Disabled toilet alarms use a pull cord system which can be used in case of emergency to call for assistance. The alarms can be found in every accessible toilet and can be identified by a long red cord hanging from the ceiling. It is essential that these cords are accessible to everyone at all times.
Unfortunately, in some disabled toilets there are cords that have never been fully untied and are therefore not at an accessible height. It is also common for cords to be installed directly where the toilet is, making the alarm inaccessible in an emergency.
In other instances, the cords are cut incorrectly, either not cut long enough, leading them to trail on the floor, or cut too short, making them hard to reach from the floor. As a disabled person, I have seen the red cord be tied around accessible features such as handrails and grab bars which can not only accidently trigger the alarm, but also makes the alarm inaccessible and challenging to reach if you’re on the ground.
Regardless of how small the building is, it is a legal requirement to have a red cord installed in case of emergencies, however, unfortunately, there are many small businesses that fail to install this life saving equipment.
How to ensure the alarms are always accessible
Cords can often be tied or tampered with by staff, cleaners and toilet users. If you notice an emergency cord not fully untied or tied onto a railing, please untie it. This will make sure it can be reached from the ground.
In 2015, Euan’s Guide launched the Red Cord Cards, a brilliant initiative that explains how essential it is for the cords to be accessible from the floor. The cards are attached to the cord and are designed to explain how the cords should be left. The text on the cards read: “This red emergency cord must hang freely to the floor. If it does not, it may prevent a disabled person from asking for help.” The Red Cord Cards are free of charge and can be ordered here. I encourage you to carry around these cards because it can save someone’s life.
Important reminder
If you do not require an accessible toilet, please do not use them. Using a disabled toilet when you do not require one means disabled people like me are unable to use them. It is much safer for disabled people to use a disabled toilet that accommodate our needs instead of the non-accessible ones.