We have a room kitted out as a theatre in one of our buildings and put on shows for the general public. We have a Fire Evacuation plan which covers the whole building including the theatre. Our worker in charge of the theatre is in the throes of getting a venue accreditation with a charity known as "Attitude is Everything" - it appears to be excellent marketing and PR related tool once achieved.

One of the points needing to be addressed as part of this accreditation involves the fire evacuation policy, which according to "Attitude is Everything" must include reference to deaf and disabled people, making specific reference to where they may be congregated.

According to Attitude is Everything:

“we strongly recommend that these are revisited and reassessed considering the potential needs of Deaf and disabled customers. Providing dedicated information within an emergency evacuation plan for specific impairment groups can assist in how training is given to staff involved in undertaking any evacuation.”

The Fire Safety Policy doesn’t currently include a specific reference to deaf people. Should it be added?

All staff employed in the building undergo Evac Chair Training for disabled people and this is mentioned in the buildings Fire Evacuation Plan - do I now have to add information concerning deaf people as we would have not idea who may be deaf in the audience. We currently do not have any staff who are deaf. Also, as part of the private hirers agreement the supervisor of the performing group is responsbile for all aspects of health and safety other than of course the state of the theatre and building as a whole (which includes - how go get anyone who is deaf out of the building.

What do I need to do, please.

Your advice in this matter greatly appreciately.

Thank you Invictus - very helpful indeed.

talk 2 your local fire safety officer and bring in a professioanl to help as U would bring in an accountant etc.

bob

As I think we've met in the past from time to time (!), I hope you don't mind me suggesting that your mistyping or non-correction of 'professional might arise, not from age, but from needing either spectacles or new ones!!! :-)

Graham B

I disagree about consulting your local fire safety officer. This matter is not one of compliance with legislation (as you seem to be doing ok there) but one of satisfying the accreditation body and improving your PR and marketting.

Upon looking up 'Attiude is Everything' I note it is a group aimed at improving 'Deaf and disabled people's access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry'.

So I do not understand why you are surprised when they demand control measures which appear beyond and above what is required to comply with legislation.

You ask: The Fire Safety Policy doesn’t currently include a specific reference to deaf people. Should it be added?

The answer is clearly YES if you want this accreditation

This is more a corporate matter than H&S

http://www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk/

You don't always need special aids to assist in the evacuation of people, you can have an area for disabled people that is close to the doors, although you may consider that people with physical disabilities be the last to be evacuated as they may slow the evacuation down. You could insist that people with a disability are attending with someone who is able bodied and can assist the person, i.e. if they are deaf give them a knock and let them know the fire alarm has been activated, in case they haven't seen everyone heading for the door.

Who is to say that all people with disabilities tell you they have them, My dad looked as fit as a fiddle yet he couldn't walk fast or for more than 20 yards due to a heart condition.