Unit 2

1 What do you understand by colour how do they effect our life?imp

COLOUR
Among all aspects of interior dcor, colour is the most important element. A successful interior invariably
includes colour that creates a strong and satisfying impression. Unsatisfactory colour can make a
small space look larger or can camouflage bad proportion.
Combination of colour along with the right intensities of light can; Make small place appear larger
or camouflage bad proportions. Also effects moods and emotions of the people. Wrongly, chosen
colours may seem pleasant and can disturb rather than please.

Effect of colours:

It is widely recognized that colours have a strong impact in human moods and emotions. It is generally
agreed that warm colours convey a sensation of warm, both physical and emotional. Inadequate
heat can be silenced by a change of colour scheme with no change of actual air temperature. In
contract cool colours suggest formality and reserve and communicate a sense of physical
coolness.
Various colours differ in psychological impact they incur on human mind, are as follows:
RED: Reds are seen as warm, even hot, exciting and stimulating. Strong reds in large areas can generate
unpleasant tensions.
ORANGE: Oranges share the quality of red to a slightly reduced extent. Small areas of red/orange are a
useful stimulating modifier.
YELLOW: Yellows are the mildest of the warm colours. They are usually associated with cheerfulness even
humour. They have a strong effect on brightness while suggesting fewer tensions than reds and oranges.
GREEN: Greens are the cool colours closest to warm. They have become a favourite for balanced colour
schemes seeking to be calm and restful, peaceful and constructive. Green remains a good colour to impart
serenity especially when used with limited areas of red or red-orange.
VIOLET: violets along with their strongest versions called purples are called unsafe colours. Violets are
often seen as artistic, suggesting subtlety and sensitivity, whereas purple intimate tension and depression.
BLUE: Blues are the coolest of cool colours. Overuse of this colour can generate depression or gloom.
NEUTRAL COLOURS: These are those colours, which are neither too cool nor too warm, e.g., grey,
browns and tans. They are subject to dullness and an impression of monotony.
WHITE: Whites and near whites suggest clarity, openness and brightness. White is always a safe colour
and can be used ion large areas to highly satisfactory effect if offset with small areas of chromatic colour.
BLACK: Black is a powerful accent colour, depressing if used in excess. It suggests weight, dignity,
formality and solemnity.

What do you understand by warm and cool colour?imp

Warm And Cool Colours
In general opinion red, orange, and yellow are described as warm colours, whereas green, blue and violet
as cool. A clear mental association between the colours themselves and the temperature sensations of hot
and cold has been established. Warm colours actually seem to raise the room temperature, making space
feel cozy and pleasant indoors in winter, while cool colours provide relief on a hot day or in warm climate.

What do you understand by colour wheel?

Colour wheel:
The 12-part colour wheel is based on the three primary colours (red, yellow and blue) placed evenly
around a circle. secondary colours (green, orange and violet), which are mixtures of the two primaries
they sit between. The tertiary colours fall between each primary and secondary. Between yellow and
orange, for example, is yellow orange; between blue and violet is blue violet and so. therefore it can be
explained as follows:
Primary Colours
For rooms that come off feeling strong and solid, a scheme of primary colours -- red, blue, and yellow -- is
an ideal choice. Each is a pure colour that can't be created by mixing other hues. Use them in pairs or
combine all three; they work equally in country, traditional, and modern rooms.
Secondary Colours
Mixing two primary colours in equal amounts creates a secondary colour --green, orange, and purple. Like
all colours, each secondary hue can be tinted with white or shaded with black for variations. If you can't
envision a bold orange and green room, think about pairing up their paler tints of peach and sage. The
Unit 2

primary and secondary colours illustrate that you can make a compatible triadic scheme by choosing any
three colours equidistant on the wheel.
Tertiary Colours
These colours are an equal mix of a primary and its closest secondary colour: blue-green, yellow-green,
red-orange, red-purple, and blue-purple. These colours can be combined to give a sophisticated look.

What do you understand by colour schemes and how do they help in interior decoration? imp

