Alert Fire and Security Ltd

DDA Compliance

dda complaince fire safety

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 & security 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 premisesor 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 team at Alert can offer solutions that are designed to address requirements of the DDA whilst not compromising the effectiveness of your fire and security systems.

Legal Requirements

 

Any non-domestic building with more than one storey should provide a means of refuge for any person who cannot easily use fire escapes, lifts and stairs during an emergency. The Regulations state that an effective two way communication system must be in place for these refuge areas. Our Disabled Refuge systems provide a fireproof 2-way communication point for fire officers/fire wardens or building management to keep in contact with people/disabled people within this point. Points are usually situated on a landing or staircase along the main escape route that have been designated as Refuge locations. All our system are designed, installed & commissioned to BS 5839 Part 8 / 9 and BS 5588.


Applications:

  • Schools
  • Auditoriums
  • Stadiums
  • Cinemas
  • Shopping Centre
  • Hotels
  • Sports Centres
  • Bus, Train & Transport Centres
  • Offices Blocks
  • Any non-domestic building with more than 1 storey

Emergency Lighting & Signage

 

Emergency Lighting and Building Safety Signage go hand in hand with our portfolio of fire systems and extinguishers. Whether in the workplace or large public venues, you’re legally bound to provide people with a clearly marked route to the nearest emergency exit.

 

Our range of emergency lighting and signs are an important factor in any overall fire safety strategy and comply with all current UK legislation.


Emergency Lighting

 

In the event of a power failure, you must ensure your premises are evacuated safely and quickly. Escape routes and emergency exits need to be illuminated to achieve this. We provide independent, expert advice to help you find a solution best suited to your needs. Emergency lighting does & will save lives by allowing people to find a safe exit out of a building such as in a fire or in the event of a power cut. Emergency lighting has become more varied and demanding to suit a variety of premises, so we can offer you the choice you need to make your building safe. You can choose from solutions which meet aesthetical requirements as well as being in full compliance with current regulations.

 

Emergency Safety Signage

Give people emergency information when then need it

 

Having the correct warning or protection in place is one thing, but people who use the building need to know where each safety device is and how it should be used. Safety signs can give people the vital knowledge needed to operate emergency devices quickly and safely.

 

Make sure you are complying with the latest Regulations and The Fire Precautions Workplace Act. Contact the team at Alert to discuss your requirements today.

Nurse Call Systems

As a leading supplier of wired and wireless nurse call systems, we provide a wide range of quality nurse call systems for a variety of applications.

 

With years of experience in the design, installation and support of nurse call systems, Alert Fire & Security are the perfect partner for you. Due to this experience we are aware of our customers' changing needs so that each call system can be tailored to your individual requirements and budget.

 

Our nurse call system range is available with anti-microbial embedded protection and features a dedicated frequency channel so you know we really do put safety first. Alert Fire & Security combines maximum safety and staff efficiency with the latest technology to bring you our most advanced wired and wireless nurse call systems at a price to suit you.

 

So, if you are looking for a wireless nurse call system solution that offers total patient safety, don’t take the risk, talk to the team at Alert today.

Access Control

 

Different kinds of access control system will impact upon disabled people in different ways. These include automated doors, Braille door entry systems, dual height access control systems and many more to suit that specific requirement and ensure compliance 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 and tactile devices as mentioned above.

Voice Alarm Systems

 

Voice Evacuation Systems enable audible communication of instruction in the event of an emergency, providing critical information via high quality sounders.

Disabled Refuge Areas

 

Disabled Refuge Systems are designed for use in allocated ‘safe areas’ and can be used for communication when assistance is required. The DDA states that any non-domestic building with more than one storey should provide a means of refuge for any person who cannot easily use fire escapes, lifts & stairs during an emergency. The regulations state that an effective two-way communication system must be in place for these refuge areas.

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 the team at Alert.

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