Disable Refuge System

Building Regulations stand firm that all new buildings with more than one floor must supply ‘refuge’ areas – relatively safe places where people who find it difficult to use fire escapes and evacuation lifts can easily call for assistance and wait until help arrives.

Disabled refuge systems have been designed for use in buildings that contain refuge areas. This type of intercom system allows emergency services to be in continual contact with the people in the refuge areas who seek emergency assistance. The Disability Discrimination Act made it the responsibility of all companies in Ireland to ensure that access to buildings and services is available to everyone – there must be no discrimination in Ireland.

Facilities must be made for safe evacuation in the event of any emergency. In most situations, those with a physical disability could be assisted by others – but in many settings this is not suitable or safe.

Securitysystems.ie solution comes in the form of temporary areas of safety – ‘refuge areas. The people in need of urgent assistance are assisted to the closest refuge area as they await a safe evacuation. Refuge areas have to meet definite criteria. As well as outlining suitable areas for refuge and the type of construction, the Standard specifies the need for two-way communication system to be in place for the safety of all persons.

An EVC (emergency voice communication) or Disabled Refuge System allows the firefighters in Ireland to communicate with one another during emergency situations.

This system also allows communication with disabled persons. It is a “system that allows voice communication in either direction between a central control point at the entrance of buildings and a number of other points throughout a building particularly under the administration of the management of firefighters.