Refuge phones

[Mr. P]

Any preferences on test intervals for refuge phones when you are looking at records during FRA?
Thanks

[Midland Retty]

I tend to recommend weekly if possible, I know of quite a few RPs whom tend to test them as they're going round testing the fire alarm system. Depends on how large the site is and how practicle a weekly test is of course.

[Mr. P]

Thanks MR. Any sign of requirement timescales in the BS's or elsewhwere? My particular cases are a couple of lift sets which are not used often, and some stairwell's which, while used commonly for access/egress, are not used by disabled.

[Midland Retty]

Hi Mr P

BS5588-12 States that two way communication should be provided in refuges, but does not stipulate specific maintenance regimes, or technical specs. 

[Mr. P]

Again MR Thanks. I reviewed various docs/bs etc even 9999! I guess (oops not a word we should use on FRA) it's down to what is appropriate for each case.

[Midland Retty]

Thats it. The key thing to remember is that two way communications are provided as the means in which to re-assure and inform persons waiting in refuges. It would be desirable, I guess, and where necessary, to ensure the system is reasonably protected, can be used during a power failure, and that it is tested regularly to ensure its always operational and available for use.  

[AnthonyB]

I suggest weekly in rotation as it's similar to the weekly fire alarm test - checking the control panel for the refuge system can receive a signal from the outstations etc.

[kurnal]

Sorry Mr P I missed this thread. EVC systems are covered by BS5839-9. The testing and maintenance recommendations are similar to fire alarms and can be summarised as follows:

Daily testing by the user

If the location of the master station is such that the audible fault warning signal
could go unnoticed for longer than 24 h, al check should be carried out each day to confirm that
either the equipment indicates normal operation or that any fault indication is receiving necessary
attention. This inspection need not be recorded.

Weekly testing by the user

Each  week, an outstation should be operated. It should be confirmed that the call is correctly received at the master station. As with fire alarms a different outstation should be used at the time of every weekly test, so that all outstations in the building are tested in rotation. The result of the weekly test and the details of the outstation used should be recorded.

Monthly attention by the user
Additional tests on power supplies should be carried out where automatic generators and vented batteries are used to power the system, similar to fire alarms

Maintenance

Quarterly  inspection of vented batteries
As per fire alarms

Six-monthly inspection and test of the system
The following work should be carried out by a competent person every six months.

Operate each outstation to check for correct operation and clear intelligible speech.
Check all outstations remain unobstructed and conspicuous.

Batteries and their connections should be examined and load tested, including special tests on vented batteries.

The functions of the master station should be checked.
•   All controls and visual indicators at the master station should be checked for correct operation.and any optional functions of the control and indicating equipment should be tested.
•   All fault indicators should be checked, where practicable, by simulation of fault conditions.
•   All further checks and tests recommended by the manufacturer of the EVC system should be carried out.
•   On completion of the work, any outstanding defects should be reported to the responsible person and a certificate of servicing issued.