Everybody loves an outdoor seating area; on a beautiful day, there are few things more enjoyable than soaking up fresh air while holding meetings or getting together with friends. Your guests know this, and you know it, too – in fact, you've probably seen that ever since you added an outdoor seating area, your profits have increased.
But here's a question you might not have asked yet: Is your seating up to safety standards?
The fact is, all hotels and hospitality businesses must adhere to outdoor standards for safety in order to protect both themselves and their customers. Even the most beautiful patio is a liability if it's not safe. So with that in mind, here are some tips for making your outdoor spaces both enjoyable and protected:
1. Outdoor seating requires a permit
Part of making your outdoor seating area safe is getting the proper permits to have it in the first place. In order to obtain a permit, the area must adhere to local guidelines, which automatically make your site safer for guests.
2. Shade structures add protection
To protect patrons from overexposure to the sun, include umbrellas and other outdoor shade structures in your outdoor setting. These shade structures must be at least seven feet higher than sidewalk surfaces.
3. Removable fixtures add versatility
Make all tables, chairs, and umbrellas removable in order to make them more versatile, easy to transport, easy to clean, and able to be put away for cold winter months or for other seasonal concerns.
4. The best barriers are semi-permanent barriers
The best outdoor barriers will be the ones made of semi-permanent construction, able to withstand inclement outdoor weather and durable enough to last a long while.
5. The seating area should take into account inclement weather
Not every day is a sunny one, so you have to ask yourself how your outdoor seating holds up to rain, wind, snow, sleet, etc. Ideally you want to choose equipment that can withstand weather problems.
6. Table lamps must meet fire codes
Outdoor lighting fixtures that are permanently affixed to the buildings are acceptable. If you use table lamps or candles, you must ensure they meet local fire code design standards. You will need an annual fire department permit, and you can obtain an electrical permit for a lighting plan from your city.
7. Seating must be accessible
All outdoor seating areas should be designed to account for accessibility requirements. This means at least five feet between seating areas and the edges of driveways, for example, as well as full adherence to all ADA guidelines.
Does your business already have an outdoor seating area? Have you ensured it meets safety standards and, what's more, that it is a protected, secure environment for your guests? If not, use the above tips to move in that direction.
Jeff Caldwell is Brand Manager of Skyspan Structures in Carrollton, GA. With a reputation for elegant commercial umbrella design and precision engineering, Skyspan Structures specializes in the design of commercial restaurant umbrellas for your shade solution.
