There is no specific code requirement for phones but all codes do require an emergency reporting system. That can be the fire alarm or similar pull station system. That being said most new labs still require phones but use VOIP to avod have t run the phone lines. I am sure you could achieve the same functionality with cell phones but you would need to ensure everyone has one (company provided?), there are no dead spots, who do they call, and a bunch of similar but solvable questions.

A colleague asked:

“My safety question is whether research labs are required to have phones?  This used to be a requirement for safety reasons, but it is less clear in these days of ubiquitous cell phones.  Our university is switching phone systems and I'm being asked whether we still need these phones in the research labs.”

Best answer is… (you fill in the blank) …

Dave  

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org