Weekly testing of public address systems

[Chris Houston]

Noting that bells or sounder systems should have a bell test every week, what exactly should be done on a weekly level for a voice evacuation system?

[Allen Higginson]

Noting that bells or sounder systems should have a bell test every week, what exactly should be done on a weekly level for a voice evacuation system?

Hi Chris
Speaking on a personal basis (and with reference to two sites that I have maintained that had voice evac) they were both tested as per normal on a weekly basis.One however had a keyswitch input that enabled them to test all outputs on all floors after checking the specific MCP in normal operation (ie - MCP was activated and phased evac kicked in.Then keyswitch was operated which transmitted a test message throughout the premises.This was done when the room attendants were doing there thing throughout each floor.
Allen

[Owen66]

I think this is covered in BS 5839 Part 8 - 2008. Clause 40.1 sets ot a requirement for weekly testing. Refer to extract below:

40.1 On a weekly basis, the responsible person should ensure that:

a) the system is tested by operating a manual call point on the fire detection system and the correct emergency message is broadcast in the correct emergency loudspeaker zone according to the cause and effect plan;

NOTE It is not sufficient to test emergency messages from controls at the VACIE alone.

b) an emergency microphone and its associated controls is checked for correct operation including tests of emergency loudspeaker zones and emergency message controls as follows:

• for Type V2 systems, check that a live message is broadcast;
• for Type V3 and V4 systems, check that the live message is broadcast correctly in at least one zone;
• for Type V4 systems, check that the pre-recorded message is broadcast correctly in at least one zone.

The standard also describes tests being undertaken at approx the same time each week, with an instruction to occupants to respond to any poor intelligibility etc. It further recommends that pre test warning announcements and post test "stand downs" are also adopted

Regards

Owen

[Allen Higginson]

I think this is covered in BS 5839 Part 8 - 2008. Clause 40.1 sets ot a requirement for weekly testing. Refer to extract below:

40.1 On a weekly basis, the responsible person should ensure that:

a) the system is tested by operating a manual call point on the fire detection system and the correct emergency message is broadcast in the correct emergency loudspeaker zone according to the cause and effect plan;

NOTE It is not sufficient to test emergency messages from controls at the VACIE alone.

b) an emergency microphone and its associated controls is checked for correct operation including tests of emergency loudspeaker zones and emergency message controls as follows:

• for Type V2 systems, check that a live message is broadcast;
• for Type V3 and V4 systems, check that the live message is broadcast correctly in at least one zone;
• for Type V4 systems, check that the pre-recorded message is broadcast correctly in at least one zone.

The standard also describes tests being undertaken at approx the same time each week, with an instruction to occupants to respond to any poor intelligibility etc. It further recommends that pre test warning announcements and post test "stand downs" are also adopted

Regards

Owen

Think that near covers it!

[Wiz]

very precise!

[Owen66]

Glad to hear it - the devil is in the detail don't you know

Owen