As a pub or club owner, the safety of your guests should always be your top priority. After all, yours is a place where people come to unwind and socialise, and it’s your responsibility to ensure they can do so in a safe environment.
But safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.
As one of Sydney’s most trusted suppliers of quality hospitality furniture, we believe that with the right approach, you can create a space that is not only secure but also stylish and comfortable.
Today we’ll explore how you can achieve this balance by examining 4 essential ways to ensure customer safety while furnishing your pub or club, all while adhering to local regulations and safety codes for commercial furniture.
- Choose Sturdy and Stable Furniture
The first and most fundamental aspect of furniture safety is ensuring that the pieces you select are sturdy and stable. In a busy environment like a pub or club, where furniture is frequently moved, leaned on, or knocked against, flimsy or poorly constructed pieces can pose a significant hazard, and unstable tables, chairs, or barstools can easily tip over, leading to accidents and injuries.
Opt for furniture that is specifically designed for commercial use, as it’s built to withstand heavier wear and tear compared to residential furniture. Look for items made from high-quality materials such as solid wood, metal, or reinforced plastics, and ensure that all pieces have a wide, stable base.
For chairs and barstools, check that the legs are evenly balanced and that the joints are secure. Here in Australia, the stability of furniture is governed by standards such as AS/NZS 4688, which outlines the safety requirements for commercial seating. Be sure to choose furniture that complies with these regulations.
- Prioritize Fire-Resistant Materials
Fires are a serious risk in any hospitality setting, particularly in pubs and clubs where alcohol is served, and cooking facilities are often in use. Upholstered furniture, in particular, can be a fire hazard if not made from fire-resistant materials.
When choosing upholstered furniture, ensure that the fabrics and fillings are fire-retardant. The AS/NZS 3744 standard provides guidelines on the fire resistance of upholstered furniture. Choose materials that meet or exceed these standards, such as treated leather or synthetic fabrics designed to resist ignition.
- Incorporate Rounded Edges and Ergonomic Designs
Sharp edges on furniture can lead to painful injuries, especially in a crowded setting where guests may brush against tables, counters, or chairs as they move about. Rounded edges are a simple yet effective way to minimise the risk of cuts and bruises, enhancing the overall safety of your establishment.
Look for furniture with rounded corners and smooth edges. Not only do these designs reduce the risk of injury, but they also contribute to a softer, more inviting aesthetic. Ergonomic furniture, designed with comfort and ease of use in mind, can further enhance safety by reducing strain on the body.
- Ensure Slip-Resistant Flooring and Stable Seating
Spilt drinks, wet shoes, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy pub or club can quickly turn floors into slip hazards. Because falls are one of the most common causes of injury in hospitality settings, it is important to address this risk proactively.
Start by choosing slip-resistant flooring materials, such as textured tiles, rubber, or treated wood. Make sure your flooring complies with the Australian Standard AS 4586, which specifies the slip resistance requirements for pedestrian surfaces.
You should also ensure all seating is equipped with non-slip footings or pads to prevent movement on smooth floors. Barstools should have stable, wide bases and footrests that offer extra support.
Style and Safety: A Winning Combination
At Have a Seat, we understand that as a pub or club owner, you want to create a space that reflects your brand’s personality and offers a welcoming atmosphere for your patrons. But we also understand that you must ensure your space is safe and compliant with Australian regulations. By choosing sturdy, fire-resistant, ergonomically designed furniture and slip-resistant flooring, you can create a space that is both stylish and secure.
Stop by our showroom in Smithfield to explore a wide range of commercial furniture that meets the highest standards of safety and style. Our expert team is happy to help you find the perfect pieces that will look great in your space and keep your customers safe and happy.
Remember, safety and style are not mutually exclusive—at Have a Seat, you can (and should) have both!