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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Steve_gb on February 03, 2008, 06:08:48 PM

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: Steve_gb on February 03, 2008, 06:08:48 PM

are beacons essential in sleeping accommodation (hostels/hotels) where there is a possibility of guests having hearing impairment?

If so where are they required?? in escape routes or rooms?

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: kurnal on February 03, 2008, 07:07:02 PM

Beacons are not effective in waking sleeping people, hearing impaired or otherwise. Vibrating pads or pagers are much more effective for deaf people.
Beacons can be effectve in catching the attention of people if awake.
So they can be useful in a bedroom used by accompanied or unaccompanied deaf people but would not be sufficient in themselves for unaccompanied deaf people.  No they are not mandatory- what is mandatory is to make suitable and sufficient arrangements for the safety of all relevant persons. Management procedures, staff procedures, identification of special needs at check in, provision of strobes and vibrating equipment in key locations may be the full answer.

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: Steve_gb on February 03, 2008, 07:16:02 PM

thanks for that,
where are key locations in an L2 or L1 situation?
I am aware of the 75db level at bedhead but clause 17 gives no reference to siting of visual alarms?

Are hotels or hostels part 6?

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: nearlythere on February 04, 2008, 07:49:16 AM

Quote from: Steve_gb

thanks for that,
where are key locations in an L2 or L1 situation?
I am aware of the 75db level at bedhead but clause 17 gives no reference to siting of visual alarms?

Are hotels or hostels part 6?

Visual alarms, where utilised, should be positioned where they are easily seen by the individual. Visuals are really only of use where the fire alarm could be difficult to hear. eg noisy part of a factory where operators are wearing ear protection or where persons have hearing difficulties, or even in livery stables where a sudden loud noise could upset horses. They can also be used in large assembly areas to warn staff only of the possibility of fire and to commence evacuation.

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: kurnal on February 04, 2008, 08:12:06 AM

Steve
You may find the attached presentation of interest which I think is still current.

http://www.the-fic.org.uk/Presentations/IntFireExpo_2005/Session2_speaker%202_Bob%20Choppen.ppt

Doesn't answer your question becuse I dont think there is an answer. You could go ahead, follow guidance in Approved document M and BS8300 and install visual visual alarms in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens etc. but would it be effective?

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: Steve_gb on February 04, 2008, 09:04:14 AM

thanks for the presentation,
I will be including beacons as an option

Title: Beacons in sleeping dwellings?
Post by: Graeme on February 04, 2008, 06:40:14 PM

Quote from: Steve_gb

thanks for that,
where are key locations in an L2 or L1 situation?
I am aware of the 75db level at bedhead but clause 17 gives no reference to siting of visual alarms?

Are hotels or hostels part 6?

2.1m from ffl

on the wall or ceiling