Laws and legislation
BSL Bill: Calls for official recognition of British Sign Language
Did you know that although British Sign Language has been recognised as an "official" language by the UK government since 2003, it does not yet have any legal status or protection? While the government recognises British Sign Language as an official language, the...
Changing Places toilets and the need for disabled toilet alarm systems
What are Changing Places toilets? The term ‘Changing Places’ refers to fully accessible toilet facilities. In line with the Equality Act 2010, facilities being offered must provide equal access for disabled customers/visitors and employees, to the same standard as...
Vibrating pillow pad – Everything you need to know
What is a vibrating pillow pad? Designed for Deaf and hard of hearing people, a vibrating pillow pad is a device used to protect and alert users in emergency situations. Typically interconnected with fire alarms or evacuation systems, vibrating pillow pads are used to...
5 reasons your building needs Deaf Alerter
Is your building in need of a deaf fire alarm system? With several options on the market, it can be difficult to determine the most suitable. Here are the top 5 reasons your building can benefit from installing Deaf Alerter: Deaf...
5 reasons you need an EVC system
With over 100,000 fires in buildings every year in the UK, an Emergency Voice Communication system is vital to guarantee the safety and successful evacuation of all people within your building. What is an EVC system? An Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system...
Mobile phones: Reliable as a fire alarm?
Why aren't mobile phone text systems reliable as fire alarms? Since 2002, BS5839-1 section 18 has been dedicated to the special requirements of “Fire alarm Warnings for people with Impaired Hearing”. It is vital that this standard is adhered to as this is seen...
What is a disabled Refuge?
A disabled refuge is a relatively safe temporary waiting area, located within a building to aid the evacuation of all people as safely as possible. The disabled refuge area allows building management and emergency services to assist all people out of a building in the...
Fire safety in universities – everything you need to know about Disabled Refuge Systems
It is essential that across a University there is 100 percent compliance within all buildings, including residential student accommodation. Building regulations and fire safety requirements are set out and ensuring student’s safety should always be a top priority....
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 for Deaf and hard of hearing people – How we can help? What is the Equality Act 2010? The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework that essentially creates equality for all; protecting individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and...
Changing Places to become compulsory in England from 2021
From 2021, in England, large accessible toilets for severely disabled people will become compulsory under the new legislation. These accessible toilets, known as Changing Places, will be required in places such as shopping centres, supermarkets, and sports and arts...
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