What Is a Voice Alarm System and Does Your Business Need One?

When a fire or emergency situation sparks up, every second counts. Voice alarm systems are a key part of the evacuation plan for many businesses, helping get people to safety as quickly as possible.

But what exactly are voice alarm systems and emergency voice communication systems, and are you one of the businesses that needs them? We’re here to answer those questions, as well as giving you all the information on how we at Midland Fire can help get your business set up to meet your legal requirements.

So let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Voice Alarm System?

Unlike traditional fire alarms that rely on bells or sirens, a voice alarm system uses a pre-recorded (or sometimes live) spoken message to guide people to safety. Specific instructions, for example, “Please evacuate via the nearest exit” are broadcast for everyone to hear.

Voice alarm systems can be integrated with other fire safety systems like fire alarms and emergency lighting for a thorough and coordinated evacuation plan. A mixture of pre-recorded and live announcements can be used in different areas of a building at different times to enable a controlled and phased evacuation approach.

The Benefits of a Voice Alarm System

Helping prevent confusion and panic, voice alarm systems are particularly useful in large or complex properties, or buildings where people may be unfamiliar with the exit routes.

Research has proven that clear and intelligible audio messages significantly improve people’s responses during emergencies. Providing precise instructions, they help people focus rather than panic at the sound of an alarm bell or siren, and greatly improve the speed and efficiency of an evacuation – even for untrained staff and the general public.

Voice alarm systems are highly versatile and can also be put to everyday use, for example to make announcements or play music. With the capability to broadcast in all areas or specific zones of a site, these systems facilitate communication and enhance the overall user experience.

Why Your Business Might Need a Voice Alarm System

A voice alarm system ensures compliance with the current fire safety regulations, and adds an extra layer of safety for staff and customers. It could be particularly useful if any of the following apply to your business:

• Your business premises are large or complex.
• Your property is laid out over several floors.
• You have busy areas which may need crowd control.
• The building you manage is open to the public.
• You use bells for other reasons, for example a lunch time bell in a school.

What Is an Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS)?

Not to be confused with voice alarm systems, emergency voice communication systems serve a completely different purpose in fire safety.

EVCS is a two-way communication system used in disabled refuge areas. Individuals that might use this facility include people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pregnant women – anyone that requires assistance in exiting a building or area to safety.

Using an EVCS, the person waiting for assistance in an emergency situation is able to speak directly with building staff or the emergency services in control of the evacuation. This can provide reassurance, keep the person updated on the situation and let them know what they need to do.

Types of Voice Alarm and Voice Communication Systems

At Midland Fire, we can install both wired and wireless EVCS for disabled refuge units, as well as integrated voice alarm solutions. Whether you manage a listed building or a modern office, we can recommend the right system for your needs.

Here’s a brief overview of the systems available:

Legal Requirements for Voice Alarm and Communication Systems in the UK

It is a legal requirement that all new non-domestic buildings with more than one storey provide disabled refuge areas to ensure that everyone has a safe way to evacuate. Examples of this type of building are schools, universities, hotels, public buildings, office blocks… the list goes on. A vital element of these refuge areas are their emergency voice communication systems.

The guidelines also state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’ in place to keep their assets and staff safe. In large, busy or public-access buildings, a voice alarm system may form part of that fire detection system, which is something that can be decided during your fire risk assessment.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Voice Alarm and Emergency Voice Communication Systems?

Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor specialising in the installation and maintenance of voice alarms and EVCS. We work with businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries and with a variety of building types, so whatever your company, please get in touch.

25 years of experience

We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.

Expert engineers

Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.

Full support from start to finish

We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.

Quality products

Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business

Expert Voice Alarm System Installation from Midland Fire

To help you comply with current legislation, our experienced fire alarm engineers will cover your initial consultation, FRA and system design right through to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Need additional services too? We also offer fire alarm, emergency lighting and fire suppression system installation as well as a range of security services. Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you and offer expert guidance on how to meet the safety needs of your business.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

What is a voice alarm system?

A voice alarm system broadcasts clear spoken evacuation messages during emergencies to guide occupants safely to exits. They are most widely used in busy, multi-level, public access buildings, and help contribute to a safe panic-free evacuation.

What is an EVCS?

An emergency voice communication system (EVCS) allows two-way communication between a disabled refuge area and a central control location to assist and reassure people with additional needs in emergencies.

Do all businesses need an emergency voice communication system?

Disabled refuge areas with two-way communication are legally required in multi-storey non-domestic premises.

What is the difference between wired and wireless refuge systems?

Wired systems use physical cabling between points, while wireless systems offer flexible installation without altering building structures – ideal for listed buildings.

Can Midland Fire install and maintain my voice alarm system?

Yes, at Midland Fire, our engineers are specialised in both voice alarm system and disabled refuge unit installation and maintenance. We are BAFE-accredited, meaning you can be confident that we’ll install your fire safety equipment according to the latest British Standards.