Whether you are an employer, a service provider, a building designer or an installer, you have a number of legal obligations regarding disabilities and the standards to which you are expected to work. Installing a hearing system can form part of a strategy for meeting these obligations in some situations. Some of the key documents you might need to be aware of are:

The Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
(Link to DDA)

This act states that "reasonable changes must be made to accommodate the needs of the disabled".This imposes an obligation on employers and service providers to ensure that disabled access to their premises is adequate, including making appropriate alterations to the building itself. What is considered to be “reasonable” will depend on the specific circumstances of your organisation, for instance, the people you serve and employ, the nature of your business and the type of premises you occupy. You may need to consider providing features such as access ramps for wheelchair users and induction loops for the hearing impaired.

The Building Regulations.
(Link to ODPM)
The Building Regulations are a legal requirement under the Building Act 1984. They place obligations on those involved in carrying out building work to ensure that certain aspects meet required standards. Approved Document M deals with the access to and use of buildings and states that “reasonable provision shall be made for people to- (a) gain access to; and (b) use the building and its facilities.” Although many of the requirements specifically relating to disabled access are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act, those involved in carrying out building work should also take care to ensure compliance with Approved Document M.

For more information on meeting your legal requirements in relation to hearing impairment and disability generally, visit The Disability Rights Commission website at http://www.drc-gb.org/

British and European Standards
In many circumstances, legal obligations are imposed under relevant British and European Standards. These documents exist to ensure that installations and equipment meet certain requirements for safety and quality. It is important that installers and specifiers be aware of the requirements imposed and comply with them. Some of the most important standards in the field are BS 7594:1993, BS EN 60118-4:1998, IEC 60118-4:1981

For more detailed information visit the British Standards Institution website at http://www.bsi-global.com/