DDA – The Disability Discrimination Act and You
Since the 1st October 2004 there have been significant changes to the Disability Discrimination Act that may impact on your fire safety strategy.
From this date anyone providing a service will have to address those physical features which make it difficult for disabled people to use their services.
This will mean that service providers – including care-homes, hotels and restaurants, pubs, clubs, gyms, swimming pools and hospitals – will all have to make “reasonable adjustments” to their premises or the way they provide their services to ensure they are not unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use.
British Standards
The British Standard recommends that visual alarm devices or “tactile devices” be incorporated with the existing fire system to provide a warning to the hard of hearing and partially sighted.
The ultimate decision on the method of providing a fire alarm warning is the responsibility of the system user following their own annual fire risk assessment and consultation with a fire alarm specialist
They must also ensure that whichever method they choose it must comply with the British Standards listed below: -
- BS5446 Part 3 2004 smoke alarm kits for the deaf and hard of hearing
- BS5839, Part 1 2002 the code of practice for the design of fire detection and alarm systems
- BS8300, 2001 the code of practice for design of buildings for disabled people
- BS5839 makes reference to tactile devices such as radio alarm systems that are ideal for people working in isolation or for deaf people.
The system consists of two parts – a transmitter linked into the fire alarm control panel and a receiver which is a vibrating pager. When the fire alarm is activated, it automatically sends a digitally encoded radio signal to each alerter in the building. The alerter vibrates and displays the text fire message.
Econogard’s commitment to DDA compliance for our customers
We can offer you solutions that are designed to address requirements of the DDA whilst not compromising the effectiveness of your fire and security systems.
Access Control Systems
Different kinds of access control system will impact upon disabled people in different ways. As an independent systems specialist, Econogard can recommend, supply and install the most suitable systems that comply fully with the DDA requirements.
Fire Alarm Systems
Building Fire Alarm systems also have to be adapted to fit the requirements of the DDA. The fire risk assessment should make allowance for disabled employees and visitors and consider the methods of alerting deaf people in the event of fire. Some of the options available include visual alarm systems (Xenon Beacons) and tactical devices as mentioned above.
Voice Alarm Systems and Disabled Refuge alarm systems
PA/VA systems enable audible communication of instruction in the even of emergency.
Disabled Refuge Systems are designed for use in allocated ‘safe areas’ and can be used for communication when assistance is required.
Induction Loop Systems
Induction Loop Systems are designed to help people who have hearing difficulties. We can cover all sizes of installation from portable units for customer service operators, small fixed units for counters in banks & Post Offices to the largest auditoria using multiple amplifiers and phase shift controllers.
Should you wish to discuss your requirements, require guidance or wish to see how we are helping our customers comply with the DDA please do not hesitate to contact us on 01763 261 970 or email us at enquiries@econogard.co.uk
