Audible warnings in Refuge Areas

[nearlythere]

Can someone point me towards any guidance on fire warning systems and sounders in or near refuge areas? The noise level caused by the alarm sounding and the use of the two way communication is my main point of interest. Is a fire signal in or near a refuge area necessary?

[colin todd]

almost-there old chap. if you suggest something for inclusion in the draft revision of BS 5839-1, I dare say it could be considered.

[Bill J]

Hi,

From BS5839-9 11.6.

As far as practicable, outstations in buildings should be located where background noise is normally low [preferably not more than 40 dB(A)]. Where there is a higher level of background noise in an emergency, the installation of an acoustic hood or structure around the outstation might help to reduce this to an acceptable level. Fire alarm sounders should not be located near to outstations.

NOTE 1 The use of visual alarm devices instead of audible alarm devices may be appropriate, which may mean varying from the recommendations of BS 5839‑1, in which case this should be documented.

Hope this helps.

[nearlythere]

Hi,

From BS5839-9 11.6.

As far as practicable, outstations in buildings should be located where background noise is normally low [preferably not more than 40 dB(A)]. Where there is a higher level of background noise in an emergency, the installation of an acoustic hood or structure around the outstation might help to reduce this to an acceptable level. Fire alarm sounders should not be located near to outstations.

NOTE 1 The use of visual alarm devices instead of audible alarm devices may be appropriate, which may mean varying from the recommendations of BS 5839‑1, in which case this should be documented.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Bill. I had seen this bit in my standard but I couldn't see your last sentence "Fire alarm sounders should not be located near to outstations." which is what I was looking for. But I do now see that the standard was undated in 2011. I was looking at the 2003 edition.
Unless it specifies elsewhere my view would be not to locate audible warnings in stairway enclosures containing refuge areas for the very reason that this could panic users and make communications ineffective.

[wee brian]

you do want some sound in the stairway or people think the alarm has been cancelled and they about turn and head back to work.

[nearlythere]

you do want some sound in the stairway or people think the alarm has been cancelled and they about turn and head back to work.

I was thinking about visual warnings in stairways. But I am sure that there would be some audible sound from alarms in adjacent areas.

[wee brian]

I never doubted you for a moment - had a problem in a retail centre once where people got half way down a corridor and then couldn't hear anything........

[colin todd]

Brian, why were you doing the shopping? Was your wife ill?

[nearlythere]

I never doubted you for a moment - had a problem in a retail centre once where people got half way down a corridor and then couldn't hear anything........

Good thought Bri but don't have corridors.