Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment (GFE), explains why taking a holistic approach is key when designing fire protection systems.
The process of safe evacuation from a building or area is complex and, as such, can benefit significantly from engagement with fire safety specialists – from the initial consultation and system design, through to commissioning and, finally, the ongoing building management.
Taking a holistic approach is key to ensuring that all elements of the fire protection systems come together so that occupants are given the best possible chance to exit the premises safely and quickly in the event of an emergency.
The fire detection and alarm system should provide the main method for the early warning and for the evacuation strategy to begin. By design, fire detection systems must provide simple intelligible methods of notification and guidance to allow for a safe and controlled evacuation in a timely manner. Using voice message enhancements – such as GFE’s multi-message voice base sounders – to traditional audible sounders can be provide an additional means of guidance and clarification during evacuation.
At GFE, we have developed a complete range of reliable visual and audible alarm notification devices. Our extensive portfolio of EN54-certified addressable ceiling and wall-mounted sounders, voice enhanced sounders and visual alarm devices have been used internationally in a myriad of buildings, providing solutions for both straightforward and more complex evacuation strategies.
An emergency evacuation plan must be put in place and supported by frequent training and regular evacuation drills. Correct assistance procedures and adequate staffing levels must be in place to cope with any eventuality. Drills must be reviewed, and records of the results made available, to determine if they were undertaken correctly. Additional measures must be put in place to assist those with disabilities or sensory impairment during an evacuation.
For more information please visit: globalfire.pt
