EN54 VOICE ALARM SYSTEMS

VOICE ALARM SYSTEMS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Beyond advertising broadcasting or background music, shops and department stores are increasingly required to equip themselves with voice alarm systems.

These security sound systems allow for the evacuation and safety of people present in the event of danger.

The installation of these systems is governed by increasingly strict European standards.

The current standards regarding systems and loudspeakers in public access buildings (ERP) require the broadcasting of perfectly audible safety instructions to everyone present on-site, as quickly as possible in risky situations.

It is to maximize the effectiveness of these security systems that standards have become increasingly rigorous. All safety equipment must comply with the EN 54-16 standard and be installed and maintained according to relevant safety frameworks.

Read also: How to equip an EN-54 certified public venue?

THE ROLE OF SOUND SYSTEMS IN EVACUATIONS

Sound systems contribute to the safety of people in all public access buildings. All these establishments are concerned, although some variations are possible.

Read also: Equipping your public venues with sound

In a situation requiring the evacuation of a store, the sound system would be used to:

• Capture attention and get a quick reaction from the public using a human voice. Alarms and sirens can cause panic.
• Follow the planned evacuation route and organize a phased evacuation.
• Provide additional information depending on the situation (fire, terrorist attack...).
• Indicate the nearest and safest exit(s).
• Try to minimize panic and rushing as much as possible, which could lead to other serious accidents.

Even though the sound system is part of the fire safety setup in stores and shopping centers, it is very often installed and managed in parallel to it. This avoids a dependency between the two systems, ensuring that a single failure doesn't affect both alarms simultaneously.

When choosing systems, it is important to use the most suitable equipment for your specific needs, allowing the best safety for your premises while ensuring your customers fully enjoy their experience. To guide you in your choice, Rondson offers FAQs that will help initiate answers to your requirements.