Over recent years, the installation of Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) has experienced considerable growth since their mandatory introduction from 1st January 2014. This is in response to both the Equalities Act 2010 (UK only) and historical data which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of VADs.

VADs are required to be used, in specific circumstances, in conjunction with other alarm devices to provide an effective means of alerting and evacuating occupants of a building. It is essential that the use of VADs forms part of the overall fire safety strategy. This strategy is based on an agreed building evacuation plan which, in turn, is a product of the buildings fire risk assessment.