RiskXtraSeptember2018

x
RISKXtra
Emergencies and Life Safety: Voice Evacuation
that are not third party certified to EN54-16 for
voice alarm control and indicating equipment,
EN54-4 (covering power supplies) and EN54-24
for loudspeakers.
Thorough risk assessment
As with any proposed life safety equipment
installation, it’s first of all necessary to carry
out a full and thorough risk assessment. The
introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) brought together
all the elements of fire safety. It places the onus
on a designated ‘responsible person’ within an
organisation to carry out assessments to
identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire.
When it comes to fire detection, the RRFSO
states that the primary purpose is to detect the
presence of fire at an early stage and provide
audible and/or visual warning to the building
occupants to allow for an orderly evacuation.
Within high-rise buildings, for example,
ensuring that a voice evacuation system is fit
for purpose and commissioned so that, in the
event of a fire, people are guided to safety in a
structured manner is imperative. The latest
state-of-the-art ‘intelligent’ voice evacuation
systems incorporate a number of essential
features that can prioritise which levels to
evacuate first as part of a phased evacuation
strategy, thereby avoiding a potentially
catastrophic mass stampede. This is very
important in multi-use locations where floors
can be used for different purposes.
Most of today’s modern networked systems
are also equipped with a live speech capability
so that, when necessary, the pre-configured
messages may be overridden and people
spoken to directly. Also, if a building houses a
number of people who have impaired hearing, a
voice-based system can be used in conjunction
with flashing beacons to provide a visual
indication that there is indeed a fire alert.
Leading the way
Surprisingly, in the UK there’s no regulatory
requirement for buildings to have a voice
evacuation system installed, even though
buildings requiring phased evacuation can
benefit from an element of voice as part of a
comprehensive detection and response
strategy. This is in stark contrast to some other
countries, such as the United Arab Emirates
“Most of today’s modern networked systems are also
equipped with a live speech capability so that, when
necessary, the pre-configured messages may be overriden
and people spoken to directly”
(UAE), which has introduced some leadership
to this subject with its excellent Fire and Life
Safety Code of Practice.
Now considered one of the world’s definitive
documents on life safety provision, adherence
to this Code of Practice is mandatory on all new
UAE building projects. It classifies any building
with seven or more levels as a high-rise and
states that, in these locations, a voice-based
evacuation system must be used.
However, it isn’t only seven-storey buildings
where this type of fire safety system is a must –
structures larger than 2,800 m 2 , or which have
1,000 persons living or working in them are also
included, as are warehouse or distribution
facilities of 5,000 m 2 or more.
Likewise, Germany’s DIN VDE V 0827
standard for emergency and danger response
systems was implemented in July 2016 with the
objective of providing technical assistance for
emergencies and dangerous situations.
Requirements are now in place governing the
technical systems that trigger alarms in
dangerous situations, call for help, warn those
involved or issue audible instructions.
More than meets the eye
As well as performing a fundamental role as
part of a life safety infrastructure, a voice
evacuation system can also maximise return on
investment by acting as a PA solution to issue
audible instructions in addition to broadcasting
pre-programmed voice messages, issuing live
announcements or even playing music.
A terrorist incident, a traffic accident, an
intruder, air pollution or even a dangerous dog
roaming around are some of the situations that
could require clear communication within a
building. UK schools, for example, are
increasingly looking to develop coherent
strategies for lockdown procedures. They can
use voice-enabled technology to allow
emergencies to be immediately reported to a
central location.
In a fire situation, minutes and even seconds
could mean the difference between life and
death. Even though voice evacuation has
obvious benefits, the regulations are lacking.
This type of technology is still principally used
only as directed by a Fire and Rescue Authority,
or where the provision of a PA system to meet
other needs makes the incremental cost
significantly lower than where a simple upgrade
from sounders is being considered.
However, there are now growing calls for
tighter regulation that makes the use of voice
evacuation in certain environments mandatory
here in the UK. These calls should be heeded
and actively supported.
44