Current Building Regulations insist all new non-domestic buildings with more than one storey provide ‘refuge’ areas – safe places where people who cannot easily use fire escapes and evacuation lifts can call for assistance and wait until help arrives. 

Disabled refuge systems have been designed for use in buildings that contain refuge areas. This type of intercom system allows emergency services to be in continual contact with the people in the refuge areas who seek emergency assistance. The Disability Discrimination Act made it the responsibility of all companies in Ireland to ensure that access to buildings and services is available to everyone.