COLOUR SCHEMES:. Designers can work wonders with colour and colour combinations if they have a
good knowledge of colour and its effects.
A good decorator always combines both value and practicality to evolve a scheme, which will work to the
best advantage of the interiors. Standard colour schemes are divided into two main groups:
Similar or Related colour schemes
Contrasting or Complimentary colour schemes
1. SIMILAR OR RELATED COLOUR SCHEMES:
Selecting colours that are close to each other on the colour wheel produces related harmony. This
includes monochromatic, analogous and double analogous colour schemes
a. Monochromatic colour schemes.
Indicates the selection of one colour or hue. Different values must contrast in a single colour harmony.
This scheme is quite safe, effective, and peaceful in small areas. However, tends to get tiresome and
monotonous, if carried out in an entire room. Additional interest may be created by providing contrasts
and combining textures through various surfaces.
B.Analogous scheme is produced by a combination of adjacent hues that have one hue in common. The
analogous are a combination of primary or secondary colours with two intermediate colours on either side
of it. This scheme is quite restful and shows greater varieties
c.Double analogous colour schemes: any four adjacent hues on the colour wheel make up a double
analogous colour scheme.
2. CONTRASTING OR COMPLEMENTARY HARMONY:
Combining colours that are opposite to each other and far away on the colour wheel produces
complementary harmony. They should differ in value and intensity
This group includes different types:
A. Complementary colour schemes
B. Double complementary colour schemes
C. Split complementary colour schemes
D. Triad colour schemes
E. Tetrad colour scheme.
F. accented neutral colour schemes:
Complimentary colour schemes:
This is obtained by using colours lying opposite each other on the colour wheel e.g. blue and orange with
yellow and violet etc. This type of harmony provides a richer effect of colour than related harmony. It can
be successfully used for rooms, window displays and outdoors. It should have strong colour intensity.
Double Complimentary colour schemes:
In this scheme, two directly adjacent colours and their complimentary colours are used together for a
double complimentary harmony e.g. yellow and yellow green with red and red violet. In using this
scheme, the outstanding view should contain the largest amount of colours, that is, the dullest of all the
colours. The next may be a little bright but should be partially neutralised. The fourth colour, which is
used in the least quantity, should have the brightest intensity.
Split Complimentary colour schemes:
It is the combination of primary or intermediate colours on either side of the colour wheel; compliment
yellow with red violet and blue violet, blue with red orange and yellow orange, red with blue green and
yellow green etc. A true split complimentary scheme is a harmony of similar colours with a note of
contrasting colours. The amount of different values and intensities should be adjusted to prevent a
shocking effect.
Triad colour schemes:
This is a combination of any three colours that form on equilateral triangle on the colour wheel. It requires
careful treatment and can provide the richest and most interesting harmony. But if not carefully planned, it
can have a very irritating effect e.g. red yellow blue orange, violet & green and red violet blue green and
yellow orange.
Tetrad colour schemes:
Any four hues that are equidistant from each other on a colour wheel produce a tetrad colour schemes.
Accented neutral colour schemes:
Unit 2

It is a harmony in which the largest area of the room will be neutralised with a smaller area in a brighter
colour.
3. PLANNING OF COLOUR SCHEME
There are many features that must be taken into consideration when planning a colour scheme for a room.
The most important is the purpose of the room. The colours in a room must suit the use to which the room
will be put and the age and personalities of the people who will use it. Next comes the natural lighting and
the fact of whether a predominantly cool colour scheme may be influenced by the proportions and size of
the room. Desirable and undesirable optical illusions can be caused by colour and it is important to know
how to use and control these effects.
Purpose Of The Room
The colours in a room must suit the purpose of the room and create the respective mood and atmosphere
that is meant to be conveyed. At the same time the colour must express the interests and personalities of
those who will use the room. A room is meant for relaxation should have colours that hare quite and restful.
Natural Light And Room Heating
Before making a definite colour selection, it must be considered whether the total effect needed should be
warm or cool. Cool colours sometimes make a room much more pleasant than it would otherwise be. If a
room admits a lot of sunlight, warm colour scheme is more emphasized ad therefore it would look more
tiresome. In this room cool colours will provide relief from the strong light and natural heating. A room that
receives little or no sunlight calls for a warm colour scheme.
Size And Proportion Of The Room
A small room can be made to appear larger if light, cool colours are used. A long, narrow room will appear
to have lesser proportions if the small end walls are painted a warmer colour or a darker shade of the same
colour. A ceiling that is high can be made to appear lower if it is painted a darker colour than the walls or the
colour used on the ceiling is extended down several inches on the walls.
Sharp colour contrast also affects the apparent size of the room. It is usually desirable to make the walls
lighter than floors and the ceiling lighter than the walls. Three or four colours are enough in any room.
Black, white, gray and colours of the wood are considered neutrals and can be used in addition to the three
or four colours scheme.
4. PROCEDURE IN PLANNING A COLOUR SCHEME
The most practical method for working out a colour scheme is to build it up form an existing textile floor
covering or picture. This is not possible in every case and the decorator must develop in his own mind
competition that will be suitable. Taking into consideration the size and the purpose of the room, amount of
light and the frequency of occupancy.
The unity of colour scheme is more easily obtained by few colours. The use of one colour only would
produce a monotonous effect and many colours create confusion. There should be a dominant colour in
room. Two colours should not be used in equal areas. It is usual for planning purpose to subdivide a room
into its components areas of colour distribution.
Dominant areas- There includes floors, walls and ceilings.
Medium areas These include draperies, large upholstered furniture and bed covers.
Small areas Small upholstered furniture.
Accents These include accessories and cushion covers.
The general rule that is applied in reference to the chromatic value of these areas is call law of chromatic
distribution. This law states hat the larger areas should be covered in the most neutralized colours of the
scheme. As the area reduces in size the chromatic intensity may be predominantly increased.

