Other than through risk assessment can anybody confirm whether there is legislation (BS8300 or otherwise) that requires panic alarms inside disabled toilets to be present and mandatorily maintained or is at the discretion of the landlord/occupier? I am drawing up a statutory compliance doc and finding the answer to this question is proving troublesome.

Hi Macc2211,

this subject is of interest to me as well. From what I found both BS8300 and Building Regs, Part M mention emergency alarm systems in the disabled toilets, however hey are not legislation, rather guidance documents.

Not sure if the Equality Act makes it definitely mandatory and so far am considering to approach this via Risk Assessment.

It would be nice to hear more thoughts on this matter...

PaulS.

Would in such scenario a robust buddy system be sufficient?

To comply with Part M 5.10 a red pull cord is a requirement in non domestic premises. There is no grounds for a risk assessment. Plus the costs of retrofit are very low often less than £200 so why avoid it. Once in then maintenance becomes obligatory. Yes the Equality Act then comes into play.

We have to recognise that we cannot simply risk assess away a need i9n every case. SHPs do really need to get to grips with Disabilty requirements and break the "Risk assessment" everything mania.

The implications of a Building Regs or Equality Act breach are substantial for any company and as such this should be incorporated into the RA if you really think you must have one.

The lesson is - Look at other regulatory requirements carefully before deciding to treat it as if it is a H&S risk issue.

Kurdziel

Some people face this constantly

Bob