Do you need emergency voice communications?

New standard

Whenever there’s a new piece of legislation or a code of practice published, there are always companies keen to make a few quid off the back of it. Invariably, the sales hype turns out to be just that - hype! In this case the reason for the flier is a new British Standard on the subject of Emergency Voice Communication Systems (EVCs) – BS5839-9: 2011. But like all British Standards for equipment, this applies to new installations rather than for those in existing buildings. They’re also used in a small number of situations which generally apply to larger and more complex buildings.

What’s an EVC?

They are installed anywhere where there could be a need during a fire for someone at an outlying location to be able to communicate with a central control point. Typical uses are: (1) to allow communication with those who are waiting at a disabled refuge (a designated safe place to wait in the event of fire); (2) for fire wardens to communicate that they have cleared their area in a larger building; (3) for the Fire & Rescue Service to use when controlling the evacuation of a more complex building or to use during fire fighting; or (4) in sports stadiums for use by stewards to co-ordinate an evacuation.

Take refuge

Disabled refuges are relatively common. You’ll see them marked with signage at the top of staircases or on landing areas. It’s worth bearing in mind that many of them were constructed before there was a requirement for in-built communications.

Tip. The publication of this British Standard doesn’t mean that you need to install an EVC. However, you do need to make sure that you have a means of communicating with those in the refuge, e.g. by radio or mobile phone.

Starting afresh

If you’re in the process of planning a new building, or are carrying out significant alterations, then it’s likely that disabled access will need to be incorporated. That’s because it’s now part of the Building Regulations requirements. Therefore, it’s likely that more buildings in the future will include disabled refuges. And wherever there’s a new refuge, BS5839-9 will apply.

How will it affect you?

If an EVC is fitted in the building, then you’ll need to make sure it’s properly maintained and subject to regular testing. After all, there’s no point in investing in the technology for it to fail at a critical moment. In addition to describing the standards for design and commissioning of EVCs, BS5839-9 includes the arrangements which building owners need to put into place.

Tip 1. Carry out and keep records of weekly tests using a different outstation each week.

Tip 2. Arrange for an inspection and servicing programme with emergency cover to be delivered by a specialist contractor. Frequency of visits will vary but should be a minimum of six-monthly.

Tip 3. Provide training to staff who are expected to operate the master station and carry out the weekly tests. The supplier should be able to help.