How do texture, flooring, mirror, wallcovering furniture and furnishing help in interior designing?

TEXTURE:
In some instances texture takes the place of pattern and in decorative schemes where colour contrasts
are not great, texture matters a great deal; thus different tones of gold or yellow may be used without any
monotony when the upholstery is velvet, curtains silk and Carpet wool. Much more attention is paid to
texture now than formerly and with the wide choice of materials available, variety in texture should not be
difficult. In wall coverings alone, texture may vary from the cold, shiny, smooth surface of glass to the
warmer, rougher surfaces of grass cloth, hessian and flock paper coverings. For good decoration,
therefore, the need is to try to choose colours,patterns and textures best suited for the particular room,
and all three will be introduced into the room by the floor and wall coverings, furniture, furnishings and
ttings. In any scheme it is usual to plan from the largest to the smallest areas; thus floors, walls and
ceilings are considered first, doors, curtains and upholstery next, and the smaller areas and accents are
considered last. In hotels a maintenance program me may be planned so that wall Coverings are renewed
every two to three years, soft furnishings every four to five years and a complete change of decoration will
take place when the roorn is refurbished. Depending on the hotel this may be every eight to ten years.
Floorings:
Unit 2

Floorings often outlast other furnishings, so many decorative schemes have in be planned to fit in with the
existing floor. The tendency is, where possible, to have fitted carpets throughout the house as these:
1 Provide only one Floor surface to be cleaned, give a warmer appearance, seem to add space ,make for
easier furniture arrangement.
.A carpet square or a number of small rugs tend to:
1.Break up a floor area ,reduce room space.
2. Small carpets or rugs particularly tend to.-
3.Separate related furniture groups into distinct units,
4.Bring colour, pattern and texture to an otherwise plain floor.
. A patterned carpet should have a design in keeping with the size, style,
function and atmosphere of the room and is normally chosen:
1.for large rooms and rooms with plain walls and/or upholstery,
2.where soiling and staining are to be expected
3.where the floor has to give a good appearance at all times.
A plain carpet is suitable for:
1.small rooms,
2.rooms with patterned walls and/or upholstery,
3.giving an appearance of spaciousness.
The colour and tone of the carpet should be such that it unites the whole
room.
Wall coverings:
Wall coverings may be purely decorative, in which case the ability to bring colour, pattern, texture, light or
shade to the room may be of the greatest importance. The choice is very wide and the style should suit
the purpose, the furnishings and the architectural aspects of the room. A large expanse of the wall is
noticeable and often there is less broken surface than on the floor, so wall coverings should blend with,
rather than dominate the general scheme. It is possible to introduce more than one type of wall covering
into a room and colours, designs or materials can be used for focal points to add interest.We will focus on
flexible wall coverings, which fall into four major categories:
Paperthe oldest wall covering.
Naturalgrass cloth, rice paper, cork and the latest earth-friendly products
Vinylintroduced in the 20th century.
Textilesa blend of several materials. Obviously, many other materials may be used as wall treatments
including wood, metal and other inflexible materials and/or finishes. However, the vast majority of both
commercial and residential installations fall into one of the above four categories.
. In todays scenario, the various types of wall coverings available in the market are:-
Paints.
Wallpapers.
Vinyl wall coverings.
Fabric wall coverings.
Glass
Metal.
Wood.
Tiles.
Leather.
Mirrors
Framed, unframed or in the form of tiles, mirrors are often found on walls.
Due to reflection from their smooth, shiny surface they;

1. May be a foil for less shiny surfaces,

2. Make a room appear larger,
3. Increase the light,
4. Add to the appearance of a vase of flowers or similar object.

Careful consideration should be given to the positioning of mirrors on landings, because, although they
can be useful in Increasing light and the appearance of space, they can be a source of danger to Short-
sighted and absent minded people
Curtains
Curtains/Draperies
These are also purchased considering appearance, durability and size. Sheer curtains/net curtains/glass
curtains combined with heavy draperies are usual in a guest room. This combination allows light to pass
through and facilitates privacy as well. Sheer curtains are generally made from synthetic/blended net or
lace or from plain nylon or terylene. It is advisable to use a fire-resistant finish or fabric for these curtains.
Unit 2

Draperies are usually lined. Lined curtains are thicker, fall better and allow less light to pass through. They
are less likely to fade, soil less easily and thereby last longer. When selecting the curtains, the
appearance is judged by ensuring that the colour and pattern match the dcor; viewing the fabric hanging
and gathered in folds; viewing the fabric with daylight behind it; viewing the fabric with artificial light falling
on it. The amount of material required is dependent on the window treatment and 15 metres is the
average requirement. A heavy fabric is usual for public areas and a lighter one in the guest rooms.
Furniture and other furnishings
While floor and wall coverings are important features in the dcor, furniture and other furnishings must not
be forgotten. For a room to appear comfortable it must contain furniture that:
Is functional
Does not lose the sense of space in a small room
Blends in with the rest of the decoration.
Wood used in furniture has a warm appearance and is normally regarded as a neutral, but certain pieces
of owing to the colour or grain of the wood, may be made to stand out from the rest; further contrasts in
colour and texture may be introduced by incorporating metals, glass, marble, plastics and fabrics as part
of the furniture. Timber look laminates are used extensively, especially for bedroom furniture, and are
better in appearance than before. They are easy to clean.

