Wireless Alert Solutions Limited

There are little or no guarantees that a text message will get through within the minimum requirement of five seconds.  In addition, the message is not repeated and therefore falls outside guidelines.  Additionally, a text message is not prioritised and therefore may be ignored as "low priority" at an inconvenient time.  The text message is transported, similar to email, via servers and management computers, this does not comply with BS5839 and can mean a text message can be delayed by anything up to 72 hours depending on traffic.  Additionally, as witnessed during the recent bomb alerts and terrorist attacks, the authorities will cut off civilian use of mobile networks during crises.  This both prioritises security usage and stops any devices being detonated remotely.  So all in all, no, text messaging isn't a viable option.

If you are broadcasting from a single point, you must ensure that every connection from building to building is connected via fire retardant cabling.  Many multiple building sites use a basic paging system to alert security personnel or the estates manager to a fire alarm across the site.  The cabling between buildings may be network cable or even telephone cable.  As this alert is for "information only" it has no overarching legal requirements on it and few standards.  After all, if the system fails, it doesn't matter as the building will still be evacuated.

However, once you attach a DeafWatch  - Deaf Fire Alarm or equivalent system to the end of that process, your paging system then counts as part of the fire alarm. The DeafWatch signal is the only fire alarm for the deaf person concerned. Therefore it is imperative that all connections from the activation point, between buildings and through subsidiary fire alarm panels, back to the main panel and through to the DeafWatch transmitter are cabled securely in fire retardant or equivalent secure cabling.

When purchasing a fire alarm for hearing people, the standards and requirements that define the system and protect the organisation purchasing are stringent and detailed.  Most of these requirements fall under the aegis of BS5839:01 (2002) and subsequent amendments.  Simply put, to say a wired fire alarm for hearing people is BS5839 compliant implies a certain level of safety, self checking, reporting and multiple redundancy.  To say a paging based fire alarm for Deaf people is BS5839 compliant means none of these things.  

The recommendations in BS5839 for paging based solutions are not equivalent.  Some suppliers, like Wireless Alert Solutions Limited, have adopted the principle that both audible and DeafWatch type systems should be equitable in safety and function.  They should be failsafe, self testing and report faults quickly and effectively.  

Unfortunately this does not currently apply to all and the standards are not sufficient as yet.  The safest way for the customer to confirm what they are getting is to request a full technical breakdown of the product.  That way you know what you are buying at what price, and can identify whether the system is good value for money.

Not always, we would recommend the best solution for your particular environment.  A simple small open plan office with one set of toilets and a coffee area could perhaps make do with a visual alarm and buddy system.  We would however recommend the combination of a technical system and a man managed solution.  This gives you a fallback and ensure that if one option fails (for whatever reason) you have a backup.  

Our approach is that whatever system best suits, it should be cost effective and appropriate.  And as mentioned in previous sections, our focus is on complex, difficult environments.  Our experience is that few systems can compete with DeafWatch for safety, security of signal, and low cost.