Duress alarms and operational responses

Duress alarm systems, sometimes referred to as panic alarms are utilised in workplaces when the need is identified to protect employees and other staff from risks associated with hazards including personal assault, robbery or other environmental hazards.

There is a steady reported growth where workplaces have installed duress alarms.  Currently there are no minimum standards albeit some industry sectors have an extensive history in the use of duress technology. For example, healthcare providers with mental health facilities often have fixed and mobile duress systems to ensure an immediate response where a violent or potentially violent incident arises.

Assessors recommending installation of duress alarms must consider the following:

• A policy must be developed relating to the installation, use and maintenance of duress systems;
• Fixed alarm points must be readily accessible. However they must be inconspicuous so as to avoid accidental activations;
• Any internal strobe light or other internal staff notification must be centrally placed;
• Staff must be trained in the use of duress alarms including authority to activate and relevant responses for both intentional and unintentional activations. Other internal staff must be trained in response options to a duress activation;
• Any monitoring centre must be develop communication protocols for duress activations;
• An inventory for duress alarms must be maintained; and
• A maintenance and testing schedule must be developed.

It must be remembered that duress alarms are a response to security-related incidents. Proactive “zones of control” must be established where possible.