People who are deaf or hard of hearing rely upon visual cues or signals to alert them to emergencies in the workplace.
Emergency alerts and alarms (not solely auditory alarms) are available that let all people in the workplace know when there is a danger or if they need to leave the building (Word of Mouth Technology 2007; WA Deaf Society 2006).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
On the job strategies
- employers can allocate a ‘fire buddy’ who is responsible for ensuring that the person who is deaf or hard of hearing is aware of any emergency alerts and assists with evacuation if required
- co-workers working immediately around a worker that is deaf or hard of hearing to be advised of ways to assist in event of an emergency
- fire or emergency drills can be practiced regularly within the workplace in readiness for an actual emergency
- during induction, emergency procedures to be explained and clear written instructions provided to the worker, along with a physical ‘run through’ demonstration of ‘what to do’ in an emergency
- for people with visual impairment, emergency evacuation procedures may need to be available in large print or electronically.
Equipment
A visual and tactile emergency alarm vibrates and is very useful for people with both hearing and vision difficulties in case of emergency. See link below for more information:
Strobe alarm systems flash strobe lights in an emergency situation for people that may not notice or hear the sounded emergency alarms due to hearing impairment or use of personal protective equipment such as ear plugs or muffs. See link below for more information:
Emergency lights can be placed leading to emergency exits in the wake of an emergency to assist in guiding individuals who cannot hear audio alarms and alerts.
Directional tactile ground surface indicator markings can also be placed leading to emergency exits to assist those with visual impairments to exit buildings in the wake of an emergency. Evacuation maps or floor plans can also be developed in Braille or tactual formats for people with visual impairments (Vision Australia 2007; Word of Mouth Technology 2007; WA Deaf Society 2006). See links below for more information:
Other job requirements and solutions
References
Vision Australian 2007, Accessible Design For Public Buildings – Fact Sheet, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 14 July 2007, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=721#Tactile
WA Deaf Society Inc. 2006, Providing Accessible Services and Facilities for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, WA Deaf Society Inc., Perth, viewed 13 July 2007, http://wadeaf.onlinepublicity.net/media/docs/Providing_accessible_services_brochure2006.pdf
Word of Mouth Technology 2007, Alerting systems, Word of Mouth Technology, Boronia, viewed 14 July 2007, http://www.wom.com.au/category.php?c=3+