BS 5839-9:2011 PDF Download

What is this standard about?

This is Part 9 in a series of national standards on fire alarm systems. This part covers how to design, install and maintain emergency voice communication (EVC) systems. 

Who is this standard for?

• Those responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and operating an EVC system
• Anyone responsible for evacuating buildings
• Facilities and building managers and building control officers

Why should you use this standard?

BS 5839-9:2011 provides recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of emergency voice communication (EVC) systems as part of a fire safety strategy.

It applies to the use of EVC during an emergency fire situation at buildings, including sports stadiums, entertainment and other public venues and emphasizes the correct use of an EVC in broadcasting evacuation messages and not in raising the fire alarm.

The standard is designed to help those who install, maintain and use EVC systems, including fire rescue services and those responsible for evacuation plans. It gives guidance on how to install an effective emergency EVC system as part of a fire detection and alarm system, and covers all components including wireless. It outlines all stages of installing an EVC from planning to training, monitoring, inspection, routine inspection and certification.

What’s changed since the last update?

The 2011 version includes the latest regulatory and legislative requirements for building evacuation (including disabled people) and replaces BS 5839-9:2003 which has been withdrawn.