Where the furniture is upholstered or loose covers (including bedspreads) are used, the same care should
be taken as for curtains when choosing the colour, pattern and texture of the fabric. Sometimes the same
fabric is used for loose covers as for curtains and the best effect is probably obtained when only one or
two pieces are covered in the same fabric. Textiles are very important to decoration as they provide a
large part of the visual appeal and comfort in a room.
A bed normally has a head rest or head board which in the case of a divan may sometimes be fixed to the
wall instead of the bed itself. From a decorative point of view it should be of a suitable material, shape and
colour to fit in with the rest of the furnishings, while from a practical point of view it should withstand
frequent cleaning and be high enough to protect the wall surface when the guest sits up in bed. The
height of the bed is important to its appearance in the room.
A scheme for any room may be softened or accents of colour can be introduced by the use of pictures,
cushions, lamp shades, flowers and other accessories. Even such items as waste paper baskets and
ashtrays should be considered with the scheme as a whole.
The size and colouring of any pictures chosen will depend on the wall space available, and the general
dcor of the individual room. The choice of subject, however, is not easy as personal prejudices enter into
it. Landscapes and floral paintings probably appeal to the majority of people. Pictures may be sprayed
with a plastic which does not alter the colours at all but renders the pictures washable end enables the
glass to be dispensed with; this may be an advantage as glass has a tendency to cause reflections and
can get broken. The frame should set off the picture and be in keeping with the style of the room. Pictures
are frequently hung too high; they should normally be about eye level and there should be no cord or wire
showing. It is possible to hire pictures and in most schemes the pictures are changed about twice a year.
There are some rooms which are used mainly in artificial light and disappointing results have been
obtained when the dcor has been planned in daylight. The majority of room are, of course, seen in both
artificial and daylight. It must be remembered that parts of the room in shadow during the day, eg curtains,
may not be so at night and for good decoration at all times much will depend on the type and positioning
of the lights.

HEATING AND VENTILATION:

The comfort of the human body is dependent on its being surrounded by

moving air of a suitable temperature, humidity and composition, and it is
important that these conditions should be produced with the minimum
amount of cost and inconvenience and with some consideration for the
design and decoration of the place.
Individuals vary as to their idea of suitable conditions but it is generally
accepted that there should be:
a temperature of between 15"20C,
a relative humidity of between 40-60 %,
not less than 2,800 cn-P of fresh air per person per hour.
commended standards of warmth are:
lounges 20 -21 C,
bedrooms 1316C,
general offices 20C,
Unit 2

factories, depending on work, 13 -18 C,

general spaces, entrances, stairs etc 16 C,
The occupants of a room contribute continually to the temperature and humidity of the room and where
there is a large number of people more changes of air per hour may be necessary if the occupants are to
feel no discomfort..
It is usual to expect the number of air changes per hour to be, in:
Kitchens 20-60
Bathrooms 6
Cloakrooms 2
ln most places, bedrooms and lounges etc are ventilated naturally by the use of the windows, but for such
places as bathrooms, cloakrooms, restaurants and kitchens some mechanical means may be necessary
to introduce fresh air and/ or extract stale air. In the case of internal bathrooms in London extract
ventilation is essential to conform with by-laws, but there need be no fresh air inlets. Great care should be
taken in the sitting of the inlets and outlets to prevent draughts, the feeling of stagnation and
unsightliness. In most establishments, there is some form of central heating and the circulating medium
may be hot water, steam or warm air produced by the combustion of solid fuel, oil or coal gas, or by the
use of electricity. In many systems radiators are required. The position and type of radiators or grilles
need careful consideration from the point of view of appearance, ease of cleaning and efficiency of the
system. The trend is for the radiator to be enclosed behind a grille; thus difficult and constant cleaning is
avoided and the arrangement of furniture is easier. Grilles for warm air should be placed so that they are
as inconspicuous as possible. In modern establishments full air conditioning plants are installed when
filtered air, at controlled degrees of temperature and relative humidity, enters the individual rooms. Room
inlets, mostly in the form of grilles, are generally made of metal but plaster or wooden ones are available
when required to be used from a decorative point of view. Extract gratings remove the air from the room
when up to 66 per cent may be re circulated after being mixed with at least 34 per cent fresh air and
warmed or cooled, dried or moistened as required. Most air conditioning systems work best when the
windows in the building are closed, and so eliminating noise. In buildings not fully centrally heated or
where there is no central heating, other forms of local heating appliances, such as radiant and convector
gas on electric fires, will be provided in particular places, for the comfort of theguests and staff. These
should be chosen for their appearance as well as their efficiency. The efficiency of a radiant electric fire is
dependent on the shininess of the reflector and so this must be kept dust free and polished. Heating units
incorporating air cleaning facilities are available and may be used in bedrooms etc where air conditioning
is not yet installed. All open fires, be they solid fuel, gas or electric, must be adequately guarded. ln public
rooms and suites, coal fires aid ventilation, are cheerful and give-it pleasing focal point, providing the
fireplace is in keeping with the rest of the dcor. Coal fires heat rooms unequally and are inadequate for
the heating of large rooms without some form of supplementary heating. These, and the fact that they
involve a great deal of work, account for their decreasing use; in most instances now their main purpose is
as a focal point and not for heating.

