Hi All, I am currently conducting some research in relation to the above. I wondered whether anyone could start me off by advising under which circumstances (in a fire safety strategy) such a system would be appropriate/necessary and any associated legal requirements. Specifically I wondered whether I could gather views on their appropriateness for use in a home for special needs children, where some of the occupants may be required to assemble in a refuge area within the building as part of the emergency plan. Many Thanks in advance for feedback offered.

No - I understand that Building Control have recommended a 2 way communication system to be installed at refuge points. My feeling is that if sufficient structural fire separation is in place, and suitable emergency procedures have been established then it would not be required.

There are many unanswered questions thrown up by this posting: 1. Why specifically are Refuge Points required? They are NOTa substitute for a well managed evacuation policy/procedures. 2. Who will be in communication with the Refuge Points and what is their role during a fire emergency on the premises? 3. The Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) will expect the premises to have been evacuated upon their arrival as it is not their role (rescues are) so who will be responsible for this on site as it sounds as though vulnerable people will be using the premises? 4. Is there a 'stay in place' policy in use and agreed with the FRS for these premises and will the structural fire separation enable this? 5. Do the Care Quality Commission have any input in to these premises and require any form of consultation? 6. My recommendation would be that this needs to be a suitably managed process and the voice comms at the Refuge Points form part of an additional backup facility linked to an immediate fire alarm response from the premises to a receiving centre.