An EVCS is a specialised communication tool that plays a pivotal role during emergencies, particularly for individuals who cannot use stairs to evacuate. These communication systems are strategically installed in key locations, such as stairways, basement access points and even outside buildings, to facilitate direct communication between individuals in refuge areas and the building’s emergency control point or reception.
As well as allowing individuals to notify a building’s control centre of their location, an emergency voice communication system provides an excellent means for fire wardens and emergency fire services to be informed when a floor has been evacuated or other crucial information during emergencies.
Compliance and Retrofitting: With the evolving landscape of building safety regulations, new constructions are mandated to incorporate EVCS to ensure no one is left behind in times of crisis. However, these systems’ versatility allows them to be seamlessly integrated into existing structures, offering enhanced safety measures for buildings of any age and design. Installing an emergency communication system at strategic points in a building is a necessary duty for businesses to remain compliant with several British Standard (BS) regulations. These provide guidance on the inclusive and accessible design of buildings (BS 8300-2) and the provision of evacuation methods and placement of EVC systems (BS 9999).
Applications Across Various Sectors: The necessity of EVCS transcends various business environments – from bustling office blocks and educational institutions to healthcare facilities. Any building that presents challenges to evacuation, be it due to stairs, basements or complex layouts, benefits immensely from the installation of an emergency voice communication system. Businesses can align their safety needs with a variety of EVCS, including fire telephones, hands-free DRS and steward telephones.
