6th Sem | Accommodation Management | Solved Papers| 2015-16

Q1.What are the elements of the design? Explain how each of these elements contributes to creating a design?

The elements are components or parts which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or work of art. They are the structure of the work and can carry a wide variety of messages.

Elements of design:

1. Line
2. Form
3. Color
4. Texture

Line

A line is a mark made by a moving point and having psychological impact according to its direction, weight, and the variations in its direction and weight. It is an enormously useful and versatile graphic device that is made to function in both visual and verbal ways. It can act as as a symbolic language, or it can communicate emotion through its character and direction Line is not necessarily an artificial creation of the artist or designer; it exists in nature as a structural feature such as branches, or as surface design, such as striping on a tiger or a seashell. This can be seen in drawings such as the Saul Steinberg illustration shown here, or in Alexander Calder’s minimal wire sculptures, which convey a great deal of information about the figure with the most limited line.

Form

Form and shape are areas or masses which define objects in space. Form and shape imply space; indeed they cannot exist without space.

There are various ways to categorize form and shape. Form and shape can be thought of as either two dimensional or three dimensional. The two-dimensional form has a width and height. It can also create the illusion of three-dimensional objects. The three-dimensional shape has depth as well as width and height.

Color

Color is described with the words hue, value, and intensity. Hue refers to the name of the color—red or blue, for example. Value tells the lightness or darkness of a hue. Intensity refers to the brightness or dullness of a hue. You can use a color wheel and learn how colors work together in the publication.

Texture

The texture is the surface quality of an item. It’s how something feels when touched, or looks like it would feel if touched. The sandpaper is rough. Velvet is smooth. A drawing of a tree stump could show rough outer bark and a smooth inner surface. Search for ways to add texture to your projects. Texture adds variety and interest.

Space

Space refers to the area that shape or form occupies. It also refers to the background against which we see the shape or form. Space can be defined as positive and negative. The positive space of a design is the filled space in the design— often it is the shapes that make up the design. Negative space is the background. The negative space in design is as important as the positive area.

OR
What are the design principles for planning the layout of a guestroom in a hotel?

Following are the Principles Of Design:

1. Rhythm
2. Proportion
3. Emphasis
4. Balance
5. Unity

Rhythm

Rhythm is also a part of the things you see. It allows the eye to move from one part of a design to another part.

Rhythm can be created by:

• Repeating a color, shape, texture, line, or space when designing.
• Varying the size of objects, shapes, or lines in sequence (small to large).
• Using a progression of colors from tints to shades (light blue to dark blue).
• Shifting from one hue to a neighboring hue (yellow to yellow-orange to orange to red-orange to red.

Proportion

Proportion refers to the relationship between one part of a design and another part or to the whole design. It is a comparison of sizes, shapes, and quantities. For example, the relationship between the vertical and horizontal measurements of a wall hanging may be pleasing because the unequal lengths produce an interesting contrast.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the quality that draws your attention to a certain part of a design first. There are several ways to create emphasis:

• Use a contrasting color.
• Use a different or unusual line.
• Make a shape very large or very small.

Balance

Balance gives a feeling of stability. There are three types of balance.

1. Symmetrical
2. Radial
3. Asymmetrical

Symmetrical, or formal balance, is the simplest kind. An item that is symmetrically balanced is the same on both sides. Our bodies are an example of formal balance. If you draw an imaginary line from your head to your toes dividing your body in half, you will be pretty much the same on both sides.

Designs that have a radial balance have a center point. A tire, pizza, and a daisy flower are all examples of design with a radial balance. When you look through a kaleidoscope, everything you see has a radial balance.

Asymmetrical balance creates a feeling of equal weight on both sides, even though the sides do not look the same.

Unity

When things look right together, you have created unity or harmony. Lines and shapes that repeat each other show unity (curved lines with curved shapes). Colors that have a common hue are harmonious. Textures that have a similar feel add to unity.

Q.2. Colour is an important aspect in creating an environment. Draw a neat diagram of a color wheel and explain the color schemes briefly.

