Introduction - Fireco Deafgard Operating Manual

Version 1.01

Introduction

Deafgard is a battery-operated device designed to alert the deaf and hard of hearing
within rooms where the fire alarm is intended to do so. It will trigger when it hears 2.4
KHz of continuous sound over 75 Decibels in approximately 20 seconds. The Pillow Pad
is designed to be placed under a pillow and will vibrate to wake the user upon hearing
the alarm. The Strobe also flashes in conjunction with the Pillow Pad vibration. The
Deafgard unit should be placed next to the bed during use.
IMPORTANT:
Deafgard must only be used for the purpose for which it is designed. It is not
suitable for external use. Read this guide and follow the instructions
carefully. Keep this guide in a safe place e.g. in your Fire Risk Assessment
file, for future reference.
Supplementary information about the sound of a fire alarm:
The British Standard for fire alarm installation, BS5839-1: 2002, (Clause 16.2), states: -
"The sound pressure level of alarm signals should be generally, throughout all accessible
areas of the building not less than 65dB(A) . . . where the sound pressure level of
background noise is greater than 60dB(A), the sound pressure level of the fire alarm
signal should be 5dB above the sound pressure level of the background noise."
It also states: The sound pressure level of alarm signals "should be not less than
75dB(A) at the bed head within rooms in which the fire alarm system is intended to
rouse people from sleep."
For Technical Assistance contact the UK Advice line on:
+44 (0) 1273 696007 or e-mail help@deafgard.com
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