Location of call point in disabled refuge system

[Guest DennyDru]

On a Disabled Refuge System is their a standard where the Call point is located.?

I understand the unit should be fitted at 1200mm from floor level and the units are installed in the Refuge area of the stairwell but is there a prefence / Standard of where call points are to be installed.

[Tom Sutton]

Are you referring to a fire alarm manual call point or Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system, outstation call point?

You will find the standard for fire alarms is BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 and with reverence to the height of manual call points is 1400mm +/- 200mm. A lower mounting height is acceptable in circumstances where there is a high likelihood that the first person to raise an alarm of fire will be a wheelchair user.

You will find the standard for EVC systems is is BS 5839 -9: 2011 and with reverence to the height for outstations it is 900mm to 1200mm.

Both should be accessible, well illuminated, conspicuous and free from obstructions. In the case of EVC outstation noise level needs to be considered and the background noise should be less than 40 dBA or consider an acoustic hood.

[Guest Kather]

Hi, I was wondering what considerations could be made for people with copd where upper muscles are restricted and find fire doors too heavy to open? These are located in many appartment buildings, shops, doctors surgerys and hospitals. COPD is increasing in the UK and I think the 4th leading cause of death in the World. Fire doors are possibly contributing to further harm to those who struggle to open them and also may have an adverse effect in trapping people with COPD in the event of a fire.

[Tom Sutton]

You would have to quote specific situations but there are solutions, like swing free fire doors, magnetic hold open devices and acoustic hold open fire doors. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-door-fitting-and-ironmongery/ and http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/firesafetyassessmentmeans

[Guest IRV]

Hello. does a refuge always require a comms system?

 

[Tom Sutton]

Check Out https://www.cintrix.co.uk/disabled-refuge-systems/ may help.