Color is the visual perceptual property in humans to the categories called red, green, blue and others. Color derives from the spectrum of light (distribution of light energy versus wavelength) interacting in the eye with the spectral sensitivities of the light receptors. These physical or physiological quantifications of color, however, do not fully explain the psychophysical perception of color appearance.

Warm colors are vivid in nature. They are bold and energetic. Warm colors are those that tend to advance in space; therefore, caution needs to be taken so you do not overwhelm your content with eye-catching hues. If an element in your design needs to pop out, consider using warm colors to do that.

Cool colors are soothing in nature. They give an impression of calm and rarely overpower the main content or message of the design. Cool colors tend to recede; therefore, if some element of your design needs to be in the background, give it cool tones.

Warm hues seem to advance and cool ones to recede. A cool light color on the wall thus helps to make a small room look larger. A warm color visually draws the walls in, lowers a high ceiling makes a room that is too large look more compact.

Color Wheel:

Color  Schemes:

Color harmony means a pleasing, effective, congruent and balanced combination of two or more colors or shades. It does not imply a random mixing of colors but a purposeful selection of a number of colors to get the desired effect. It is usually achieved by combining related or contrasting colors.

Related Color Harmony

1. Monochromatic harmony:
   Monochromatic harmony is otherwise referred to as one-mode or one hue harmony. It combines different intensities or values – lightness and darkness or brightness and dullness – of one color only. Examples are blue, light blue, dark blue.
2. Analogous harmony:
   Analogous harmony means a combination of two or more neighboring colors in the color chart. An example is a yellow dress, with a yellow-green collar, and ruffles with green buttons and laces.

Contrasting Color Harmony

1. Complementary harmony:
   Complementary harmony is achieved by a combination of any opposite colors in the color wheel. Blue and violet, for instance, are complementary colors.
2. Double complementary harmony:
   Double complementary harmony is the combination of two directly adjacent colors and their complements in the color chart. For example, yellow and yellow-orange when combined with violet and blue-violet may achieve harmony.
3. Split complementary harmony:
   Split complementary harmony is made by combining a primary or an intermediate color in the chart with colors on each side of its complement. This is a scheme of colors placed in the chart as to describe the letter Y.
4. Triad harmony:
   In this combination, the three colors are placed in the chart as to mark out the three points of an equilateral triangle.
5. Tetrad color scheme:
   The rectangle or tetrad color scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs. This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation. The tetrad color scheme works best if you let one color be dominant

OR
Identify major considerations for deciding a color scheme for the guestroom.

There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when   planning a color scheme for a room:

• Purpose of room
• Size & proportion of the rooms
• Relationship to other  rooms
• Amount of light received by an area.
• Type of surface
• Law of chromatic distribution

Law of Chromatic Distribution:
As areas reduce in size, the chromatic intensity can be increased. Using less bright colors, will make it look brighter, and emphasize it. Too much intense color can be irritating, uncomfortable because the eye has no place to rest. Balance small areas of intense color with large areas of neutral ones.

Dominant areas: walls, floors, and ceilings

Medium areas- draperies, bed covers, etc

Smaller areas: sofa sets small pieces of upholstered furniture

Q3. Suggest various types of lighting facilities to reduce the cost of electricity in a hotel.

Lighting plays an important role in the comfort and safety of occupants of the building. Lighting contributes to the décor of a room and should be both decorative as well as functional without causing glare or appearing flat and dull lighting needs.

Types Of Lighting:

Direct Lighting:

In the case of direct lighting, the fittings throw the light onto the surface below producing over bright areas and hand shadows resulting in glare. E.g. down lighting-a direct light is hung pointing down to become a downlight used to highlight.

Direct lighting does not require elaborate electric wiring and may be used to throw light on an empty textured wall. This process is called wall washing. It can also be used to spotlight a collection of pictures.

Indirect Lighting:

Indirect Lighting is produced by a light source that is hidden. The light is directed to the ceiling or another surface from which it is reflected back into the room. Indirect lighting creates no shadows when used next to the ceiling. Indirect lighting reflected down from the ceiling tends to raise the ceiling height. E.g. up lighting-canister shapes are used in a variety of locations on the floors, in corners of rooms, at either side of the sofa or behind plants.