Energy saving

Space heating accounts for 45 % of total energy spent in an establishment,

half of which is lost by transmission through walls, windows, roof and floor
of the building.
Energy may be saved by:
use of thick curtains, fitted carpets, close fitting doors and windows,
entrance lobbies, edge sealing of windows and reflective material behind
radiators,
use of timing devices and thermostats, including thermostatic valves on
individual radiators,
controlling the temperature of domestic hot water, 40-45 for bathrooms,
60C for kitchens,
encouraging the use of showers,
use of spray taps in cloakrooms,
isolating areas which may not be in use (using computer controlled
systems),
good maintenance of taps, heating and dish washing equipment,
ensuring efficiency of the heating source and system, eg regular
maintenance, no obstruction of radiators and heating ducts, lagging of pipes

HOUSE KEEPING DEPARTMENT

The major space in a hotel is devoted to guest rooms and corridors. Number and variety of ways to
Unit 2

conserve energy in these areas are startling. Although the energy conserved in one room or corridor does
not seem significant, but when multiplied by 100 or so rooms, it does become significant. Some of the
opportunities for Housekeeping Department where they can significantly contribute to energy saving listed
below:-
01. Turn off guest room lights when rooms are not physically occupied.
02. Use minimum lighting when making up and cleaning rooms. Use natural light whenever possible.
03. Turn off corridor lights, or reduce it to 50% when natural light is available.
04. Turn off lights in linen rooms, storage room and maids closets when not in use.
05. Check your areas for light level. Reduce number of lights if possible. Use lower wattage bulbs
wherever possible.
06. Have lamp shades cleaned at once. Bulb gives more light with clean lampshades.
07. Keep walls and ceiling walls cleaned for better light reflection.
08. Switch off music & TV Sets when rooms are not physically occupied.
09. Turn off HVAC system when rooms are not physically occupied.
10. Report water leaks immediately
11. Keep windows closed and curtain on. The ingress of hot air in summer and cold air during winter
contribute to very large waste or energy. For example 6 wide window opened just one inch would
allow hot air necessitating 1.76 kwh to cool. This in terms of monetary value, will cost approx. Rs.
1150/- per hour.
12. Keep room hot water temperature at lowest acceptable limit.
13. Minimize use of lights during night cleaning by switching on only those lights which are actually
required to clean a particular area.
14. I Most ve-star hotels wash bed linen on a daily basis. Since the linen is almost always very lightly
soiled, the department mayin consultation with the management-draw up a policy for laundering bed
linen only once in 23 days unless perceptibly soiled. This practice can save a large amount of water.
The ideal way to introduce this policy would be to leave the option to guests. A tent card that states the
purpose behind the same will always encourage the guests to oblige. Providing relevant water
conservation statistics.

LAUNDARY DEPARTMENT
One of the large consumers of water and heat, the hotel laundry is an outlet that can significantly reduce
energy consumption with no effect on guest comfort or satisfaction. Some of the important points to
achieve desired results are listed below:-
01.Have lights turned off when not in use.
02.Periodically clean lamps and lights fixtures.
03.Clean and wash walls, floors and ceiling
04.Operate washing machines at full load, partial loads may require same amount water as full
loads.
05.Check and record your water consumption. Compare water consumption daily to find wastages, if
any.
06.Do not leave water taps running.
07.Consider using cold water detergents. It will greatly reduce energy consumption.
08.Reduce hot water temperature to 120 oF.
09. Repair or replace all hot water piping insulation.
10. All steam line values should be checked for leaks. That is, you should be able to shut off steam to
any machine not in use keeping steam supply main open.
11. If possible use final rinse water for 1st wash.
12. Reduce time between loads to prevent tumblers from cooling down.
13. Air line should be checked for leaks.
14. Periodically clean exhaust duct and blower of lint and dust.
15. Keep steam pressure at lowest possible level.
16. Shut off steam valve whenever machine is not being utilised.
17. Keep radiator coils and fins free from dirt all the times.
18. Ensure all steam traps in perfect working order.
19. Keep an eye on the preventive maintenance schedule of all laundry equipments by Engineering
Department to ensure timely compliance.
20. Ensure that Drying tumblers and washing machines are kept clean and free from scale at all
times.
21. Switch off laundry exhaust fans when laundry is closed.
22. Ensure that extractors are working properly. Incomplete extraction increased load on dryer and
consumes more energy for drying.
23. Reschedule machine operation to reduce peak demand charges.
Unit 2

