Rank: Forum user 
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Can't point to it myself in a BS, but what are peoples take on a PA systems interrupting a fire alarm (bells) to make an announcement (in context to the emergency) before the fire alarms (bells) start again.
Andrew
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As a concept, and if supported by a need as identified by the premises FRA, it may be possible. It depends on the nature of the business, the size of the undertaking and what sort of messages are envisaged - But I would tend to leave this well alone unless there's a cast iron business case.
Also I am not sure technically how this can be done in a reliable way. The fire alarm apparatus will be connected in fire rated cabling in a manners as detailed in BS5839-1. Will the PA's wiring be similarly wired in a resilient manner
How about the PA system? Is it already in place or will it be new. BS5839-8:2013 covers Voice Alarm Systems - including emergency PA systems. I doubt whether breaking in to an existing sounder only alarm system is covered in that BS
So not only are there technical challenges, but be very careful of human reactions to such a procedure
One building on my portfolio used this PA announcement during the evacuation idea. At the early stages of an evacuation, the building manager would send a PA message advising where the alarm had actuated. It was supposed to be useful information for staff as they evacuated to a place of safety.
In reality, staff would sit at their desks as the sounder rang out, delaying their escape by waiting for the PA message - which may not ever be broadcast as it was not backed up with a UPS or wired in FR cabling. One manager would use the info from the PA to decide whether or not to evacuate!!! Needless to say, we changed the procedure
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Rank: Super forum user 
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In my experience, and opinion, people tend to obey a verbal instruction more than a typical fire alarm.
One experiance I had was in a hotel in Cornwall on holiday. The Penhallow hotel fire was still in my memory and when the fire alarm operated one evening while in the ballroom people looked at each other but remained in their seats, all except me.
I made my way to the nearest exit, a staircase at ground floor level, my wife who was in the bedroom with our daughter had been very quick to get to the same staircase one floor above me and my daughter was on her bottom about to descend.
The DJ annonced that he would see what was happning and to stay in our seats. Everybody obeyed that instruction.
Nobody attempted to ensure an evacuation took place and the DJ made a further announcement that it was a piece of chicken burnt in the kitchen.
I contactd the local fire service and told them the story, they visited the hotel and fed back to me they were satisfied with what went on.
My point, as I say people tend to do what they are told.
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Rank: Super forum user
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FireSafety101 wrote:
My point, as I say people tend to do what they are told.
Very True- I have had a similar experience, out in the cold by myself when the FRS arrived, in which they evacuated the Hotel until they were certain all was well.
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