Diffused Lighting:

When fittings are completely closed or concealed, the light is diffused as it passes through the cover.

Direct/Indirect Lighting:

It is distributed evenly in all directions. Here some light is diffused through the bowl and some light is reflecting from the ceiling.

Semi-Direct:

In semi-direct fixtures, 60% of light is directed down to the work surface and the remaining amount is directed upwards.

Lighting methods to reduce the electricity cost in a hotel :

• Using frosted bulb.
• Using diffused light.
• Using fluorescent tubes, lampshade
• Correct positioning of the light
• Optimum use of the daylight.

OR
Explain the importance of windows in interior decoration. Describe any ten different types of windows.

A window is an opening in a wall (or other solid and opaque surface) that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material. Windows are held in place by frames, which prevent them from collapsing in. Windows also perform another major function in that they allow for the indoor, outdoor relationship. A room with a view appeals to almost everyone but even when a beautiful view is not possible we need the psychological association with the outdoors that windows provide.

Parts of a window:

• Head jamb
• Side jamb
• Casing
• Muntin
• Sash
• Sill
• Apron

Types Of Windows:

1. Double Hung: It is the most commonly used type of window with sashes that slide up and down.
2. Arched Window: A curved arched arrangement at the window or the door may have glass panes or top of which is part of the design on the wall.
3. Awning Window: Wide horizontal panels that open outward from the bottom to any desired angle.
4. Hopper Window: These are similar to awning windows except that they are fixed at the bottom and the top of the frame is pushed out to open the window.
5. Bay Window: A composite of three or more windows, usually made up of a large center unit and two flanking units. The angles most commonly used on the inside corners of the bay are 90, 135 and 150 degrees.
6. Bow Window: A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow formation
7. Cathedral Window: A slanted window set high in the wall close to a cathedral ceiling.
8. Clerestory Window: These are shallow windows that are set high on the wall usually near the ceiling.
9. Corner Window: Various types of windows are designed to form the corners of the room.
10. Dormer: When a small alcove project from the room, a window is often placed at the end. Mostly found in attics.
11. French door: These can be used whenever ordinary doors are used and also serve the purpose of the windows. They are useful when easy access to another area as important. An ordinary door cuts out too much light.
12. Jalousie: Narrow strips of glass mounted at different angles.
13. Picture: The window may be one large pane of glass that remains fixed. It may have sections that slide. These windows give a good view of the exteriors.
14. Skylight: Small windows of one or more fixed panels of glass set into the roof or ceiling of the room.
15. Sliding Casement: Window panels that operate by sliding from side to side in horizontal sashes.

Q4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of carpets? Discuss methods to protect carpets from damage?

Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of the carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture but also on how well the carpet is made, the fibers used quality of fiber and the density of the pile. A good quality carpet should be able to withstand wear from constant footfalls, spillages, cigarette ash, and grit and also have the ability to recover from the effects of heavy or sharp furniture. Its shape and color should be stable even if deep-cleaned or constantly exposed to sunlight. The pile should be dense and made from strong fibers, held firmly in position.

Benefits And Advantages

• Safety:
  First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the impact of a fall but also the likelihood of it happening in the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning it’s harder to slip and fall.
• Sound Reduction:
  If you live in a busy home with lots of traffic, you know how loud wood or laminate floors can be. Carpet stifles noise and reduces echoes in three ways; absorbing the impact of foot traffic, soaking up room sounds and echoes and finally, by blocking sound from carrying between floors (especially helpful in condo apartments or multi-family homes).
• Warmth & Insulation:
  Carpet provides excellent warmth underfoot, making it a great choice for chilly bedrooms or stark offices. Carpet also acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding acts as an additional layer of insulation in your home and depending on the weight and grade of your carpet – it can even add to the R-value of your home.
• Ease of Care:
  Most carpets made today are made to be highly stain-resistant, meaning clean up is easy. With just a damp cloth or a quick vacuuming, your floors look as good as new. Because carpets trap dust and allergens, they can also improve the air quality in your home as long they’re properly cleaned and vacuumed on a regular basis.
• Flexibility and Style:
  Carpet isn’t limited to just a few colors or grains. You can get carpet in any style, design, color or pattern that you want. Because of its versatility, carpet fits in well in any design scheme.

