Refuge & Disability Systems

Under the terms of the 2010 disability and equalities act, and BS 5839 Part 9/BS8300 there are prerequisites for the support and aid of those both with special needs and those who as a result of a fire may be in distress and in need of assistance to help them either safely exit the building or have others come to their aid if they are isolated and unable to raise assistance.

With the implementation of specific design criteria for the infirm or those with other special needs issues all high rise buildings with public access should have Refuge systems fitted as standards, as well as issues related to WC alarms and PDA loops for those with hearing impairments.

These issues are not just for those with mobility problems, and will include for example, persons with colour blindness, with photosensitive epilepsy and vertigo.

Disability issues also migrate over into escape lighting where high risk or special needs areas will require higher lux levels to facilitate exit or escape as it is now recognised that persons in distress and those with some special needs do take longer to both react to and identify evacuation issues.

Veritas is a supporter of Vox Ignis for its Refuge and Disability systems www.vox.ignis.com

Additional Reading

To find out more about Refuge & Disability Systems download any of the documents below:

BS 8300 Veritas Fire Support Bulletin – Nov20 (PDF)

Typical heights for call points for wheel chair users (PDF 1.3Mb)

Phased Array Hearing Loop Video

Video courtesy of AFILS & C-Tec

Audio-frequency induction loop equipment manufacturer

SigNET manufactures the UK’s widest range of audio-frequency induction loop equipment for the hard of hearing. From a simple portable loop system for a ticket office to a top quality professional loop system for a cinema or theatre, their PDA range is highly cost effective and includes a wide range of kits to help simplify specification, purchase and installation.

For further information visit their website >

Training for Concierge Waking Watch and Care Home Staff

PEEPS provision under the new requirements to accommodate the overlapping elements of BS 8300, the Equalities Act, Approved Document M and EN54 Part 23.

Due to the now more onerous requirements of demonstrating adequacy of provision for staff training and the expectations of Article 9 and Article 156.4 of the fire safety order updates in 2023 there is a mandatory requirement not only to provide training but also to be able to demonstrate its content and suitability for your individual site needs, we can now offer bespoke training to cover these either office based in London or on site if required.

It is essential that understanding the need and for its ongoing review and refresh based on staffing levels/requirements are taken into consideration as the business need changes and that all of this is documented and able to be provided to the other stakeholders is they demand so.

PEEPS provision also now comes under that brief to be able to deliver for specific need in both residential HRB and other commercial sites an adequate and commented disability plan which has multiple layers and this too Veritas can provide either as a stand-alone provision or as part of the site FRA.

Please feel free to contact us for a free no obligation discussion. Call 07831 222767 or 01502 797035 or email us at info@veritasfiresupport.co.uk

Associated Videos

Installation of a hearing loop – C-Tec

Portable Hearing loops – C-Tec

Hearing Loops Explained – C-Tec

Additional Reading

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