VA Systems
Voice alarm systems take traditional public address to a new level of performance and reliability with many additional features to ensure the system is ready to operate in the event of an emergency and function as a life safety system.
A correctly designed and installed voice alarm system provides the peace of mind that the facility exists for emergency warnings to be conveyed clearly, calmly and concisely throughout a building. To achieve this, expert knowledge of audio systems and acoustics plus BS standards familiarisation is required in order deliver a compliant system.
BS5839 part 8 covers the 'code of practice for emergency voice communication systems'. The recommendations of BS 5839-8 basically apply to any voice alarm system that is automatically triggered by, and therefore effectively forms an integral part of, a fire alarm system.
Interpreting the project specification and applying the standards is critical and often leads to ambiguity by those who deal infrequently with critical audio systems. The type of building and evacuation strategy/cause and effects will decide the number and location of evacuation zones. Acoustics must be considered, in particular ambient noise level, reverberation time and loudspeaker to listener distance.