Disadvantages :

1. Maintenance:
   The downfall of carpet is it requires a lot of maintenance. If you have stains on your carpet, it will make the entire room look dirty when the rest of the room is bright and inviting. Once you get carpet, you will need to be aware of regular vacuuming and even deep cleaning about once or twice a year.  Dander and pollen love to settle in carpets and they are not as clean as they look.
2. Sensitivity to moisture and stains:
   Carpet loves to absorb stains and can easily be damaged when soaked with any moisture. You can ruin the carpet easily because if you get the pad under it wet, mold will grow and it can be a hazard to your health.

Methods to protect the carpet from damage:

1. Glued:
   The carpet made stuck to the sub-floor.
2. Tackless Gripper:
   Steel pins protrude from plywood or metal strips fixed to the floor or the stairs and hold the carpet in place.
3. Sunken:
   The carpet is laid in a sunken area and the edges are covered with brass or wood mostly used as doormats.
4. Turned and Tacked:
   The edges of the carpet are turned under and taits put through the double surface.
5. Pin and Socket, Press Studs, Ring and Pegged:
   These methods are especially suitable where a carpet needs laying frequently. E.g. banqueting areas

OR
Identify different types of carpets and explain how they are maintained.

Types Of Carpets:

This falls into two main categories:

Woven Carpet

• Wilton
• Axminster
• Oriental

Non-Woven Carpets

• Tufted
• Pile Bonded
• Needle Punched
• Electro Statically Flocked

Woven Carpet

These are constructed on three types of looms- velvet, Wilton, & Axminster. They always have yarns in backing called warp & weft. Warp yarns run lengthwise, weft run crosswise

1. Wilton Carpets
   The Wilton carpet is made on a jacquard loom. A traditional woven Wilton carpet has pile threads that run in a continuous fashion into the carpet and are lifted above the surface of the backing with either wires or hooks.
2. Axminster Carpets
   Axminster can accommodate any number of colored yarns & produce precise complicated patterns. Pile height is always even & the back is heavily ribbed. There the main characteristic is that a pattern can be seen on the other side. there are three types of Axminster carpets.
3. Oriental Carpets
   These are available in a variety of sizes. Names based on country of origin .e.g. Chinese, Indian, and Persian, etc. these are only made as carpet pieces that are standalone rectangles the carpet’s density.

Non-woven Carpets

Tufted

In these thousands of needles, threaded with pile yarns & extending 12 to 15 feet across the machine, is forced through the backing material to form loops or tufts. The backing may be woven fabric such as jute & the loops anchored under the jute backing(Hessian) with a hot layer of latex compound.

Bonded Carpets

These are neither woven nor tufted. They are hardwearing & make the economical floor covering with a good pile.

Pile Bonded/ knitted: Here the pile is made and stuck to PVC. These generally have a pile of nylon or polypropylene which is stuck into a PVC backing. Pile Bonded carpets are also available as tiles.

Needle Punched: These carpets are made by a process that compacts & mechanically joins fibers to form a felt-like surface. Needles literally ‘punch’ the fiber into a foam or latex backing. Usually, these are used for outdoor installations.

Electro Statically Flocked: These are produced by projecting electrically charged fibers downwards into an adhesive-coated backing material. These are hard-wearing easy to clean and quick to dry. They are mostly used in a very wet area. Swimming pool and in the kitchen area.

Berber Carpets

These carpets have short tufts; the pile is dense & lopped, characteristically made of natural undyed sheep’s wool. Berber carpets are a modern style of carpet, distinguished by a loop pile construction type, and usually contain small flecks of dark color on lighter shades.

Care And Maintenance Of Carpets

A regular maintenance program is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or damaged. Good maintenance increases the life of the carpet. Most new carpets shed fluff for the first few weeks. During this period carpets should be lightly brushed. After a month carpet should be vacuumed once a week. To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally. Avoid dragging heavy furniture over the carpet, as this damages the fiber.

