PRODUCTS
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
© Professional Sound Consultancy Ltd. 2023