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Safety & Hygiene Management and Other Basic Knowledge (Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response, Food Poisoning Prevention, Facility & Environment)

Accommodation (Hotel) · 宿泊分野 · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Understanding Risks, Daily Disaster Preparedness, and Securing Evacuation Routes

Because many guests stay at accommodation facilities every day, protecting guests' lives and safety from disasters such as fires and earthquakes is the most important duty of accommodation staff.

To act calmly in an emergency, actively participate in regular 'disaster drills for fires and earthquakes (evacuation drills and fire extinguishing drills)' and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the 'Emergency Response Manual'.

In addition, confirm in advance the locations and operating instructions of in-house 'fire alarms (Kasai hochiki)', 'fire extinguishers (Shokaki)', and 'guest room evacuation equipment (such as evacuation ladders)'.

So that guests can evacuate safely at any time during an emergency, inspect and organize the facility daily, ensuring that you 'never place luggage or objects around emergency exits (Hijoguchi), evacuation corridors, or stairways'.

Understanding Risks, Daily Disaster Preparedness, and Securing Evacuation Routes

Key points


  • Participate regularly in disaster drills and know the 'Emergency Response Manual' and evacuation routes.

  • Confirm the locations and usage of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and guest room evacuation equipment in advance.

  • Never place objects around emergency exits or evacuation corridors so guests can evacuate at any time.
WordMeaning
disaster drills and evacuation drills (Bosai kunren / Hinan kunren)
fire alarms and fire extinguishers (Kasai hochiki / Shokaki)
emergency exits and evacuation corridors (Hijoguchi / Hinan tsuro)
emergency response manual (Kinkyuji taio manual)

Preparedness and Initial Response for Sudden Illness, Infectious Diseases, and Suspicious Objects/Persons

In preparation for cases where a staying guest suddenly falls ill or gets injured, know the locations and contact numbers of nearby hospitals (including night emergency hospitals), and call an ambulance immediately by dialing '119' in serious cases.

To prevent the outbreak and spread of 'infectious diseases (Kansensho)' such as influenza or norovirus, practice thorough daily ventilation and alcohol sanitization, and promptly report to your supervisor if any guest is suspected of being infected.

If you find an unattended 'suspicious object (Fushinbutsu)' inside the facility, 'never touch or move it' because of the danger of explosives; report it immediately to your supervisor or security personnel.

Always pay attention to your surroundings so 'suspicious persons (Fushinsha)' who are not guests do not enter guest room floors; if you spot a suspicious person, do not confront them alone—coordinate with your supervisor and multiple staff members.

Key points


  • Know nearby hospitals in case of sudden guest illness, and promptly call an ambulance via 119 in emergencies.

  • When discovering a suspicious object inside the building, do not touch it—immediately report it to a supervisor.

  • Stay vigilant against infectious diseases and suspicious persons, and immediately report and share any abnormalities.
WordMeaning
handling sudden illness and ambulances (Kyubyonin taio / Kyukyusha)
infectious disease prevention (Kansensho yobo)
suspicious objects and suspicious persons (Fushinbutsu / Fushinsha)
reporting without touching (Furezuni hokoku suru)

Ensuring Guest Safety (Personal Information Protection, Fire Prevention, and Guide Dogs)

So guests can stay with peace of mind, strictly manage 'personal information (Kojin joho)' such as guest registries, credit card details, and room numbers; never leave them unattended on the front counter or leak them outside.

For daily fire prevention, never place flammable items such as 'linens (sheets, towels, etc.)', cardboard boxes, or kitchen waste near open flames or heat sources such as stoves and heaters.

When cleaning guest rooms or inspecting smoking areas, always verify that any 'cigarette butts (Tabako no suigara)' left in ashtrays are completely extinguished, dousing them in water before disposal to prevent fires.

Provide attentive support to elderly guests and guests with disabilities to prevent falls or accidents. If a visually impaired guest arrives with a 'guide dog (Modoken, or service/hearing dog)', never refuse them—accepting assistance dogs is mandated by law.

Key points


  • Strictly protect guests' personal information so it is never seen by third parties or leaked outside.

  • Prevent fires by keeping linens and garbage away from heat sources and verifying cigarette butts are completely extinguished.

  • Never refuse accommodation or restaurant entry to guests accompanied by a guide dog (Modoken) or assistance dog.
WordMeaning
personal information protection (Kojin joho hogo)
confirming cigarette butts are extinguished
linens (sheets, towels, etc.)
guide dogs and assistance dogs (Modoken)

Emergency Response (Prohibition of Elevators, Dialing 119 vs. 110, and AED)

In the event a fire breaks out in the facility, alert those around you in a loud voice, notify the fire department, perform 'initial fire extinguishing (Shoki shoka)' with fire extinguishers to the extent possible, and 'guide guests to evacuate (Hinan yudo)' to a safe location.