1. Routine Care
   This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet. Dust is usually removed using a dry suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper. Care should be taken to clean the surrounding areas, corners, and edges. Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is no pest infestation.
2. Periodic Maintenance
   This involves deep cleaning of the carpet. Housekeepers should prepare a periodic schedule for this. When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done. Many properties carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required.

Three different methods of deep cleaning are:

1. Shampooing: Carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam. Shampoos are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution. Liquid shampoo very little foam.
2. Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid, but they leave a dry foam on the surface of the carpet. Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the carpet which is removed through suction cleaners.
3. Hot water extraction: This is done by a hot-water extraction machine. The machine uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam. It injects the solution under high pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet, where it emulsifies and loosens dirt and grease.

Q5. List the countdown responsibilities of Executive housekeeper for a 5-star hotel which is opening in 3 months.

Countdown Responsibilities 3 Months Before The Opening:

• Check the blueprint for the HK dept.
• Check out the layout of the linen and uniform room.
• Check the layout of the laundry.
• Check the location and layout of the floor pantries.
• Check the layout of different types of guestrooms.
• Check the communication system
• Check the key system and the security of the master key etc.
• Appoint a horticulturist in coordination with the personnel department and initiate the setting up of a plant nursery and greenhouse. Look into the purchasing of saplings and seeds.
• Consider the space allocation for all these areas in accordance with the total front-of-the-house area.
• Evaluate the function and maintenance of furniture and other hard surfaces.
• Work in coordination with the interior designers and architects to plan the indoor spaces.
• Undertake a market survey to identify the best equipment, cleaning supplies, linen, and guest supplies available and work out the costs. Evaluate the quality and quantity required, and then contact the suppliers of each item or product to get specification.
• Coordinate the purchase of equipment, cleaning supplies, linen, and guest supplies with the purchasing department, keeping in mind the lead time available for the delivery of the goods.
• Manpower planning needs to be initiated in coordination with the other departments.
• Discuss uniform requirements and design with the various departmental heads

Q6. Differentiate between (any five):

(a) Grains and joints

Grains
Grains of wood in legs or posts of furniture should run vertically otherwise the chair or article might split with the grain.

Joints
The various sections of a piece of furniture must be joined firmly and securely. Careful joinery is an art that is of the utmost importance to the consumer. Nails, screws, glue are also used to hold sections together at points of strain. Nails are the least desirable but they are quick and cheap to use. Various methods are used to join the framework of chairs, tables, desks, etc. On high-quality furniture, the joining is nearly perfectly matched as smooth and tight.

(b) Blinds and shutters

Blinds: Also called Venetian blinds. These actually originated in China and are available in a variety of styles and materials. Blinds are popular for their light filtering and room darkening qualities as well as for providing privacy and controlling air. They are mostly made of metal, wood or plastic and are available in many colors, textures, and thicknesses. Blinds can be used with or without draperies. Blinds have been supplemented by a newer version called shade cloth vertical blind which consists of vanes of shade cloth approximately 1½-6 inches wide. They can be cut to fit the regular skilled windows or the floor to ceiling type. They can be wall or ceiling hung.

Shutters: Although shutters are expensive, they have a long life and require little maintenance. As well as being decorative they can disguise problem windows, concealed, air conditioners and enhance the architectural elements of a window. They allow maximum flexibility in light control and ventilation. They also ensure privacy. Shutter panels are designed with movable or fixed louvers of cane, wood, stained glass, etc. shutters can be used with draperies or instead of them.

 (c) Valance and swags

Valence

It is a decorative finish at the top of a window. This may be a pleated or gathered flounce or fabric. The width of valence is approximately 1/7th of the overall length of the drapery.

Swags

Swag is a draped section of fabric at the top of the window. This is usually accompanied by short pieces of fabrics at sides to form cascades. They are suitable for formal window treatment. They are suitable when the depth of the swag is about half of the drapery length.

