(Disabled Refuge)

The disability sign being a wheelchair further perpetrates the myth, this is the international symbol for disabilities and covers all disability type both mental and physical.The design marketing of most disabled refuge systems predates the publication of BS5839 Pt 9:2003, and derives from the definitions posted in BS5588 parts 5, 8, 10 & 11; it was because of this lack of clarity BS5839 pt 9:2003 was written, and should not be held as the definitive description of system use and operation. Section 11 of BS5839 Pt 9:2003 deals with outstation types, and has the following to say: 11.1.2.a Type A should be used for evacuation or fire fighting use, and a type B unit should only be used where a type A is impractical. 11.1.2.b For disabled refuge types A or type B can be used, however in locations (section 11.6.2.i) type B outstations can only be used where the background noise is below 40dBA (therefore there can be no sounder or voice alarm coverage in the area). It should also be noted that the communications on an Emergency Voice Communications System should be Full Duplex, (section 9.1) and not Simplex or VOX switched simplex, therefore control of the conversation on a compliant EVCS should not be governed by a push to talk on the master handset. Because of the above, and the fact that the CareCall system was designed for use by multidisability users, having high contrast signage in line with RNIB guidelines and induction loop coil (to BSEN60118-4) in the handset we recommend type A outstation handsets in all locations, otherwise you would have to consider acoustic hoods or two outstation handsets in each location for compliance with the other associated standards and laws, including BS8200 and the DDA (Disabilities Discrimination Act). CareCall benefits from taking into account all points in BS5839 pt 9:2003 during the design.

	BS5839 Part 9:2003 compliant
	Network topology
	Multiple master panels
	Up to 300 lines per system
	Up to 4 outstation handsets per line
	Operates on CWZ fire cables
	Full fault monitoring
	T coil in all handsets
	Battery maintained
	Maximum spur 500 metres

The CareCall Emergency Voice Communication System is designed to fully meet the requirements of BS 5839:part 9: 2003, providing a fully integrated solution for Fire Telephone and Disabled Refuge Systems.

An Emergency Voice Communication System is defined as a fixed bi-directional full duplex secure communication system for use in emergencies, and covers the operation of both Fire Telephone Systems and Disabled Refuge Systems. Where both systems are to be fitted to a building, the standards specify these should form a single system.

Disabled Refuge facilities are not only for the wheelchair user!

It is a popular myth that a disabled refuge system (an Emergency Voice Communication System as designed by the Standard BS5839 Part 9:2003), is for wheelchair users only.
This myth stems from the requirement in the building regulations that there should be a space to accommodate a wheelchair user. These, however, are not the only users of the system.

A disabled refuge is defined as a location for people who are mobility impaired who will impede the general egress from the building, or need assistance in leaving the building. This obviously includes wheelchair users who may have used the lift, but also covers the elderly, pregnant women over 6 month term, people with arthritis, in fact anyone who cannot walk 200 metres without a break.

The Office for National Statistics census results for 2001 show that 0.47% of the population are wheelchair bound, however 12.7% of the population are diagnosed as unable to walk 200 metres unaided.