Panic Alarms

[ScottFree]

I am looking for a wearable push button alarm that will be used for 5 to 10 people such as our HR staff or Executives.

Can anyone recommend something that would fit this bill?

Wireless or wired is fine, but i prefer something wireless and inconspicous

[SecTrainer]

Check out Ciscor: http://www.ciscor.com/sys/man_down_alarm_systems.html

There are a number of "personal panic buttons" (Google the phrase, including the quotes) with varying degrees of sophistication - mostly for home use but might work for a small workplace.

The real question is facility size (or the area where they work). If you have to cover a large facility, you'll need repeaters and also will probably need the system to provide a "locate" function. Not much good getting a panic alert from an employee if you can't find 'em.

[integrator97]

As SecTrainer said, how big is your facility, metal walls inside or exterior, does it need to work outside. These factors will determine which types of systems will work. Some systems have repeaters that will repeat the signal from a transmitter only, some will repeat from another repeater increasing your range capability. It all comes at a cost though.

There's also a system that will recieve the signal and transmit a programmed message for each panic button over your radio. Great for hospitals, courthouses, etc., especially if you don't have a fixed post. It uses the same transmitters, etc, that trainer's link does, which are actually made by Inovonics.

But for a smaller facility it may be more cost effective to use a Honeywell or GE Caddx alarm panel and their wireless panics. I've done a 50,000 sq foot building with them, for exactly the same purpose as you are, HR & Execs.

[SIW Editor]

Visonic is another name that comes to mind. Basically what you're talking about is similar to what's called PERS. The mass market for this is for elderly persons living alone, but it can be used for panic buttons on execs as well.

Here's one link to get you started
http://www.visonic.com/visonichomepa...3?OpenDocument

Lots of other companies do this, too.

Geoff

[john_harrington]

Others have pointed out some limitations. If you do go the wireless route, make sure you have a real good policy for the replacement of batteries and a procedure to test the buttons frequently.

Personally, I avoid wireless devices whenever possible. In an HR office or exec suite, a supervised,hardwired panic at the desk and primary conference table seat is preferable. When designing the system, place the button under the desk on the secondary hand side (left hand of a righty, right hand of a lefty). Again a testing procedure needs to be followed.

Regardless of the type of button, both are useless (and a potential liability) without a well thought out procedure for responding to the alarm.

[AJStevens]

I like SIWEditor's suggestion of using a PERS unit ... though this would probably be most useful for a small company. If you're going to use PERS, you should think carefully about who will be doing the monitoring.

[Jhonnysentry]

I guess wireless would be better for that. It would be pretty good for 5 to 10 people, just what you've said, HR staff or Executives.

[HotelSecurity]

I guess wireless would be better for that. It would be pretty good for 5 to 10 people, just what you've said, HR staff or Executives.

Good answer. The question was posted a year & a half ago. I hope he was able to wait that long