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Purpose: The aim of this publication is to present the results of theoretical research – evaluation of normative and legal documents used for the design and installation of voice alarm systems (VAS) in selected European countries. The aim of the research was to analyze and compare the functioning of voice alarm systems in Poland against the background of selected European countries. Introduction: Voice alarm systems are systems installed in buildings that enable the broadcast of warning signals and voice messages for the safety of people in the building. Mandatory use of voice alarm systems in selected buildings became applicable in Poland on January 16, 2006. In Europe, these systems have been present before. Over the years, there has been development of both the devices included in the systems, as well as the normative documents and legal acts that describe these systems. Methods: Within the research process, theoretical research was used, such as: analysis of literature and legal documents, synthesis, generalization, inference, comparison and analogy. As part of the research, documents from such countries as Poland, Great Britain (mainly England), Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands were analyzed. The selection of individual countries was guided by the level of development of these systems in a given country and the availability of source documents. Conclusions: The presented analysis of the requirements for the use of voice alarm systems shows how different the approach to the use of this type of systems is. Depending on individual experiences and the administrative structure of a given country, a variety of regulations, whether legal or normative (not always normative documents issued by state standardization institutions), can be seen in the field of voice alarm systems application. Unfortunately, one can get the impression that voice alarm systems are still not as popular as fire detection systems. The definition of the requirements for buildings in which the use of voice alarm systems should be obligatory and the requirements for the determination of the required level of speech intelligibility consti- tute the basis for the consistent development of this type of fire protection equipment. Such requirements should be specified either in legal regulations or in normative acts dedicated to voice alarm systems. Keywords: safety of evacuation, evacuation of buildings, voice alarm system, EN 54-16, EN 54-24, guidelines Type of article: review article
Purpose: The aim of this publication is to present the results of theoretical research – evaluation of normative and legal documents used for the design and installation of voice alarm systems (VAS) in selected European countries. The aim of the research was to analyze and compare the functioning of voice alarm systems in Poland against the background of selected European countries. Introduction: Voice alarm systems are systems installed in buildings that enable the broadcast of warning signals and voice messages for the safety of people in the building. Mandatory use of voice alarm systems in selected buildings became applicable in Poland on January 16, 2006. In Europe, these systems have been present before. Over the years, there has been development of both the devices included in the systems, as well as the normative documents and legal acts that describe these systems. Methods: Within the research process, theoretical research was used, such as: analysis of literature and legal documents, synthesis, generalization, inference, comparison and analogy. As part of the research, documents from such countries as Poland, Great Britain (mainly England), Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands were analyzed. The selection of individual countries was guided by the level of development of these systems in a given country and the availability of source documents. Conclusions: The presented analysis of the requirements for the use of voice alarm systems shows how different the approach to the use of this type of systems is. Depending on individual experiences and the administrative structure of a given country, a variety of regulations, whether legal or normative (not always normative documents issued by state standardization institutions), can be seen in the field of voice alarm systems application. Unfortunately, one can get the impression that voice alarm systems are still not as popular as fire detection systems. The definition of the requirements for buildings in which the use of voice alarm systems should be obligatory and the requirements for the determination of the required level of speech intelligibility consti- tute the basis for the consistent development of this type of fire protection equipment. Such requirements should be specified either in legal regulations or in normative acts dedicated to voice alarm systems. Keywords: safety of evacuation, evacuation of buildings, voice alarm system, EN 54-16, EN 54-24, guidelines Type of article: review article
Aim: The aim of the article was to present voice alarm systems and discuss the legitimacy of their use in fire alarm systems. The article presents the principles of introducing the elements of voice alarm systems to the market and their functional and operational properties. The article was written on the basis of a master’s thesis entitled “The analysis of the functional and operational properties of voice alarm systems” submitted at the Faculty of Safety and Civil Protection Engineering of the Main School of Fire Service. Introduction: Voice alarm system is one of the methods of warning the users of facilities about a threat, but there are many methods of alerting, e.g. sounders or optic signalling devices. Each of the above-mentioned systems has its advantages and disadvantages, so the application of the appropriate system, regardless of whether the regulations impose this obligation on the investor or it will be done on investor's own require deep consideration. Methods: There are several legal acts in force in Poland that define various aspects of voice alarm systems. Facilities in which the use of voice alarm systems (VAS) is mandatory are listed in the Regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other construction facilities and areas. In turn, the specification of the documents required for individual VAS elements is specified in the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 establishing harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction prod- ucts and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC and additionally in Poland in the annex to the regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of 20 June 2007 on the list of products used to ensure public safety or protection of health and life and property, as well as the rules for issuing admittance for use of these products. Results: It has been found that many elements of voice alarm systems require careful analysis. Starting with the conformity assessment of the system components through its parameters, such as speech intelligibility, coverage angles or the appropriate sound pressure level. It is also important to select the system for the intended functional use of the rooms and to verify the correct operation of the system after changing the arrangement. Conclusions: Voice alarm systems are a very good, but relatively expensive system. They allow for a very diverse operation and facilitate appropriate evacuation. However, despite the high costs, it is worth considering their installation due to the invaluable action in terms of ensuring the safety of the users of the facility and the protection of their lives. Keywords: voice alarm systems, loudspeakers, maintenance, conformity assessment, phased evacuation Type of article: review article
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