(d) Redecoration and refurbishment

Redecoration

This involves the renewal of paintwork, touching-up of furniture and finishes, renewal of soft furnishings, and spring cleaning. This is also done annually in order to maintain the standard of room. This is done either floor by floor or part of a floor at a time depending on the shape and number of rooms on the floor. It is always planned in such a way to cause as little inconvenience possible to the guest.

Refurnishing

Refurnishing is just changing the upholstery of furniture whereas refurbishing involves everything in the room, i.e. curtains, carpets, furniture, etc. and bathrooms completely gutted and renewed.
Refurnishing also can be partial or complete. If it is partial it may not involve carpets or may not involve all furniture, e.g. – only beds may be replaced or only certain items of furniture replaced. Refurbishing always includes new curtains, bedspreads, upholstery, etc. Full planning is to be made before refurbishing or refurbishing an area. It is done in the slackest season.

(e) Granite and granolithic

Granite

It is a granular crystalline rock of quartz, feldspar, and mica. All three stones make good flooring material. Colors include various shades of grey, beige, green and brown. Mainly used for vanity counter, tabletops, etc. Granites can be predominantly white, pink, or gray in color, depending on their mineralogy.

Granolithic Concrete:

This is plain concrete structural flooring on which a surface of granite chippings and cement is cast on site. The final surface is hard-wearing and its appearance is improved if the surface is polished to expose the aggregate in the concrete. It is used for basement corridors, storerooms, stairways and laundry. It is usually laid in tile form.

(f) Sheer curtain and heavy drapes

Sheer Curtains:

• They are made of sheer lightweight fabrics.
• They cannot be used alone and are always accompanied by draperies.
• The term ‘curtain’ refers to various types of fabric covering that may extend only over a part of the window, all of it or from the top of the window to the floor.
• Are always hung next to the glass.

Heavy Drapes:

• They are made of heavy fabrics.
• It can be used alone or with curtains.
• Draperies extend from the top of the window

Q7. Write short notes on:

(a) Types of fire extinguishers
(b) Measures adopted to prevent crime

(a) Types of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can be of various types:

Dry powder:
These are usually meant for multipurpose use with various types of fire. They contain an extinguishing agent & use compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

Dry chemical foam:
These are primarily used on flammable liquids, oils, & fats, but may have multipurpose uses.

Halon/vaporizing liquid:
These contain gas or volatile liquid that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuel burns. This type of extinguisher is often used to protect valuable electrical equipment as they leave no residue to clean up & have a limited range up to 4-6 feet.

Water-gas or soda-acid extinguishers:
These extinguishers contain water & compressed gas & should only be used for Class A fires.

Carbon dioxide:
These CO2-based extinguishers are most effective on Class B & C(liquids & electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective from a distance of 3-8 feet. The carbon dioxide is as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands on release, it cools the surrounding air.

(b) Measures adopted to prevent crime

Crime Prevention

It is imperative that all properties have a crime prevention committee or a security committee. The committee should consist of key management personnel, including department heads. Supervisors & other selected employees can also be roped in for valuable information & inputs. The committee members should meet on a scheduled basis periodically to review past plans & form new ones. The general responsibilities of this committee should be to

• Design a security booklet for all employees;
• Develop orientation & training programs on crime prevention in coordination with the training department;
• Analyze & resolve recurring security issues & investigate any security-based incidents
• Conduct spot security checks & inspections of the property;
• Liaise with the local police department; and
• Monitor the keeping of records & documentation of all security-related incidents.

Q8. State the aspects and styles of furniture to be arranged in a Maharaja suite room.

Selection Criteria Of Furniture’s

Comfort:
The shape and size of the piece of furniture in relation to the human body is a paramount consideration for comfort and this science is also called ergonomic. For e.g. height, width and angle of the chair seat, backrest and arms matters to attain comfort.

Practicality in design & size:
Practical design features not only save money and space but make the piece of furniture easy to use.

Serviceability:
The service aspect depends mainly on the design of the furniture in relation to its use. For e.g., built-in-furniture can save on space, labor, and wall covering.

