a sophisticated voice alarm system
• Wireless systems are available which provide solutions where wired installations are not suitable
• Other devices, such as visual alarms or beacons, are used if there is a risk of audio signals not being adequately heard by all occupants, either for disability reasons or by use of ear defenders.
The operation of all this equipment is coordinated and controlled by a control and indicating panel. This piece of equipment allows the day to day test
and running of the fi re alarm system but is also at the centre of managing what happens in the event of a fi re alarm. The control and indicating panel may indicate only the zone in which a detector or call point has been activated or it may be a fully addressable panel giving details and location of the individual detector or call point that has operated. There should always be a zone plan displayed alongside the fi re alarm control and indicator panel.
considering how quickly fi re could be detected, how quickly it may grow; how it could affect the escape routes; and how quickly people in the building are likely to respond to an alarm. In general, adequate means of escape are
Means of Escape W
hen considering the likely consequences of fi re, the fi re risk assessor needs to take into account the effects of fi re on escape routes;
provided if people can immediately, or within a short distance of travel, turn their back on any fi re and move away from it to a fi nal exit along smoke-free escape routes. It is important to consider how many people will use the escape route and make arrangements for disabled or elderly people. The escape route should be as short as possible and the impact of a blocked escape route must be considered. Of course, precautions should be taken to ensure this does not happen! Emergency lighting and escape route
signage should be installed and all employees must be informed and trained in how to escape the building. There are several critical factors in the assessment of means of escape: • Maximum distance occupants must travel to reach a place of relative or ultimate safety such as an exit to a protected stairways or a fi nal exit
• Avoidance of long dead ends in which escape is only possible in one direction
• Number, distribution and width of story exits and fi nal exits
• Means of protecting the escape routes from ingress or build up of smoke that might prevent occupants escaping
• Ability of occupants to use the escape routes especially arrangements for people with disabilities
In large or complex buildings, the advice of specialists on the adequacy of means of escape will often be necessary
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BEST PRACTICE GUIDE
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO FIRE SAFETY |
FIRE SAFETY |11
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