What are Voice Alarm Systems and where are they used?
VAS, i.e. Voice Alarm Systems, most often remain completely unnoticed by outsiders until a crisis occurs, when they help save human lives. Due to the great importance in ensuring safety for various companies, institutions and users of public buildings, it is worth considering their functions and applications. Therefore, we present a description of the tasks assigned to VAS, comparing their technical specifications with current legal requirements.
what is voice alarm system
By installing a sound warning system in a building, we gain many opportunities not only in terms of security, but also in terms of transmitting various types of information, messages, background music or marketing content to many people at the same time. VAS, as a rule, constitute an element of the Fire Protection system, broadcasting clear audio messages in the event of a fire or other threat, e.g. terrorism. VAS, in addition to providing information about the threat, also provides concise information about recommended further actions. Using VAS, you can perfectly manage evacuation and direct people to a specific place. The voice warning system is used to inform users about the threat and provide them with further instructions as quickly and effectively as possible. Its effectiveness largely depends on the quality of the components used, the appropriate acoustic design ensuring an appropriate level of speech intelligibility (generated messages) and the quality of the fire scenario adopted in the building. For facilities equipped with a sound warning system, the requirements mainly concern the use of cables resistant to high temperatures, the presence of emergency power supply, the division of VAS into different fire zones, or ensuring redundancy for various components of the installation. All VAS devices in Poland must have a certificate of approval for use, issued by the Scientific and Research Center for Fire Protection.
APPLICATION OF voice alarm SYSTEMS
An important practical document regarding VAS are the Guidelines for the design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of VAS - voice warning system - guidelines developed by CNBOP-PIB and SITP. It is a document that facilitates the design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance processes that a voice alarm system requires. This is a document that comprehensively covers all issues related to the implementation and operation of VAS.
The guidelines are addressed to: designers, installers, conservators, fire protection experts and owners and managers of facilities in which a sound warning system is installed.
For a VAS installation, which is a voice warning system, the requirements concern primarily ensuring reliability in crisis situations. The system's functions should not be limited even in the event of partial damage or lack of primary power supply. The use of VAS in buildings housing a large number of people significantly affects the level of their safety. The occurrence of a fire detected by smoke detectors automatically activates the sound warning system, managing the efficient evacuation of people from the building. The information transmitted by the VAS system reaches every room in the building, covering every person present in a given space. Broadcasting messages in English is also becoming a common practice, especially important in places such as airports, railway stations and shopping centers.
