If you have a disability, it is important that your home is equipped with the appropriate safety devices to ensure you are able to escape quickly and efficiently in an emergency. In this blog post, we’ll talk you through accessible safety solutions to implement to ensure you are best protected.
If you own a public property, it is your responsibility to ensure it is equipped with the appropriate equipment.
In this blog post, we’ll cover different accessible safety solutions, including…
- Disabled Refuge
- Smoke Alarms
- Emergency Voice Communication System
- Vibrating Pillow Pads
- Flashing Strobe Lights
- Evacuation Chairs
What is Disabled Refuge?
Those with a disability or mobility impairment may be unable to use the evacuation route in their building. A disabled refuge area is a safe area in the building where those unable to evacuate can communicate with firefighters (using a telecom system) and await assistance.
British Standard BS 8300-2 requires all public buildings to be accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities.
A fire evacuation plan should be in place for all disabled people in the building.
Ensure your smoke alarm works
This may sound obvious, but it is important to ensure that your smoke alarm is fully effective. Smoke alarms save lives – make sure you have them tested at least monthly. Never take out the batteries as this will stop it from functioning and it will not be able to sound if a fire breaks out.
For more information about fire alarm installations in non-domestic properties, click here.
Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCS)
An Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS) is a type of intercom system that allows people inside a building to communicate with the emergency services to ensure a smooth evacuation. The EVCS is typically located in the Disabled Refuge area, and allows the person in need of assistance to make their presence known. This is especially helpful for disabled or mobility impaired people who are unable to use the emergency exit.
Click here for more information about Emergency Voice Communication Systems.
Vibrating Pillow Pad
Vibrating pillow pads are suitable for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. The vibrating pillow pad will be triggered in an emergency to alert the user, who may be otherwise unable to hear the alarm. The vibrating pillow is designed to be used beneath a pillow or mattress, and can be used to wake the individual should the alarm go off whilst they are sleeping.
Flashing Strobe Light
Similarly to the vibrating pillow pad, a flashing strobe light is used as an indicator to those who are hard of hearing or deaf to visually signal that there is an emergency. This is useful during the daytime as a visual warning. Using a flashing strobe light in conjunction with the vibrating pillow pad makes for an effective solution.
Evacuation Chairs
Lifts cannot be used if a fire breaks out, and all buildings are required to provide a suitable means of evacuation for all persons inside. Evacuation chairs can be a solution for those with mobility impairments or disabilities, making mobility easier and providing a way for them to get down flights of stairs.
Click here for more information.
Conclusion
Ensuring your property is accessible is an absolute essential – it can save a life. Make sure you are aware of all accessibility requirements in your building so you are prepared in an emergency. For more information, or if you would like to enquire about any of the safety solutions in this blog post, call Sunfish Services on 01332 865091.
