Deaf Alerter Photo Gallery |
Brochure Download |
|
Contact us for further information on Deaf Alerter products
BS9999 Fire Safety
Briefing Note
BS9999:2008 (first Published October 2008)
(Supersedes BS5588 (except part 1 which will be updated later)
This is a summary of the new British Standard. It is not directly copied unless in “ ”.
BS9999 is designed as a co-ordinated package covering four main areas that influence fire safety measures:
BS9999:2008 (first Published October 2008)
(Supersedes BS5588 (except part 1 which will be updated later)
This is a summary of the new British Standard. It is not directly copied unless in “ ”.
BS9999 is designed as a co-ordinated package covering four main areas that influence fire safety measures:
- Fire Safety Management
- The provisions of means of escape
- The structural protection of escape facilities and the structural stability of the building in the event of a fire
- The provision of access and facilities for fire-fighting
4.6 Inclusive Design
Says consideration should be made for people with all disabilities and is not restricted to wheel chair users. It also mentions the DDA & DED. Examples of provisions that may be required are given:
- Appropriate means for giving warning in the event of a fire
- Management planning
- Appropriate fire instructions in alternative formats
- Appropriate wayfinding systems
- Evacuation lifts or protected refuge areas and devices for taking people down or up stairs.
16.7.1 Lifts – General
Lifts should not be generally used in the evacuation procedures due to the following reasons
- It is possible for occupants using the lift to become trapped due to loss of power
- It is possible lifts could discharge occupants onto the floor containing the fire
- People sometimes have to wait long periods for the lift car to arrive.
It does say however that lifts that are designed specifically to be used in fires can be used with priority to people that can’t use other escape routes.
18.8 Methods of vertical escape for disabled people
Preferred method of evacuation for physically disabled people is horizontal evacuation to the outside, another fire compartment or by evacuation lift. It might also be necessary to carry people up/down stairs (i.e. evac chairs). Most disabled people are expected to be able to reach a place of relative safety without assistance (i.e. refuge areas)
18.8.4 Refuges
“The use of refuges within a building can be of great advantage in the evacuation of disabled people as it enables their escape to be managed in a way that does not hinder that of other users of the building.”
46.1 Evacuation of Disabled people
“It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the premises management to ensure that all people can make a safe evacuation. The evacuation plan should not rely on the assistance of the fire and rescue service.”
46.3 Wheel chair users
Advises using a PEEP wherever possible. Also use of refuges and evac type chairs. States that staff that assist should be appropriately trained.
46.8 Use of refuges
“It is essential that communication issues between those organizing the evacuation of the building and all refuges are properly addressed.” The system should be two way voice between the refuge area users and the evacuation team.
Refuge Alerter®is a radio-based two-way emergency voice communication (EVC) system which forms part of a safe refuge area.
46.4 People that are deaf and hard of hearing
“The use of flashing lights, vibrating pagers/pillows and similar alert devices should be considered.”
Also if a deaf person is using a hearing dog for assistance you should consider that they could be separated.
Deaf Alerter®enables you to alert Deaf and hard of hearing people to fire alarms and other public address messaging.