24.The Final rinse water should be used for the first wash of the next batch of
soiled linen.
25. Biodegradable detergents should be used.
Use biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals in all cleaning and laundry
operations. Use non-toxic cleaners, sanitizers, paints, pesticides, and so on
throughout the hotel.
26. Guest supplies and amenities, provided by the housekeeping department for
guests should be biodegradable and eco-friendly.
27. Minimize the amount of paper used for each guestthat is, reduce the size of
paper invoices and similar document..
28. Water from the laundry can be treated and used for watering plants.
29. The executive housekeeper should create an incentive programme to encourage
staff to participate in and improve upon environment-friendly practices.

Eco-friendly guest supplies and stationery

The use of eco friendly stationery goes a long way in promoting environmental-
Friendly practices. The following practices can be followed in the purchase and use
of guest supplies and stationery in hotels.
30. whenever possible, buy guest amenities in bulk. Use rellable dispensers for hair and skincare
products.
Buy guest products that contain recycled materials.
31,For guest stationery, use recycled-paper products (with a high post-consumer recycled content) that
are either unbleached or bleached using a chlorine-free process.
32.All guest supplies-soaps, shampoos, and foaming bath liquids-should be biodegradable.
33. Reusable, non-disposable cups and mugs should be provided to guests for in-room beverages. Place
cups and mugs upside down on paper doilies instead of covering them with plastic wrapping. Provide
cloth napkins and ceramic dishes too, as these are reusable.
34. Provide morning newspapers in public areas for community access instead of individual room
distribution. This reduces paper waste by 60 per cent.
35. Replace paper hand towels with air dryers in restrooms.
36. Donate leftover guest amenities, mattresses, old furniture, and so on to charities.

IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING:

Light is life. Lighting level, light color, modeling and changes from light to darkness impact on the rhythm
of our daily lives, on our sense of wellbeing and on our mood.
Above all, however, light is the medium that enables us to see. 80 percent of the information we receive
about the world around us is gathered by our eyes. Insufficient light or darkness prevents us getting our
bearings and make us feel insecure. A sense of security at night is restored only when the darkness is
banished by artificial lighting.
Over the centuries, the phenomenon of "light" has been studied and its mysteries explained by physics:
light is visible electromagnetic radiation transmitted by a light source in waves. And it takes time to move
from its point of origin to the eye of the observer. In a vacuum, light travels at a velocity of 300,000 km/s
(speed of light). Each wavelength has a distinct colour appearance.

Natural light is responsible for everything we see in the world around us. It informs our perception
of color, it determines how we read shape and texture, and it animates our surroundings with patterns of
light and shadow. Yet despite its importance light is often taken for granted. An increasingly urban lifestyle
does not lend itself to making the most of daylight, and often many of our waking hours are spent indoors
in semi-darkness. Only if we stand still and contemplate light as it changes throughout the day or from
season to season-a pale mauve sunset on a stormy day or the luminous effect of light after snow-can we
appreciate its poser to transform world, both outside and inside.
Without light we see nothing. When we look at an object, we are in fact interpreting the light that is
reflected from it. Our eyes are continuously responding to light, changing adapting and manipulating it,
reducing or increasing contrast. Yet light is much more than simply what we see. It fundamentally affects
how we feel and it influences our moods. Sunny, light-filled days result in many more happy, smiling faces
Unit 2

a sense of joy and well being, whereas rainy, overcast days tend to create depression, making us slower
and less positive about life.

