Fire Alarms and Detection
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Fire Extinguishers
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Fire Risk Assessment
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Fire Safety Training
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Alarm Sounders
An important component of any fire alarm system is the alarm sounder, normally a bell or electronic sounder, which must be audible throughout the building in order to alert and/or evacuate the occupants of the building.
The following notes give guidance for the correct use of alarm sounders:
1. A minimum sound level of either 65dBA or 5dBA above any background noise likely to persist for a period longer than 30 seconds, whichever is greater, should be produced by the sounders at any occupiable point in the building.
2. If the alarm system is to be used in premises such as hotels, boarding houses etc., where it is required to wake sleeping persons then the sound level should be 75dBA minimum at the bedhead.
3. All audible warning devices used in the same system should have a similar sound and be distinct from any other audible alarms used for other purposes.
4. A large number of quieter sounders rather than a few very loud sounders may be preferable to prevent noise levels in some areas from becoming too loud.
5. It is unlikely that sounder noise levels in a room will be satisfactory if more than one dividing wall or door separates it from the nearest sounders.
At least one sounder per fire compartment will be necessary.
6. The level of sound provided should not be so high as to cause permanent damage to hearing.
7. The number of fire alarm sounders used inside a building should be sufficient to produce the sound level recommended, but should in any case be at least two.
Other requirements include:
1. The sounders should be arranged on at least two separate circuits, so that the failure of one circuit does not cause all sounders in the building to fail.
2. Frequency range between 500-1000Hz.
3. Most single doors will cause a 20db drop in sound level. Fire doors — 30db.
4. For "P systems" an external sounder is required. Coloured red and marked "Fire Alarm".
5. Where mains sounders are being used to supplement 24V DC sounders, the 240V AC supply should be monitored.
6. To achieve 75db at the bedhead, a sounder should be installed in every bedroom.
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