Disabled Refuge SystemsIt is now a legal requirement that all new non-domestic buildings with more than one storey, must provide a safe ‘refuge’ area for disabled people who are unable to exit a building using the dedicated escape routes. Disabled Refuge Systems, also known as Emergency Voice Communication Systems must be installed to allow two-way communication between the fire service/building management and the people in the refuge area to aid a safe evacuation.

Emergency Voice Communication Systems can be:

  • Fire Telephone System
  • Disabled Refuge System
  • Emergency/Steward Telephone System

Why are they needed?

  • To communicate with people in refuge areas
  • To communicate and provide instruction to all occupants of a building during an emergency situation
  • To communicate with all emergency personnel to aid fire fighting and to ensure a controlled evacuation
  • To comply with current building regulations

Cintrix Systems can supply, install, commission and maintain fixed, secure, bi-directional, full duplex voice communication systems to assist fire fighters in an emergency, especially on sites where radio communication may be restricted.

Our systems cover the operation of both fire telephones and disabled refuge systems and comply with BS 5839-9.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and testing of disabled refuge systems is not only important for your business but is now a legal requirement. It is vital that regular testing be undertaken to ensure that there has not been a major failure of the system that may otherwise go unnoticed.

BS 5839-9 (the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems) recommends that the period between visits to undertake inspection and service of disabled refuge systems should be based upon a risk assessment, but the maximum period between visits should not exceed six months. BS 5839-9 also recommends that the inspection and servicing should be undertaken by competent organisations. For a list of our accreditations, please click here.

We offer flexible maintenance packages to suit your business needs. Our maintenance package will ensure that your system is both compliant and safe:

Our maintenance package includes:

  • Free site survey and advice on current protection levels
  • Regular preventative maintenance visits
  • Reduced parts & labour charges
  • No mileage charges
  • Priority response to emergencies
  • Access to our 24/7 emergency callout facility

For more information on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, please click here.