You will find a Visual Alarm Device on almost every fire alarm system. But what are they, and do you need one?

A visual alarm device is a device for a fire alarm system. Most fire alarm devices give an audio alert in the event of an activation. Visual Alarm Devices, as you might have guessed from the name, give a visual alert. Visual Alarm Devices, or VADs, are invaluable for anyone who wouldn’t normally be alerted to a fire by an audible only device.

One in five adults in the UK is deaf or has hearing loss. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) are the UK’s largest charity helping people with deafness and hearing loss. They say that you’re likely to meet someone with some degree of hearing loss every day. Does your business provide adequate protection for people with hearing loss in the event of a fire?

Fire alarm designers most often specify VADs in an accessible toilet. However, as our experienced designers pointed out, not all people with deafness and hearing loss will be using the accessible toilet. VADs should be installed in many more situations.

Visual Alarm Devices are required anywhere that a person with deafness or hearing loss may be on their own. Most obviously this could be toilets and bathrooms, hotel bedrooms or student accommodation. The British standard requires that visual alarm devices should conform to BS EN 54-23. Employing a BAFE approved fire alarm designer and installer helps you to ensure that your fire alarm will meet the required standards, and will provide fire protection for all users of your building.

Keybury Fire and Security are NSI GOLD & BAFE Approved for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarms. Our FIA trained designers have decades of industry experience and are on hand to answer you questions. It’s our family business to protect your family and your business.

Does your fire alarm require additional protection for people who are deaf or have hearing loss? Book a fire alarm survey to upgrade your system today: