An Emergency Refuge Voice Communication System is a life-safety intercom (or telephone) system designed to operate reliably in a fire alarm emergency.


Refuge areas are for people who cannot easily use fire escapes. The disabled refuge outstation can be used to call for assistance and reassure the person until help arrives.


Its equipment and wiring must be monitored for faults that may occur prior to the emergency and the cabling & battery back-up must ensure it remains operational during the emergency.


There are two types of emergency system:


TYPE A

Typically connecting hands-free intercom outstations to a central control area and i used to inform staff or the Fire Service that somebody requires immediate assistance to exit the building.


TYPE B

Used by staff and the Fire Service before, during and after a fire to communicate with one another.


Part "M" of the UK Government's Building Regulations requires all non-domestic buildings with more than one storey to provide refuge areas for public safety purposes. They should be provided at each storey exit (stairways etc.). Outstations should be wall mounted in an easily accessible, well illuminated and un-obstructed position.


Examples of a refuge include enclosures such as a protected lobby corridor or stairway, or an area in open air such as a flat roof or balcony that is sufficiently protected from any risk of fire and is its own means of escape.


All Delta Refuge & EVC Systems are BS9999 & BS5839 Pt. 9 2010 compliant and we offer our consultant's assistance for BS5839, BS9999 (Fire Safety Design) as well as providing relevant specification templates.