Intercoms & the Law
Intercoms have become an intimate part of modern-day life, being used everywhere from airports to shopping malls and health care facilities. As such, certain legal guidelines, typically differing by state, have been put in place for their safe operation.
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Function
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Intercoms must, by law, be in kept in good repair and available when needed in a variety of settings. Generally, these are places where the safety of the public is at risk if they are not functioning properly, such as hospitals, military bases and penitentiaries.
Protocol
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Other times, laws governing intercoms concern when they are not to be used. Examples of this are for personal purposes, or to provide confidential information to the public. While the former risks having the intercom unavailable during a genuine emergency, the latter violates rules regarding privacy, especially in medical facilities.
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Penalties
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As with all instances of breaking the law and potential to harm individuals, serious penalties exist for those found guilty of violating statues governing intercoms. Both civil and criminal fines, as well as jail terms, can be levied if improper use of an intercom leads to bodily injury or death.
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References
- Photo Credit old intercom microphone image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com