Durability:
Hotel furniture must be sturdy enough to withstand considerable wear and tear, as it will be handled by a large number of guests. The durability of furniture depends directly on its construction, the material used, and the amount of wear it is subjected to.

Construction:
To withstand hard and abusive use. They should be well finished and be possible to refinish. It should not have rough and unfinished edges. Doors should have efficient hinges and locks and handles should be sturdy and conveniently placed.

Ease of maintenance:
This factor is especially important when there is a quick turnaround of rooms. The design of the furniture should be simple with no dust traps for ease of cleaning. Sofas with removable covers are preferred etc.

Style:
The choice should be modern or as per the theme of the room.

Cost:
The cost of furniture is an important consideration. Quality need not be compromised for low cost, however. Housekeepers should be aware of the sources and must conduct a good survey before making the decision.

Mobility & flexibility:
Housekeeping work becomes easier when furniture can be moved easily. For this reason, castors are fitted on heavier pieces of furniture.

Q9. List ten potential hazards in housekeeping and ways to deal with them.

Dealing With The Earthquake

1. If you are inside a building, take cover under a desk or table or under a doorway and hold on.
2. Stay away from windows or anything that could fall.
3. If outdoors, stay away from buildings, utility lines, and streetlights.
4. When shaking stops, evacuate the building. Assist people with disabilities.
5. Follow the instructions of emergency officials when present.
6. Proceed with any necessary cleanup and recovery of items if it is safe to do so and allowed by authorities.

Dealing With The Death

1. Call or contact the HOD of your dept.
2. Clear the area of the scene.
3. Secure the scene and do not touch or move anything.
4. Assist in directing emergency personnel to the scene.
5. Do not give out any information to the media.
6. Contact the Associate Director for Facilities.
7. The Associate Director will contact Employee Assistance as needed for a post-crisis meeting for any other employees affected by the situation.

Dealing With The Deathdealing With The Explosion

Assess the situation to determine the risk of additional explosions.

If no apparent risk exists, use a fire extinguisher to put out any small fires.

If a risk exists, activate the nearest fire alarm.

Assist everyone in the area to get out.

Close doors and windows behind you to contain the problem.

Call security to report the explosion.

Keep upwind (keep the direction from which the wind is blowing) of the explosion.

Handle any medical emergencies.

Report the explosion to your supervisor.

Dealing With The Fire

If you smell smoke or see a fire:

1. If the fire appears controllable, try to extinguish it by using an available fire extinguisher. Attempt this for no longer than 30 seconds.
2. If the fire appears difficult to control, call for the help of the security members.
3. Put on the fire alarm and assist persons with disabilities.
4. Do not use elevators.
5. Survey people outside for injuries and information about people who might still be in the building.
6. Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear signal is given by security personnel.

The situation of illness and epidemics:

The receptionist may be called for assistance during the sickness of a guest. – The patient should be advised to consult the house physician but in case the guest has his own physician the same should be called. Housekeeping needs to be notified about the sickness and instructions if any – If the case of serious sickness, the guest should be moved to a nursing home – During epidemics all precautionary measures, especially in food and beverage service area, should be followed

Handling a drunk guest

The guest should be removed from the lobby as early as possible but be careful not to irritate/offend him – Preferably taken to the back office or to his room – If he behaves unruly, the hotel security must be called.

Q10.Fill In The Blanks:

(i) The face of a carpet is also called Pile.

(ii) The minimum height of a guestroom ceiling should be 12 feet.

(iii) First-Aid is the initial assistance or treatment given to a casualty for any injury or sudden illness.

(iv) Value describes the brightness or dullness of a colour.

(v) Wall Mounted furniture is fixed on brackets or fitted to the wall and hence there are no legs to get in the way of cleaning.

(vi) Antimacassar is decorative pieces of cloth used as shields for the arms and backs of upholstered furniture to protect them from soiling.

(vii) The process of restoring a property to its exact original design using authentic material is called Refurnishing.

(viii) Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in relation to the working environment.

(ix) Light which is produced by heating any material, usually metal to a temperature at which it glows is called INCANDESCENT  Light.

(x) Secondary colors are also called Additive colors.