In a fire emergency, the clear instruction for able-bodied people is to evacuate via the nearest stairwell. But what about those who cannot? For people with mobility impairments, from wheelchair users to those with respiratory conditions, stairs are an impassable barrier.
This is where a disabled refuge call point becomes one of the most important life-saving devices in a building.These systems are a critical component of inclusive fire safety, ensuring that everyone has a clear, safe, and dignified method of evacuation.
The Quick Answer
A disabled refuge call point, also known as an Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system, is a two-way communication device located within a designated “disabled refuge area.” This safe, fire-protected space (like a stair landing) allows people with mobility issues to wait for assisted evacuation. The call point enables them to communicate directly with a central control point (like a fire warden or building reception), reassuring them that help is on the way and allowing rescue teams to coordinate their evacuation.
Understanding the “Disabled Refuge Area”
What is a Refuge Area?
You cannot understand the call point without first understanding the refuge area. A disabled refuge is a temporary safe space where people who cannot use stairs can await assistance. It is not just any space; it must be protected from fire and smoke, typically for 30 or 60 minutes. In most multi-storey buildings, this area is a designated part of a protected stairwell landing or a dedicated lobby.
Who Needs a Refuge Area?
The term “disabled” is broad. These areas are vital for any person who may not be able to evacuate unaided. This includes:
Wheelchair users.
People with arthritis, heart conditions, or breathing difficulties.
Individuals with temporary injuries, such as a broken leg.
Anyone else who cannot walk down multiple flights of stairs quickly and safely.
How Does the Call Point System Work?
The Two-Way Communication
A disabled refuge call point is not just a panic button or a simple fire alarm. It is a dedicated, hands-free intercom. When a person in the refuge presses the call button, it sends a signal to a central master station. The operator at that station can then speak directly to the person in the refuge. This two-way communication is vital for reassurance. It allows the operator to say, “We know you are there. We are coming to get you,” which is critical for preventing panic.
The Master Station
The call must go somewhere. The master station is the system’s “brain,” typically located at a building control room, reception desk, or fire command centre. This is where a trained member of staff (like a fire warden or building manager) will be alerted to the call, see which refuge point it is coming from, and provide that all-important reassurance and coordination.
Integrating Call Points with Your Fire Safety Plan
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
The refuge call point is the tool, but the plan is the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). A PEEP is a formal, written plan for a specific individual who may need assistance during an evacuation. This plan identifies who will assist them, where their nearest refuge point is, and how they will be evacuated from that point. The refuge call point is the communication link that activates this plan. Identifying the need for PEEPs is a key part of your building’s fire risk assessment.
Testing and Maintenance
A refuge call point is a life-saving system and must be maintained just like a fire alarm. The British Standard BS 5839-9 is the code of practice for the design, installation, and maintenance of these EVC systems. They must be tested weekly and serviced regularly by a competent person.
Staff Training
Having the system is useless if no one knows how to use it or respond to it. This requires dedicated fire safety training for your staff, especially fire wardens and those responsible for monitoring the master station. They must know exactly what to do and say when a call for help comes through.
Conclusion
A disabled refuge call point is far more than a button on a wall. It is a vital, legally-required communication system that upholds the principle that everyone deserves a safe escape route. It provides a lifeline of reassurance to the most vulnerable people in a building during a fire, connecting them to the trained staff who are responsible for their safe, assisted evacuation.
