BS 5839-9:2003

Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Part 9: Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems

Recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems in buildings.

This British Standard, a part of the BS 5839 series, provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication (EVC) systems in and around buildings and at sports, entertainment and similar venues. It ensures that high standards of reliability, safety and security are achieved, together with acceptable standards of performance.

This code of practice primarily relates to the use of EVC in assisting both firefighters and those responsible for evacuating buildings or sports stadia in fire emergency situations, including evacuation of disabled persons. Use, other than in fire emergency situations, by disabled persons and others, although not precluded, is not addressed in detail.

In the context of this code of practice, an EVC system contains no portable parts. Mobile telephones and two-way radio sets are therefore not within its scope.

Voice alarm systems are primarily intended for the automatic broadcasting of evacuation messages are excluded from this code of practice.

This British Standard does not recommend whether or not an emergency voice communication system should be installed in a given premises.

This part of BS 5839 does not cover systems combining electrically the functions of EVC systems with functions of other fire-related or non-fire-related systems.

This part of BS 5839 applies only to emergency voice communication systems for use in a temperate climate such as that of the United Kingdom.

This British Standard includes the following cross references:

BS 5499-1, BS 5588-5, BS 5588-8, BS 5588-10, BS 5588-11, BS 5839-1:2002,

BS 7671, BS EN 54-2:1998, BS EN 54-4:1998, BS EN 60529, BS EN 60651,

BS EN 60702-1, BS EN 60702-2.