I wish to know if a walkie talkie can be used instead of a refuge call point, i have an issue with someone planning to use these housed in a box in a stairwell refuge point, i believe a propoer call point should be installed but i need some guidance as to what is legally acceptable.

Thank you in advance.

I would suggest communication system is required for a refuge, its to which standard you install it to. As far as I am aware there is no substandard for the use of walkie talkie but there is for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems, BS 5839-9:2003.