Business profile
It is also backed up by batteries which are fully charged and checked constantly; this will ensure that, even during a mains power failure, the system will continue to operate.
broadcast advertisements or background music. Nick Baldwin, Baldwin Boxall’s marketing director said ‘What is interesting is the fact that the broadcast of classical music often has a calming effect on people; the beat of the music can influence the speed of passenger movement.’
An input from a PCDVA to a voice alarm system provides the additional benefit of enabling passenger information broadcasts. All broadcasts, be they live announcements or continual music, can be sent to all areas of a site, multiple sites (longline PA) or to selected areas (referred to as zones).
Research has proven that in an emergency people will react without confusion or panic if they receive a clear, intelligible message. These messages are stored within a voice alarm system. Traditional bells and sounders only give a warning, they do not indicate the nature of the emergency, leaving people uncertain and often such signals are ignored - with fatal consequences. A voice evacuation system provides
clear, easily understood instruction via pre-recorded messages. This method ensures that even staff and the general public are evacuated speedily and efficiently. Using a combination of clear pre-recorded messages and live announcements, a voice evacuation system enables a controlled and gradual or ‘phased’ evacuation. Phased evacuation methods enable selected areas to be evacuated in turn - typically those in most danger are evacuated first while surrounding areas (zones) are put on alert. The voice evacuation system works automatically, with all controls easily overridden by fire officers or building control when needed.
Bob Howard, managing director at Electrical & Acoustic Services, has worked in the sound industry for 40 years and has extensive knowledge of the standards and
requirements for a good alarm system. Howard said: ‘Voice alarm systems are there to protect personnel and people’s lives. It is most beneficial for members of the public who are unfamiliar with surroundings and affords improved safety when operated by trained staff who will direct operations with explicit instructions.’
Baldwin Boxall sales director Neil Jarvis said: ‘Another benefit of this type of system is when there is a terrorist threat. Simply sounding the fire alarm can have disastrous consequences by moving people into danger instead of away from it. It is vital to provide people with clear, intelligible instructions to minimise any potential risk.’
In contrast, while a public address system can be used to broadcast a live message, it is not intended for use during an emergency. It is not monitored for faults or battery-backed and cannot, therefore, be relied upon to function – unlike a voice evacuation system. Each VIGIL2 voice evacuation system is designed and built specifically for each project – typically no two systems are identical. Used on a daily basis for public address, timed spot announcements for advertising or general information and background music, the voice alarm system is not just for use during emergencies. A voice alarm system can be installed in any type of transportation terminal/ area – tram, metro, rail, depot – basically, almost any type of public area. The industry has come a long way in the last thirty years and Baldwin Boxall strives constantly to ensure its systems, whether for voice evacuation or simple public address, remain at the forefront of the industry. Its systems comply with all current and likely future British Standards (VIGIL2 systems are also BSEN54 certified). Baldwin Boxall systems have been installed in many prestigious places throughout the world – including rail stations. Its in-house system design team creates products from the smallest to the largest, selecting from the
comprehensive VIGIL2 range of products.
Ambient
noise sensing is another useful feature of a voice evacuation system. It is one thing to be able to hear an announcement, for instance, at a railway station during the early hours, but very different during the general hubbub of peak times. Because of the increased noise level and absorptive nature of people, it is necessary to increase the amplification of an amplifier when more people are in attendance. This can be done automatically using ambient noise sensing devices on a voice evacuation system.
A voice evacuation system has to work when needed - during an emergency - and is, therefore, fully monitored at all times.
A UK manufacturer, Baldwin Boxall has a great reputation in the industry for producing high quality products and for providing the best technical backup and product support. With R&D, sales, projects, specials,
assembly, test, quality, packing and despatch teams all based on the one site in Crowborough, East Sussex, the company is able to work efficiently and effectively. Knowledgeable staff, working together
as a great team and proud of what they do, are committed to retaining the company’s reputation as one that cares. •
Tel: 01892 664422
www.baldwinboxall.co.uk
September 2013 Page 111
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