FireNet Community
FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: hammer1 on May 21, 2009, 09:27:27 AM
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Hi Guys,
Currently got a procedure in place where our security guys on confirmation of real fire have a phased evacuation where from the floor of origin and the floor above go into full alarm. There after the security use a chart to evacuate 2 floors at a time, leaving 1 minute in-between to ensure escape routes do not get full.
Are there automatic systems out there now that could be programmed to do this automatically, freeing up the security guard to assist at assembly point???
Or
Possibly a fire voice alarm system that is programmed to firstly go to standby and then inform tenants to evacuate every 2 floors.
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Automatic phasing has been possible for many years and can be used, but there are caveats in it's use and manual control & overrides should always be installed in tandem.
You will still need a senior fire marshal/incident controller at the fire control centre to monitor the evac and fire progress in case the automatic sequence needs interruption.
How tall is the building & how many floors?
Voice messaging and PA is possible for a phased system and indeed strongly recommended & even a requirement in some premises
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Short answer is yes....... anything is possible with the right equipment.
I would write down exactly the escape strategy you wish to adopt... do your risk assessment, run it passed your local fire officer, maybe your insurer and building control officer as well... if everyone is happy approach a couple of decent fire alarm companies (preferably third party accredited (!!!) to work out for you the nuts and bolts of how to make a system do what you want it to.....
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Hi Guys,
Currently got a procedure in place where our security guys on confirmation of real fire have a phased evacuation where from the floor of origin and the floor above go into full alarm. There after the security use a chart to evacuate 2 floors at a time, leaving 1 minute in-between to ensure escape routes do not get full.
Are there automatic systems out there now that could be programmed to do this automatically, freeing up the security guard to assist at assembly point???
Or
Possibly a fire voice alarm system that is programmed to firstly go to standby and then inform tenants to evacuate every 2 floors.
Do you evac the basement and plant areas (if you have them ) at the present time?
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Yes, currently a security guard does a sweep of the basement and under ground car park at the same time, even if the alarm is activated on top floor.
A main problem is they want to cut back on security during the night, but this office block can have staff working until 1-2am. Hence if you need a security guard to control the fire panel, they cannot exactly be at the assembly point as well acting as fire safety co-ordinator. The basement is locked and secure during the night, no contractors are allowed down there after 5.00pm.
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We look after a building where they have a search timer during office hours, because they have two guards.
Due to cost cutting they have one guard at night and the system reverts to a single stage - one out all out system.
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Mostly depends on the type of building your trying to evacuate.
There's loads of manufacturers that can make there panels do what you want, but make sure you get a good one - theres not many. As a pointer you might want to make a call to either Tyco or Protec - the CEL Discovery panel has some pretty advanced cause and effects that would do what you want, or even the Protec networkable panels.
Chances are, if your existing system is addressable (ie XP95, Nittan etc) and has loop sounders youll be able to just swap the control panel and get it commissioned without changing all the heads or re-wiring.
Would steer clear from the voice evac though, unless youve got money to burn and its best suited to a new build that its gone in from scratch with a full PA system.
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Tyco or Protec..... and you talk of money to burn....!?
I'd find a nice open protocol system myself...... :)
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Tyco or Protec..... and you talk of money to burn....!?
I'd find a nice open protocol system myself...... :)
Here here... The majority of systems will do exactly what you want them too... Message any of us with exactly what you are trying to achieve and I am sure we will come up with a solution
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I would recomend using either Advanced, Kentec or Kidde Vega panels as I have used all 3 of those systems in various buildings to carry out phased evacuation.
It is possible to use a PAVA system to carry out the phased evac messages.
PM me if you need any help.