Evacuation from hazardous areas is of particular meaning in public buildings, where thousands of people are together.. In emergency situations, e.g. at fire, on voice evacuation system depends population health and life. Therefore main goal of Voice Evacuation System is rapid information on occurring hazard (e.g. fire, terrorist action etc.).

We are pleased to offer to you systems approved by Scientific Research Center for Fire Protection.

The ordinance of Home Ministry from June 16, 2003 regarding fire protection of buildings, other constructions and areas forces implementation of Voice Evacuation Systems.

These systems allow broadcasting of emergency signals and voice messages for people occupation safety, being sent both in automatic way after reception of fire alarm from FAS control panel and manually by system operator.

The premises, where Voice Evacuation System must be installed, are:

1. commercial or exhibition buildings:
1. single storey with fire zone area above 10.000 m2 ,
2. multi-storey with fire zone area above 8.000 m2 ;
2. performance and sport halls with more than 1.500 places;
3. cinemas and theatres with more than 600 places;
4. hospitals and sanatoria premises with more than 200 beds in single building;
5. high-rise and tower public buildings;
6. common living buildings :
1. high-rise and tower type
2. with more than 200 sleeping places;
7. subway and underground railway stations;
8. stations and harbor buildings for simultaneous stay of more than 500 persons.

The system had to be implemented until June 16, 2005 .

The research shows that broadcasting of voice messages ensures people evacuation not only on Wright way, but in Wright time too. Replacement of typical horns and bells with speakers is combined with meeting of rigorous technical requirements as stated in PN-EN 60849 .

The PN-EN 60849 standard, under the title "Voice Alarm Systems" defines:

• types of the devices and their interconnections,
• operation mode of the system and methods to supervise its readiness,
• way of broadcasting of Voice Alarm
• responsibility for correct operation ,
• Modes of training, supervision and periodical inspections,
• Required speech legibility level .

Most of standard contents are requirements regarding deices used, as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, speakers, their interconnection and mode of operation.

The standard PN-EN 60849 introduces the idea of "speech legibility factor", which requires knowledge of audio engineering by system designer and installer.

The required sound level is essential condition, but insufficient for correct legibility. Higher sound level, but distorted by reverberation, echo, noise or harmonics does not cause that the messages are more legible - this is fact known for all visitors of churches, airports or stations.

For measurements of speech legibility the method of SPEECH TRANSMISSION INDEX Public Address is used . From all measurement systems the STI PA has this advantage, that considers all factors on the transmission way from transmitter to receiver.
The PN-EN 60849 standard recommends minimum speech legibility index of 80% words and 95% of sentences, i.e. slightly more than is required for correct transmission of alarm message. In public address system used for other purposes this legibility level could be considered as 'fairly satisfactory'.

Besides of exception events of hazards the voice alarm systems are mainly used for communication purposes to broadcast information messages, background music or personal paging, increasing the utilization comfort of the premise and allowing effective communication with the environment.
The systems are utilized mainly in offices, performance halls, manufacturing premises, commercial centers, hospitals, sanatoria, and airports.
System design is always made for particular building under consideration of technical and legal requirements, customer needs and wishes and particular premise features.

The system must be supervised for technical operation, following procedures for device operation and Voice Alarm distribution by trained and skilled person.
Maintenance recommendations specify, that every 6 months system is to inspected by competent supervisor for correct maintenance.

Our staff is well trained for both design of Voice Alarm and Evacuation systems and installation including servicing. We perform the speech legibility inspection to provide correct system operation.

KARO Karlicki
Sp. z o.o.

Office:
ul. Święcicka 25
05-860 Płochocin

Phone numbers:
phone:  +48 22 478 27 88
            +48 22 478 27 89
mobile: +48 609 577 433

e-mail:
biuro@karokarlicki.pl
serwis@karokarlicki.pl
grzegorzk@karokarlicki.pl