Fire systems

Disabled Refuge & WC Alarms

A clear way to call for help. Refuge communication and accessible WC alarms designed around your building and the people responsible for responding.

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All systems

Illustrative commercial staircase and landing with metal handrails

Communication & assistance

Help requested. Location clear.

Disabled refuge systems provide two-way communication between designated refuge points and a staffed control position. Accessible WC alarms raise an assistance call with a clear location. We design each around its purpose, with dependable signalling and an agreed response, not simply an alarm that sounds.

System solutions

Choose the right approach.

Refuge communication

Emergency voice communication links designated refuge outstations to a master station, allowing staff to identify a call and speak with the person waiting for assistance. Outstation locations, accessibility and cable arrangements are coordinated with the fire strategy and the relevant BS 5839-9 requirements.

Refuge communication

Emergency voice communication links designated refuge outstations to a master station, allowing staff to identify a call and speak with the person waiting for assistance. Outstation locations, accessibility and cable arrangements are coordinated with the fire strategy and the relevant BS 5839-9 requirements.

Accessible WC assistance

A reachable pull cord raises an audible and visual call outside the WC and, where specified, at a staffed point. Pull-cord bangles, local reassurance indication and reset controls are positioned for use from the WC and floor. Cords must remain reachable, never tied up or obstructed.

Accessible WC assistance

A reachable pull cord raises an audible and visual call outside the WC and, where specified, at a staffed point. Pull-cord bangles, local reassurance indication and reset controls are positioned for use from the WC and floor. Cords must remain reachable, never tied up or obstructed.

Call indication & response

Local or central indication helps responders locate the call promptly. Refuge voice calls and WC assistance calls retain clear, distinct identities, even where a compatible combined platform is used. We agree who receives, acknowledges and attends each call, including during reduced staffing.

Call indication & response

Local or central indication helps responders locate the call promptly. Refuge voice calls and WC assistance calls retain clear, distinct identities, even where a compatible combined platform is used. We agree who receives, acknowledges and attends each call, including during reduced staffing.

Power, faults & testing

Power supplies, standby provision and fault monitoring are selected for the system and its applicable requirements. Commissioning checks call locations, speech intelligibility, indications and reset operation. Planned inspections and recorded tests help maintain readiness and identify damaged cords, failed batteries or communication faults.

Power, faults & testing

Power supplies, standby provision and fault monitoring are selected for the system and its applicable requirements. Commissioning checks call locations, speech intelligibility, indications and reset operation. Planned inspections and recorded tests help maintain readiness and identify damaged cords, failed batteries or communication faults.

A commercial lobby with open circulation areas and multiple routes

Accessible calling. An agreed response.

Design & integration

Designed for people. Supported by a plan.

Discuss your system

All systems

Communication equipment is one part of an accessible building. Effective assistance also depends on trained staff and clear procedures.

We review designated refuge locations, accessible WCs, staffed positions and existing equipment. Refuge communication is coordinated with the evacuation strategy and personal emergency evacuation plans where applicable; a refuge call does not itself arrange evacuation or summon the fire service.

WC assistance alarms are considered against the accessibility requirements for the premises, including relevant Approved Document M and BS 8300 guidance. Device positions, reassurance and reset arrangements must be practical for the intended users.

We agree response responsibilities, backup power and testing arrangements before handover. Clear labelling, staff familiarisation and ongoing maintenance help ensure calls are noticed and acted on whenever the building is occupied.