Equality Act 2010

[Margaret Rooke]

Hi all,

We have been approached by the Safe Guarding Team and asked to provide a vibrating alarm for one of our beneficiaries at a cost to the Trust.

It is my understanding that we have covered all Stat and Man compliance by ensuring all our flats are equipped with heat and smoke detectors, serviced annually and checked 2 weekly by our on site maintenance person. Should the beneficiary require anything additional then that is a cost to them or the safeguarding team, so my question is am I correct or do we have to precure a vibrating alarm? I’ve included the act below

Equality Act 200
Are specialist alarms required for people with disabilities?
Landlords should make an informed decision and choose the best alarms for their properties and tenants, with due regard for their residents’ circumstances.

For example, specialist smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that alert by vibration or flashing lights (as opposed to by sound alerts) may be required for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Landlords should/must consider their duties under the Equality Act 2010.

[emmapannell]

Hi Margaret – if this person has a disability which means that they can’t hear a traditional smoke alarm, these may be available FOC from local fire service. Certainly Kent Fire & Rescue can (and have in our case) provide one at no cost. And also RNID may provide the same, free of charge. I am not sure how this all applies under the equality act, but as there are options which should come at no cost to the charity, it’s something you would probably want to consider.

[Margaret Rooke]

Thank you Emma that is really helpful.

[Author]

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