What is BS 5839-9-Code of practice for EVC system about?
BS 5839-9 is the British Standard on fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings.
BS 5839-9 is the ninth part of the multi-series that 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.
BS 5839-9 covers emergency voice communication systems and is therefore not intended to cover general‑purpose intercom systems, lift intercom systems, local (internal) telephone systems for general use, or any external communication systems, such as the public switched telephone network and cellular telephone networks.
Who is BS 5839-9- Code of practice for EVC system for?
BS 5839-9 on fire detection and fire alarm systems is relevant to:
- Those responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and operating an EVC system
- Anyone responsible for evacuating buildings
- Facilities and building managers and building control officers
Why should you use BS 5839-9- Code of practice for EVC system?
BS 5839-9 provides recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of EVC systems as part of a fire safety strategy.
BS 5839-9 applies to the use of EVC during an emergency fire situation at buildings, including sports stadiums, entertainment and other public venues and emphasizes the correct use of an EVC in broadcasting evacuation messages and not in raising the fire alarm.
BS 5839-9 is designed to help those who install, maintain and use EVC systems, including fire rescue services and those responsible for evacuation plans. It gives guidance on how to install an effective emergency EVC system as part of a fire detection and alarm system, and covers all components including wireless.
BS 5839-9 outlines all stages of installing an EVC from planning to training, monitoring, inspection, routine inspection and certification.
As a result, BS 5839-9 can ensure EVC systems play a positive role during a fire emergency and contribute to the overall system integrity.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 5839-9:2011 supersedes BS 5839‑9:2003, which is withdrawn. BS 5839-9:2011 has the following principal changes:
- A clause on wireless-linked EVC systems has been included
- A subclause on the use of audio frequency induction loop systems at EVC outstations has been included
