User Manual

27
Siemens Switzerland Ltd
Building Technologies Division
4. Alarming, smoke control and
evacuation
4.1. Introduction
Once a fire has been detected by an automatic detector, by sprinkler flow monitoring or by a person activating a
manual call point, the fire detection system will generate the preprogrammed control and alarm signals.
A major factor that can affect the success of building evacuation is that many people do not take the sounding of
a fire alarm sufficiently seriously or do not understand the meaning of the acoustic signal. Such doubts lead to
unnecessary delays in people’s reaction to the warning and may mean the difference between life and death. The
more clearly the information can be conveyed to the public, the better the situation will be understood and the
more quickly the necessary actions will be taken.
A fast and efficient evacuation procedure is essential. This not only saves lives, but once the evacuation of the
building has been completed, the fire services can concentrate on minimizing the damage to property.
4.2. Alarming
4.2.1. Objectives
The purpose of a fire alarm is to warn people about the presence of a fire within the premises. In a historical
building or museum context these people may be divided into 3 target groups:
· Members of staff
· Visitors
· The municipal fire service
For each of these target groups various technical solutions are available, which can alert the people concerned in
the most appropriate and efficient manner.
4.2.2. Alerting members of staff
Alarms intended for in-house staff are always generated without delay to allow the cause of the alarm to be
investigated. Time is of the essence: investigation must begin immediately. It is still possible that the fire is small
enough to be dealt with by local means. The aim is to prevent any unnecessary disruption to guests or normal
business functions until absolutely necessary.
Without activating the main alarm, members of staff may be alerted in one (or more) of the ways listed below.
The appropriate choice will largely depend on the size of the establishment and, more particularly, on the number
of staff involved.
Pager Alarm activation via an in-house pager system, causing the pagers carried by all
members of staff to vibrate.
Mobile/Cell phone (SMS) Transmission of a preprogrammed text message.
Smart phone (mobile app) Modern technology permits a more user-oriented presentation of the alarm
message and a reminder of the next steps of the emergency procedure.
Local (discreet) acoustic Activation of buzzers or speakers in staff areas only: e.g. front desk, manager’s
office, kitchens, administration offices.
Silent/coded alarm Broadcasting of a “silent” alarm in the form of a coded message transmitted via
the in-house PA system e.g. “Will Mr. Black please report to the manager’s office.”