How Does a Disabled Refuge System Work and Why Do Workplaces Need Them?

Disabled refuge systems are a solution to assist people who need support in evacuating during emergencies. This solution assists both disabled people and anyone trapped and unable to evacuate. This may include the elderly, pregnant women, and any other person who needs assistance for movement. This security solution is made up of components that work together to help ensure safety. 

Let’s take a walk through how a disabled refuge system works, step by step.

Refuge Outstations: The Call for Help

The system begins at the refuge outstation. A refuge outstation is the designated safe place that is made easy to access immediately during emergencies. These areas are often placed near stairwells on upper floors. This is to help with easy access if you are unable to use the stairs. 

Every refuge area comes with a call button that connects you with the main control station. This is the main purpose of a disabled refuge system. 

During emergencies, it makes way for you to communicate with the dedicated security personnel in the central control station. This two-way voice communication guides the refugees and assures them until they are rescued.

Central Control Panel: Locate and Communicate

This is the master station where refuges get connected during threats. Once activated by pressing the call button, the system signals the central station instantly. Then, the disabled refuge system can track from which station it was activated. Usually, the building manager or fire officer will communicate with you from this station. They will guide you throughout the process and take action to rescue you immediately. 

This communication ensures refugees know the help is coming. Security personnel can even give important updates and instructions on how to stay safe and ease the rescue process. In some situations where locating is complex, security personnel can get updates from the refugee side as well.

The Communication System: The Coordination that Matters Most

The disabled refuge system is also known as the Emergency Voice Communication(EVC). This allows two-way communication between the refuge outstation and the central control panel. The system comes with a microphone and speaker for this two-way communication. This allows hands-free communication, which is key during emergencies. 

These systems sometimes allow automatic listening features to monitor activity as well. Refugees may panic during emergencies, and this feature can help security personnel in such situations. They can be implemented with indicators that signal the status of each refuge point.

The system is backed by a backup battery to work during power outages.

Why Your Workplace Needs Them

Every workplace in the UK may need a disabled refuge system due to several reasons.

Legal Compliance

Most businesses with multi-story buildings must have a disabled refuge system. These mostly relate to public and commercial buildings. These systems help them adhere to the Disability Discrimination Act in the state or country. They even help workplaces in creating code and fire safety regulations.

Peace of Mind

Knowing everybody has access to safety is key to a better work environment. This means for both owners, employees, and sometimes visitors. Owners and investors can have peace of mind about their investments. Employees and visitors can have trust in their lives’ safety.

Partner with Controlled UK

Who else has won your trust than Controlled UK when it comes to workplace security? At Controlled, we offer highly reliable disabled refuge systems in the UK. These security solutions are tailored to meet all safety regulations in the UK and create safety for everyone alike.

Our solutions also include toilet alarm systems to enable communication during any distress in the washrooms. Choose from a range of other fire and security solutions in the UK, made just for your needs in mind. Controlled UK, the leading fire and security solution provider for a safe and reliable future.