One of London's Finest Now Becomes One of London's Safest

Deaf and hard of hearing guests of London's Waldorf Hilton Hotel are now able to experience a special safety feature called Deaf Alerter, which is a fire alarm and messaging system specifically designed for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

The fire alarm warning system has been installed as part of the Waldorf Hilton's effort to make their extensive facilities fully accessible in time for the implementation of the final part of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in October 2004.

Fire safety for Deaf and hard of hearing guests, visitors and employees had previously been a major concern, but the Waldorf Hilton Hotel have eliminated any possibility of risk under the DDA, Health & Safety Legislation and Fire Legislation by installing a Deaf Alerter system.

Deaf Alerter plc provides a radio-based warning system, which comprises a radio transmitter integrated with the fire panel and a vibrating portable receiver called an Alerter, worn by the user. Deaf Alerter is a most effective solution and it includes the following features recommended by BS5839-1:

• When the fire alarm is activated, the transmitter automatically sends a radio signal to each Alerter in the building
• This occurs within 5 seconds of the alarm trigger
• Users receive the signal repeatedly until the fire alarm is reset
• The power level of the transmitter is carefully selected to guarantee complete building coverage
• The system continuously monitors its own health and reports faults back to the fire alarm control panel
• Every site with a transmitter installed is licensed by Ofcom (the Office of Communications) and is operated on a controlled and protected frequency

As night-time poses an even greater level of risk through isolation and removal of hearing aids, the hotel provides a portable bedroom kit from Deaf Alerter called a Night Cradle. The Night Cradle can be located in any room, placing no restriction on the guest, unlike other hotels who discriminate by restricting equal access and only permitting occupancy of a specially allocated disabled room.

The Waldorf Hotel's latest initiative with Deaf Alerter Plc provides equality and safety for Deaf and hard of hearing guests, demonstrating their unrivalled commitment to best practice and ensuring they provide customers with the best possible experience in a safe and comfortable environment. This is just one of the many reasons why the Waldorf Hilton Hotel is recognised as a world leader within the hospitality industry.