I would have a serious word with your Safety Director and your Fire Officer.
Sounds as though your Estates division has not thought this through other
than as a cost cutting/money saving exercise. Tha system they are
considering may not be appropriate for a University/College type operation,
students, staff, visitors, conferences, catering events, meetings, members
of the public, weekend events, evening events, vacation events and so on. I
cannot believe that the Disability Service personnel can be made responsible
for fire evacuation! I cxertainly would not take it on! Sounds irresponsible
to me and possibly dangerous. Almost impossible to Police! One could I
suppose think about the management of such a system lies with the halls
management in a hall of residence and with the buildings managers in
departments, conference office staff for meetings, HR, departmental
administrators for staff, what you would do in the Refectories and
Libraries which have public access I cannot imagine. Off the top of my head
for what its worth! Best wishes, Loretto
-----Original Message-----
From: n.conn [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 04 December 2002 14:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Fire alarms for people with hearing difficulties <fwd>
--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 14:43:41 +0000 (GMT Standard Time)
From: Linda Maguire <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Fire alarms for people with hearing difficulties
<fwd>
Sender: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Reply-To: Linda Maguire <[log in to unmask]>
Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 12:42:40 +0000 (GMT Standard Time)
From: Linda Maguire <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Fire alarms for people with hearing difficulties
Sender: [log in to unmask]
To: "Discussion list for disabled students and their support
staff." <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Linda Maguire <[log in to unmask]>
Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
Hi Everyone,
I would really appreciate your advice and guidance.
A draft paper has landed on my desk from the Estates dept asking
for my opinion of introducing radio paging systems in new
buildings that require more than 120 visual beacons. The proposal
also suggests that it would be introduced in all existing
buildings as it would be more cost effective and less
disruptive.
I have major concerns on a number of issues, in that, it is
proposed that Disability Services would be responsible for
administering the issue of the portable pager systems to
students and staff who have identified as having hearing
difficulties. However my concern is that a) we are not always
aware of who will require the facility, as we are not
responsible for staff, and some students do not disclose. b)
What about public buildings, evening class, members of the
public c)there are training implications?
If any other University has implemented a similar system, I
would really appreciate feedback on how it has worked and how it
is managed.
Thank you in advance
Regards
Linda
----------------------
Linda Maguire
Disability Services Co-ordinator
[log in to unmask]
028 90 273225
--- End Forwarded Message ---
----------------------
Linda Maguire
Disability Services Co-ordinator
Queen's University Belfast
[log in to unmask]
028 90 273225
--- End Forwarded Message ---
----------------------
Norma Conn
Disability Officer
Disability Services
Queen's University Belfast
Phone: (0044) 028 9027 3583
Fax: (0044) 028 9033 5378
Email: [log in to unmask]
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