When a fire or earthquake occurs, 'never use elevators for evacuation'. Because power outages can cause elevators to stop mid-shaft and trap people inside, always guide guests to evacuate using the 'emergency stairs (Hijo kaidan)'.

In Japan, emergency telephone numbers are '119' for fires or medical emergencies (ambulances / fire department), and '110' for crimes, theft, or traffic accidents (police). Memorize both accurately so you never confuse them.

Additionally, the medical device that delivers an electric shock to save the life of a person in cardiac arrest is the 'AED (Automated External Defibrillator)'. Confirm its installation locations (such as the lobby) and how to use it.

Emergency Response (Prohibition of Elevators, Dialing 119 vs. 110, and AED)

Key points


  • During a fire or earthquake evacuation, 'never use elevators'; always guide guests via the emergency stairs.

  • Emergency numbers in Japan: Fire & Ambulance (Fire Department) is '119'; Crime & Accidents (Police) is '110'.

  • An 'AED (Automated External Defibrillator)' delivers an electric shock during cardiac arrest; know where it is located.
WordMeaning
initial fire fighting and evacuation guidance (Shoki shoka / Hinan yudo)
prohibition of elevator use during emergencies
119 (Fire & Ambulance) and 110 (Police)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Staff Hygiene Management and Health Management (Gargling & Handwashing)

At accommodation facilities where staff interact with many guests and provide meals and guest rooms, each employee's clean grooming and hygiene habits support the hygiene standards of the entire facility.

Always wear a laundered, 'clean uniform', and keep your hair and fingernails neat and clean. Do not wear strongly scented perfume or hair products, as they can cause discomfort to guests or interfere with meals.

As the foundation for not bringing in or spreading viruses and bacteria, practice frequent 'gargling and handwashing (Ugai / Tearai)' and alcohol hand sanitization upon arriving at work, after using the restroom, after cleaning, and before serving food.

Maintain your health through sufficient daily sleep and nutrition. If you experience poor health such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, do not force yourself to come to work; promptly report to your supervisor and follow their instructions.

Staff Hygiene Management and Health Management (Gargling & Handwashing)

Key points


  • Always wear a clean uniform, keep hair and nails neat, and do not wear strongly scented perfume.

  • To prevent infectious diseases and food poisoning, perform frequent 'gargling and handwashing' during daily work.

  • If you have symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, do not hide them on your own judgment—report promptly to your supervisor.
WordMeaning
clean uniform and grooming
thorough gargling and handwashing (Ugai / Tearai)
alcohol hand sanitization
health management and reporting health condition

Facility Hygiene (Checking Temperature & Humidity) and Three Principles of Food Poisoning Prevention

Keep both the interior and exterior (such as around the entrance) of the facility clean at all times; whenever you spot trash, dirt, or water spills, do not leave them unattended—'clean them up immediately on the spot'.

Because the growth of mold, mites, pests, and food-poisoning bacteria depends heavily on weather conditions, check the 'daily weather, temperature, and humidity (Mainichi no tenki, kion, shitsudo)' and perform appropriate ventilation, dehumidification, and air conditioning.

In accommodation facilities that serve food and drinks, food poisoning is a serious accident that can lead to suspension of business. Therefore, strictly observe the 'Three Principles of Food Poisoning Prevention': '(1) Do not contaminate (Tsukenai)', '(2) Do not let bacteria multiply (Fuyasanai)', and '(3) Destroy bacteria (Yattsukeru)'.

'(1) Tsukenai' means handwashing, sanitizing utensils, and separating raw ingredients; '(2) Fuyasanai' means prompt refrigerated/frozen storage (low-temperature control); and '(3) Yattsukeru' means thorough cooking to the core and sterilizing utensils.

Key points


  • Clean up any interior or exterior dirt immediately, and check 'daily weather, temperature, and humidity' to prevent mold and pests.

  • The 3 principles of food poisoning prevention are: '(1) Do not attach (Tsukenai)', '(2) Do not multiply (Fuyasanai)', and '(3) Destroy (Yattsukeru)'.

