In 2020, about 130,000 fires and more than 400,000 local threats were recorded in Poland. 489 people were killed and 2836 injured. The efficiency of evacuation processes has a huge impact on the number of victims and casualties. Unfortunately, for some people it is impossible to leave the building on their own in an emergency. People with disabilities need help and the ability to communicate with emergency services.
Evacuation isn’t for everyone, is it?
On New Year’s Eve 2015/2016, a fire broke out at the Address Hotel in Dubai. Among those present in the building was a woman in a wheelchair. He survived as his son carried him down the stairs from the
Awareness about the accessibility of indoor spaces and the adjustment of infrastructure to the needs of people with disabilities is constantly increasing. Unfortunately, although people’s lives and health depend on the efficiency of the evacuation operation, the issue of safe evacuation is sometimes overlooked.
– Ladders are used for evacuation in case of fire or other emergency. Elevators descend to the ground floor or the station and are immobilized there. Fire cranes should also be available downstairs for rescuers to use in the event of an alarm. Renata Januszewska, Brand Development Manager, Fire and Safety at Eaton, says people with reduced mobility and perception on the upper floors of the building often do not have a chance to evacuate on their own.
How to communicate with emergency services?
Yılmaz Özcan, Country Manager of Eaton Elektrik Turkey; “Emergency voice communication systems are a solution to the problem of evacuation of the disabled, especially in high and large buildings. These solutions are integrated emergency call systems for fire telephones, emergency intercoms and disabled toilets. Communication stations can be located in different parts of the facility and should be installed in shelters near / inside the stairs. Services “The rescuer is served by a single centralized system that shows exactly where the call came from. It keeps you constantly informed of the threat and allows you to calm people in distress.” she said.
The importance of voice communication systems
According to the provisions of the Fire Protection Act, the owner, manager or user of a building, facility or area is responsible for providing safety and evacuation to all people in the building, facility or area. Establishing accessibility standards for the disabled requires, among other things, equipping the elevator hall with a fire intercom directed to the security rooms, the use of light and acoustic signaling devices. When evacuation of persons with reduced mobility and impaired mobility is not possible, stairs should be equipped with appropriately marked shelters and devices for two-way communication.
Unfortunately, the use of voice communication systems in practice is still not standard practice – even in hospitals and senatoriums.
– It is increasingly necessary to develop detailed design standards that will facilitate the implementation of suitable solutions in practice. Systems should be installed to facilitate evacuation, both in newly emerging facilities and in the rebuilding or refurbishment of existing ones. Emergency voice communication systems are already used by international hotel chains and some office buildings. Januszewska emphasizes that public and commercial buildings should follow their example.
To learn more about Eaton, you can visit www.eaton.eu.