Rules, authorisations and certificates in the subject
What the law requires, and what evidence is good to have
The receptionist profession does not require personal authorisation in the same way as, for example, an electrician. But there are still rules and certificates that matter in everyday work. Here you get an overview of what is typically relevant, and where you should be aware that it is the company – and not necessarily you as an individual – that has a responsibility.
§Hygiene when serving food and drink
Many receptions are located at workplaces where breakfast coffee snacks or actual meals are also served. As soon as you handle food food safety regulations apply regarding hygiene. This is about storage temperatures cleaning and avoiding cross-contamination. In your education you learn basic hygiene and at workplaces handling food there are often requirements for self-control.
§First aid and safety
As the one who is often first at the entrance you can become the one a guest turns to if someone becomes ill or an emergency arises. Therefore first aid is a natural part of the training and many workplaces appreciate that reception can handle the first minutes until help arrives. Knowledge of evacuation and fire instructions are part of a hotel or larger building.
§Personal data and confidentiality obligation
In reception, you handle information about guests and customers — names, contact information, payment information and sometimes sensitive details. It is covered by the rules on protection of personal information. You must treat data confidentially, only use it for what it was collected for, and not share it unauthorised. Many companies have clear guidelines you must follow.
- 01Store and handle guest information confidentially
- 02Never share pictures or stories from a scene of injury. It violates the patient's dignity and breaches your duty of confidentiality.
- 03Follow the workplace's guidelines for personal data
- 04Be cautious about what you say out loud in an open reception
§Serving alcohol
If your workplace serves alcohol — for example in a hotel bar or restaurant — there are rules about alcohol licensing and that you must not sell to minors or heavily intoxicated guests. The licence is tied to the business, not to you personally, but you must know and follow the rules when serving.
§Keep the evidence even
Certificates such as first aid and hygiene may have an expiry date or be recommended for renewal at regular intervals. It is good practice to keep track of when your courses need updating so that you can always demonstrate your competencies to an employer.