UNIT 5 SAFETY AND SECURITY

INTRODUCTION
Security has always been a concern for hotels worldwide. Security of guest and his property and the hotel
property as well is of great concern for the hotel. In India very few cases (hardly any) have been filed in the
civil court asking for compensation for alleged security deficiencies whereas in the U.S. hundreds of cases
of negligence leading to law suits for large sums (thousands of dollars) are filed. A hotel would always
prefer to have an out-of-court settlement to not only avoid money and time wastage but also to
keep itself from controversy and save its reputation. At any reasonable cost, the hotel management would
want the complaint withdrawn.
16.2 SECURITY SYSTEM
The hotel should have a proper security system to protect the human beings (guests and the staffs),
physical resources and assets (buildings, equipments, appliances) and also the belongings of the
guests i.e. his luggage and property and sometimes even pets. There are two types of security threats
hotels should be concerned with:
1. Threats that might affect a guests health, comfort or wellbeing.
2. Threats that affect the hotel directly, in particular its fixtures and fittings, its revenue and its reputation.
Therefore, it is important for the hotel management to select reputable and reliable system and agency or
agencies which will provide protection against all such threats which will create problem for the hotel.
16.2.1 Safety and Security Measures
1. Resident card (identity card) has to be provided to the employees and insisted to use them regularly at
all times during work.
2. Key control system should be employed. Bellboy errand card should be instituted.
3. Maintain record of master key used by staff.
4. Housekeepers occupancy report to be made regularly. Proper procedure of checking keys in rack should
be followed.
5. Double lock system, magic eye and a door chain system to be installed.
6. Proper left luggage system to be followed.
7. Safety lockers for guest valuables should be provided.
8. Smoke detectors to be installed.
9. Install modern and efficient fire fighting system.
10. Proper regular maintenance of equipment, appliances and building should be carried out.
11. Install close circuit camera at parking and other strategic areas in the hotel.
12. Fire escape route must be designed and highlighted.
13. Frequent patrolling by the security staff must be made.
14. Security frisking (body check) if needed (without offending the guest).
15. Heavy drapes to be drawn during night on windows and exposed glass panels to cut out external light.
16. Computer and data processing security installed (for safeguarding of computer information, so that it
does not reach the competitors and protection against virus in the program me.)
17. Preferably use computerized magnetic keys or room keys.
18. Employ a house detective.

16.3 TYPES OF SECURITY

Security can be classified under following aspects:
1. Physical aspects
2. Security of persons (guest and staff)
3. Security of systems
16.3.1 Physical Aspects
Physical aspects of security can further be sub-divided into two parts:
(i) internal and
(ii) external.
Internal Security:
Against theft (close circuit camera and burglars alarms).
Fire security (smoke detectors, fire alarm, water sprinklers, fire extinguishers).
Proper lighting of corridors, fire escape, basement and other areas).
Safeguarding assets (proper inventory, regular physical checks, etc.)
Unit 2

Keeping track of unwanted guests.

External Security:
Proper lighting of boundary and outside of the building.
Proper fencing of the building.
Fencing of pool area to avoid accidents at night.
Planting of shrubbery can also help in restricting perimeter access into the properly.
Avoid poisonous and thorny bushes, barbed wire and electric fencing.
Manning of service gates to restrict entry.
Fixing of closed circuit T.V. cameras.
16.3.2 Security Aspects of Persons
Security aspects of persons can further be subdivided into two parts:
(i) staff and
(ii) guests.
Staff:
A fourteen points effective programme for staffs is suggested as follows:
i) Rigorous recruitment and selection procedure: References checked, properly screened etc.
ii) Identification of staff: Issue identity badges and use distinct uniform for easy identification.
iii) Key control: Maid should carry the key in her possession and issuance and return should be properly
recorded.
iv) Red tag system: Proper system for hotel property being taken out.
v) Training: Proper training to employees to note unusual things, safety drills and fire fighting skills.
vi) Adherence to management policy of security: An employee disregarding company policy should not be
confirmed.
vii) Trash handling: Trash should be checked to see if employees are smuggling out things out of hotel with
trash.
viii) Employees parking: Proper checking of employees vehicles at the time of going off duty. If possible it
should be isolated from the main parking/ guest parking.
ix) Locker inspection: From time to time surprise checking of staff lockers.
x) Inventory records of linen, stores and other items.
xi) Bring in experts (snoops): Hire an outsider, bring him as a guest to check and report about the culprit
staffs.
xii) Security consciousness: Guest should be told to be careful about his property.
xiii) Entrust employees: Employees should be asked to report about suspected persons - guests with
scanty baggage etc.
xiv) Set example: Management should follow these rules and should encourage employees to follow the
same.
Guests:
i) A guest suspected of taking away hotel property should be charged on the bill. Not many guests will
protest if told they are being charged for souvenirs.
ii) Scanty baggage guest should be carefully watched.
iii) Rooms should not be opened for guests coming and saying that they have left their keys inside unless
their identity is established.
iv) Personal belongings of guest may be stolen, guest may be subjected to criminal assault, etc
v) Employee should be instructed not to divulge information about guests to outsiders.
vi) Any suspicious person roaming in corridor must be immediately reported.
vii) Housekeeping staff should ensure never to leave keys lying exposed on unattended carts in corridors.
Security Aspect of Systems
Security aspect of systems in hotel is equally important to physical and persons security. The objective of
such security is to safeguard the assets of the hotel. Systems, procedures and the policies followed
properly shall safeguard the assets and shall increase the life span of equipment.
i) Record all losses and missing items immediately.
ii) Inventory control should be proper.
iii) Auditing should be done on regular basis.
iv) Proper system for cash receipts and disbursements should be created and followed.