  • Practice thorough handwashing/utensil sanitization (Tsukenai), low-temperature storage (Fuyasanai), and thorough heating (Yattsukeru).
WordMeaning
checking daily weather, temperature, and humidity
preventing mold and pests (Kabi / Gaichu)
Three Principles of Food Poisoning Prevention
Do not attach, Do not multiply, Destroy (Tsukenai / Fuyasanai / Yattsukeru)

Facility & Equipment Management and Back-of-House Organization (5S Activities)

So that guests can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay, check daily whether air conditioners (HVAC), lighting, plumbing, furniture, and fixtures in guest rooms and public areas have any malfunctions or damage.

If you discover any equipment defect or breakdown, do not leave it unattended; promptly report it to the 'facility management person in charge (Shisetsu kanri tantosha)' or your supervisor to arrange repairs.

When guests share opinions or requests regarding facilities—such as 'it would be nice to have handrails on the stairs or in the bath' or 'I wish there were a ramp over the step'—record them accurately to help improve facility accessibility (barrier-free upgrades).

Furthermore, keep back-of-house areas (Backyard) such as staff offices and storage rooms neat and organized, practicing '5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain)' to improve work efficiency and safety.

Key points


  • Check air conditioning, lighting, and fixtures daily, and immediately report any malfunction to the facility manager.

  • Record and share guest requests for equipment such as handrails and ramps to help create a safer facility.

  • Thoroughly practice 5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke) in back-of-house (backyard) areas as well.
WordMeaning
daily inspection of equipment and fixtures
reporting to the facility management person in charge
handrails (Tesuri) and ramps (Slopes)
5S activities (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke)

Environmental Considerations and SDGs (Saving Electricity & Water, Waste Sorting & Resource Conservation)

In recent years, the accommodation industry is also expected to actively engage in 'SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)' to protect the global environment and build a sustainable society.

The basics of environmental consideration in daily work are 'saving electricity (Setsuden)' by turning off lights and air conditioners in unused rooms and back-of-house areas, and 'saving water (Sessui)' by not leaving water running during cleaning or dishwashing.

In addition, reduce 'paper waste' by reusing scrap paper and digitizing documents, and thoroughly practice 'waste sorting (Gomi no bunbetsu: burnable trash, recyclable resources, etc.)' according to local government and facility rules.

Furthermore, actively practice and propose ideas that lead to recycling and resource conservation, such as eco-cleaning (reducing sheet changes for multi-night stays), reducing plastic amenities, and reducing food loss.

Key points


  • Practice 'saving electricity (Setsuden)' by turning off unused lights/AC and 'saving water (Sessui)' by avoiding water waste.

  • Eliminate paper waste and thoroughly practice 'waste sorting (Bunbetsu)' and recycling to reduce environmental impact.

  • From an SDGs perspective, promote initiatives for plastic reduction, food loss reduction, and resource conservation.
WordMeaning
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
saving electricity and saving water (Setsuden / Sessui)
waste sorting and recycling (Gomi no bunbetsu / Recycle)
resource conservation and food loss reduction

Frequently Tested Points and Memory Tips

In emergency response, the 3 most frequently tested items are: 'Never use elevators during a fire or earthquake (use emergency stairs)', 'Fire & Ambulance = 119, Police = 110', and 'Life-saving device for cardiac arrest = AED'.

For safety and barrier-free service, firmly remember: 'Never place objects around emergency exits or evacuation corridors', 'Keep linens and garbage away from flames and verify cigarette butts are extinguished', and 'Never refuse a guide dog (Modoken)'.

In hygiene management, 'Three Principles of Food Poisoning Prevention = (1) Tsukenai (Do not attach), (2) Fuyasanai (Do not multiply), (3) Yattsukeru (Destroy)' and 'Check daily weather, temperature, and humidity to prevent mold and pests' are frequently tested.

In facility and environmental management, 'Report equipment malfunctions to the facility manager', 'Organize back-of-house areas (5S)', and 'Save electricity, save water, and sort garbage (SDGs)' are classic True/False topics.

Key points


  • Never use elevators during a fire or earthquake (evacuate via emergency stairs). Dial 119 for Fire/Ambulance, 110 for Police.

  • Keep emergency exits and corridors clear of objects. Never refuse guests accompanied by a guide dog (Modoken).

  • 3 principles of food poisoning prevention: 'Tsukenai, Fuyasanai, Yattsukeru'. Check daily weather, temperature, and humidity.

  • Report equipment defects to the facility manager, and record guest requests for handrails or ramps.

  • Protect the environment (SDGs) through saving electricity, saving water, saving paper, sorting waste, and recycling.
WordMeaning
evacuation guidance via emergency stairs
emergency numbers 119 & 110 and AED
Tsukenai, Fuyasanai, Yattsukeru (3 principles)
saving electricity, saving water, and sorting waste

Safety, Hygiene & Basic Knowledge

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