Areas of Refuge

Areas of Refuge

• The “Areas of Refuge” or “Areas of Rescue Assistance” concept was established to provide a location for building occupants, who cannot traverse the stairs without assistance, to be able to assemble by an exit and await assistance or instructions by the first responders.
• These areas are required on each floor above and below the “ground” floor and must be clearly marked and provide a two way communication system to a central control point
  (Rath Base Stations) within the building.
• If the central control point is not staffed 24 hours a day, the communication from each Area of Refuge must be on a timed redirection to a location that is staffed 24 hours a day.
• The Area of Refuge communication system (Rath Call Boxes) shall provide for hands-free, two-way communication, provide an audible and visible signal to indicate communication has occurred and indicate to the receiver the location sending the signal.