Is Propane Firepit too much liability? What would you do?

[Ebrahim11]

Hello Airbnb Community, 

I have a nice backyard and am thinking of taking advantage of it. Do you think adding a propane firepit is too much liability? If you agree with adding it, what measures do you take to make it safe?

Thank you.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ebrahim11 Are you in any sort of fire risk zone? Even if you are not I am not sure this is a risk worth taking. What does your insurance company think for having one in a STR?

[Ebrahim11]

Good point about the insurance. Thanks.

[Christine1 · Accepted solution]

Think of everything that could go wrong and come up with a way to prevent each problem.

All consumer products are designed to meet safety standards, but they need to be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. You must make wise decisions when choosing any appliances which will be used by your guests. Compare products to choose the safest, easiest, least complicated overall design, with simplest control panels and safety guards/features incorporated. 

Consider what could go wrong if an inexperienced user or child tries to operate, or moves the appliance. What if they try to move it and use it in a different location? Will it still be safe to use? Does it need to be fixed in place?

Does it need to have a multilingual instruction/ safety guide?  

Is there an alternative/safer option? Is it really neccesary? 

Do you live onsite? Does it require users to receive personal guidance?

What are the ways in which it may be misused? How can you prevent these things from happening? For a propane device, what are the fuel supply issues that will need to be managed?

Have you made a duplicate/ backup copy of the instructions and safety card? Will you or the cleaner ensure that these instructions are returned to the correct location, and clearly visible for the next guest who will stay? 

How great is the risk of an accident or injury?

How likely is it that something could go wrong?

How severe might the level of injury or damage be if an accident occurs?

Can you demonstrate the actions you have taken to maintain a safe environment for your guests? What evidence could you provide to your insurer or a court of law, that you to reasonable and required steps to reduce and eliminate general and specific risks?

I hope these questions get you off to a good start in your decision making, for this and other issues at your STR listing. 

Regards, 

Christine. 

[Ebrahim11]

A lot of good points, Thank you.

[Ana2038]

@Ebrahim11 , we have a fire pit in our backyard as well as a waterfall feature ( one reason why we do not allow children), but we do not offer the fire pit for use due to risk factors/insurance restrictions. 

[Ebrahim11]

Hi Ana. Is it a gas firepit?

On the insurance, the insurance said portable firepits are already included in my policy.

Thanks

[Ana2038]

@Ebrahim11 , yes, our fire pit is a gas fire pit. It can only be turned  on with a key (similar to a fireplace). 

[Sally10]

Yes agree I think especially in Calif. with all our fires It would be a bad idea for me .

[Basha0]

our county does not allow STR to have fires within a certain distance (can’t recall what it is) from the house. We do have a propane fire table for our use. We disguised the top with a teak top and added a small box with discreet lock so it’s not obvious what its real purpose is. No one has said anything.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Basha0 So you are breaking the county laws and advertising this on a Community Centre? Is this a good idea?

[Basha0]

@Mike-And-Jane0 No, precisely the opposite. Please reread what I wrote. I personally am able to have a fire table for my own use but I take care that renters do not. No one ,meaning renters, have said anything.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Basha0 Ooops yes I see  - very clever - sorry for my mistake.

[Fred13]

Depends on where you live. In some places (societies) where is like walking through a minefield not to get sued, why take a chance. In others where personal responsibility is the norm, people will get to enjoy such features.

[Sally10]

Hi Ebrahamim11

I have been thinking about this for 3 years .It would be so cozy . but I too worry about. possible accidents.Especially with children . Ive decided as of late to wait. But really want to .Higher insurance, accidents. does anyone else have ideas or thoughts  on this.

thanks for bringing this up 

Sally