HANDLING SECURITY THREATS

1) Protecting Guests from Fire

Unit 2

One of the major threats is that of fire. Although we have not had loss of life in hotels in India (perhaps as a
result of our methods of construction and the absence of wall to wall carpeting) hotels here are also bound
by law to take necessary fire safety precautions.
A front office manager is duty bound to ensure that he is satisfied with a hotels:
fire detection systems
fire containment provisions
escape procedures
fire-fighting equipment
2) Terrorist Threats
There is little, if anything, a front office manager and his staff may do if there is some kind of threat from
terrorist attack. However,bomb threats are received by someone at the front line a telephonist or a front
office clerk - and a procedure must be in place to ensure that all the information that can be gathered about
the nature of the threat is recorded thoroughly investigated.
3) Threats to Privacy
It is the duty of front office to protect the privacy of its guests even and perhaps especially if they are in the
public eye. However, it is not only the privacy of VIP guests that must be respected but also every one of
our guests is entitled to his or her own privacy. Steps must be taken to ensure that information about our
guests is not divulged to outsiders. Giving room numbers to individuals other than the persons being
accommodated in those rooms is unethical and should be avoided at all costs.
4) Threats to Guests Property
Although the hoteliers liability is limited, it is in the interests of protecting the reputation of the hotel to
ensure the safety of its guests and their property if anything to protect the reputation of the hotel. If the
hotel is in an unsafe area, or in an area frequented by unscrupulous characters, guests should be made
aware of this, especially if they intend to venture out of the hotel at night.
5) Confidence Tricksters or Conmen
There is very little a hotel can do if a confidence trickster makes his way into a guests life. These types of
people often settle their own room accounts and are simply guests from a hotel point of view. However,
when the identity of a conman is known the hotel is ethically bound to blacklist him and refuse him
accommodation in the hotel, perhaps even inform the police as a community service gesture.
6) Misbehaving Guests
Guests themselves may also threaten each others enjoyment. If a traveller turns up in a drunken state
asking for a room a hotel is entitled to refuse him on the grounds that he is not in a fit state to be received.
This is true even if he already has a booking /reservation, as he has broken one of the implied conditions of
the contract. Similarly if the guest misbehaves throughout his stay the hotel is not obliged to let him stay.
When guests complain about being kept awake by a noisy couple or a drunkard next door, it is not
good enough to tell a disturbed guest that nothing can be done about that. One must employ considerable
tact in dealing with such situations and settle problems satisfactorily.
7) Protecting Staff
Staff should be able to work in a harmonious and secure environment. In this sense, all measures taken to
protect guests will provide further security for employees. Some guests are unscrupulous and although it is
highly unlikely that guests will rob staff property some guests may make the integrity of the staff
questionable. Unfortunately this may happen to female staff who refuse sexual advances from guests. It is
in the interest of the hotel to protect its staff by ensuring that the integrity of employees is safeguarded and
it would be unwise for a manager to immediately accept the guests complaint without hearing the
employees version of events.
8) Theft from Hotel
It is unfortunate that even the wealthiest of guests may have a propensity to pilfer a hotels property as a
souvenir. This normally happens at check out when a guest leaves the hotel with a variety of items
virtually anything that is not securely fastened down: soap, towels, mats, sheets, blankets, coat hangers,
lamps, trouser presses, electric kettles, TV sets and even plumbing fixtures.
9) Walk-outs, Skippers or Runners
There are a number of guests who leave without paying bills. These guests can generally be divided into
three groups:
The accidentals - these are guests who simply forget to pay, often their extras bills. Most of these guests
do not intend to leave the hotel without paying they simply believe their account is being settled by
someone else.When contacted these guests pay their bill immediately and are highly embarrassed. The
hotel should deal with them tactfully and courteously.
Opportunists. These guests check in with the intention of paying their bill on departure, but when they
realise that they can get away with not paying their bill (or simply a transaction that should have found itself
on their bill eg. last minute breakfast or minibar consumption) they make a run for it.
Unit 2

Premeditators. These are guests who, from the start, have the intention of leaving the hotel without
paying.Some of these guests go into considerable lengths in order to avoid paying. These guests generally
stay for short periods and will move to other hotels as soon as payment is demanded. Experienced room
staff can often detect premeditated walkouts.
10) Immorality
An immoral contract, under our law, is void. A contract must be based on a lawful consideration (Section
966 of the Civil Code) if it is not, then it may not be enforceable in a court of law. It is in the interest of a
hotel to discourage prostitution, not only because the hotel has a reputation to protect but also because
prostitution may bring about a number of difficulties. Similarly a hotel must ensure that other illegal
practices, such as illegal gambling, are not conducted on its premises.