By Samantha Frieson, EHP II, Guest Contributor
Most of us have lived this scenario: It's late, and you have been traveling all day. As you finish your day's driving, you just want to check into your hotel, take a nice long bath, and drift off to sleep. North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Food and Lodging Unit helps ensure that you can sleep soundly by requiring all lodging establishments to be licensed and inspected. North Dakota Century Code and Administrative Code keep all lodging establishments secure through well-established safety and sanitation principles.
Routine inspections are conducted on existing lodging establishments to verify compliance with state codes. New constructions and changes of ownership for existing establishments are thoroughly assessed through a plan review process. This process begins with the submission of a license application and floor plan, which are reviewed. The Lodging Regulatory Authority, comprised of the Food & Lodging Unit and Local Public Health Units, in conjunction with the North Dakota State Fire Marshal's Office and Local Fire Authorities, is consulted to determine if the establishment meets fire code and can, therefore, be licensed.
Some examples of items that are looked at in the lodging review are:
- Smoke alarms in each sleeping room are functioning and tested on a regular basis
- Exit signs and emergency lighting are installed as required
- Fire alarm systems are installed in lodging facilities that have a common exit hallway and are either more than three stories or have more than 20 sleeping units
- Fire extinguishers on each level of the building and within 75 feet of any point in the building
These are just a few of the many code requirements set forth by Food and Lodging and the Fire Code. A lodging establishment is broadly defined as a building with more than five rooms and/or more than ten guests. No two lodging establishments are the same and many require corrections to bring them into compliance with code before a license may be issued. This is just a small way that we at the Food and Lodging Unit keep lodging guests safe.
For further information, contact the DHHS Food and Lodging Unit at 701.328.1291 and foodandlodging@nd.gov or check out our webpage.