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We design, install, commissioning service and maintain a range of sound equipment.

Voice Alarm Systems

Voice alarm is considered the most effective  way of evacuating a building during a fire,  bomb alert or other emergency.   Voice alarm provides clear instruction  regarding the emergency situation to staff  and visitors. Traditional fire alarm bells and sounders  only provide warning; they do not indicate  the nature of an emergency, leaving people  uncertain of what to do. Often such signals  are ignored, the consequences of which can  be fatal.  When fire crews reach the emergency they  can take control of the voice alarm system,  overriding any automated messages to give  live instruction to staff and visitors during the  evacuation.  At all other times the voice alarm system is  used to make paged announcements,  broadcast retail or security messages or  play background music. Product selection is made following system design to meet the requirements of BS5839 Part8:2013.

Acoustic Design

When designing sound systems to meet  strict standards, knowledge and  understanding of acoustic design is of the  utmost importance. Sound must be of intelligible words; distinct,  clear and broadcast at a sufficient level over  and above any background noise. Large  space and reflective surfaces create a  reverberant sound that confuses the human  ear therefore reducing understanding. The acoustics of any building must be  thoroughly addressed when designing a  voice alarm system. As audio specialists we use our wealth of  experience alongside computer prediction  modelling to design systems that overcome  acoustic problems to deliver an overall  system intelligibility equal to or greater than  the rigorous demands of the various  international standards.

Public Address Systems

Even today with all the different methods of  communication available, a public address  system that can be heard by everyone in a  building is still very popular. The systems’ traditionally used for paging  staff members have become integral to the  daily activities of a business. Integration of a  timer and pre-recorded messages allows the system to announce store opening and  closing times in a retail environment. Retail  advertising messages can also be played  throughout the day to support retail  promotions. Security announcements can also be played  at intervals ideal for promoting vigilance in  crowded buildings. By adding a music source, background  music can be broadcast. Any adverts or  announcements will be programmed to  override the music.

Fire Telephone Systems

Fire telephone systems are extremely  important in an emergency situation. These  systems are primarily used by fire teams to  effectively communicate throughout a  building for fire evacuation purposes. Designed in line with BS5839 Part9:2011,  the fire telephones are generally installed at  least one per floor of a building, in an area  that is easily accessible. The telephones can be independently called or called on an all  call basis.

Disabled Refuge Systems

Disabled refuge systems are now a  requirement for many buildings. These  systems allow direct communication  between a person taking refuge and the  main control point, providing coordination of  evacuation from the building.  In line with the requirements of the Disability  Discrimination Act, buildings today have to  take into consideration access for all.  However in the event of an emergency  situation the functionality of a building  changes. Lifts and other motorised forms of  access within a building will be stopped and  therefore it may become necessary for a  visitor or member of staff to take refuge and  communicate their need for assistance. This is the role of the disabled refuge  communication system; battery backed and  installed in fire resistant cable, the system  will continue to work in an emergency  situation.

Induction Loop Systems

The Equality Act 2010 and the Disability  Discrimination Act 1995 calls for  accessibility for the deaf and hard of  hearing. Induction loops require specialist design to  ensure each installation is designed for the  benefit of the user.  Induction loops allow a hearing aid wearer  to switch from the microphone position ‘M’ to  telecoil position ‘T’ on their hearing aids.  This shuts out general amplified sound, only  transmitting sound from the induction loop  input. Building fabric, proximity of loops to each  other, how the loops will be used and  achieving sufficient field strength are all  considerations given at the start when  designing induction loops. We have a vast knowledge of designing and  installing induction loop systems.
Voice Alarm Specialists t. 01440 730948
The Royal Albert Hall, London
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