooms or suites of rooms to equip employees who work alone in guest rooms with a safety alert system. The system must be able to summon immediate, on-scene assistance from another employee, security guard or representative of the hotel employer.
Here are some alert system options currently available for hotels:
- An App: GuardianMPS
GuardianMPS is an app that provides the location of the device with the app when a button is pushed. It also gives the staff member’s last assignment and live audio feed when the panic alarm is sounded. GuardianMPS monitors panic alarms 24 hours, seven days a week, and alerts the hotel team in an emergency.
Contact Ron Bleakney at 781.697.8841 or .
- A Button: RF Technologies PinPoint
RF Technologies PinPoint is an easy-to-conceal panic button that uses the hotel’s Wi-Fi to communicate with a server. When the pendant button is pushed, location information is collected from the Wi-Fi network and reference tags in the area. The signal passes through a server to all security monitoring computers and available mobile devices.
Contact Marina Willis at 262.373.5122 or .
- Two-Way Radios: Bearcom Wireless Worldwide
Another option for hotels is to equip staff members with two-way radios that can be used like walkie-talkies in the case of an emergency.
Contact Eric Lyon at 206.262.629 or .
- In the Cloud: Amadeus HotSOS
HotSOS is a cloud-based, service-optimization enterprise solution that enables staff members to virtually connect and manage their department from anywhere on any device. Employees can send alerts in real-time to report any guest or staff incidents or service delays.
www.amadeus-hospitality.com/amadeus-service-optimization
Contact Sarah Taveprungsenukul at 615.613.8663 or .
The systems listed above are only some of the safety alert systems currently on the market. We recommend working with your team to find the system that is best for your hotel and complies with the law.
Rev. 1/3/18
This article is an excerpt from the Handbook for Excellent Restaurant Operations (HERO), published by the Washington Hospitality Association. Want a hard copy of the whole manual? It’s one of the many benefits of becoming a member! Find out more about joining the Hospitality Association here.
