User Manual

Siemens Switzerland Ltd

Building Technologies Division

As a voice alarm system permits different messages to be conveyed to different

areas within the premises, they are of particular importance in phased

evacuation, or in buildings where escape routes may vary according to the

location of the incident. This can be controlled automatically, based on the alarm

signals from the fire detection system or may be executed manually from the

control room. The efficiency of an evacuation is heavily dependent on the

appropriate voice messages being transmitted to the relevant areas.

Zonal messages

Voice alarm systems also provide a microphone input, which allows the fire chief

to ‘speak’ directly to people in particular parts of the building. This additional

flexibility is an important feature in large multi-story hotels.

Live messages

3.4.5. Escape routes

Once the guests have understood that they need to evacuate the building, then following the appropriate escape

route must be made as straightforward as possible. Clear signage is essential.

Fire escape plans

(in corridors and guest

rooms)

Clear fire escape plans should be displayed in all guest rooms indicating the

recommended escape route(s) from that particular location.

Escape route identification Hotel guests are not generally familiar with the layout of the building, making it

imperative that the emergency escape routes are adequately signposted to help

guide occupants to a place of safety. As there may be numerous hotel guests

who do not speak the national language, the international pictogram signs (as

described in ISO 7010) should be used. The general guideline is that an escape

route directional sign should be readily visible from any location within the

building, other than the hotel room itself. The escape route should be regularly

confirmed by repetition signs, especially at “decision” points, e.g. where corridors

meet or open onto lift lobbies and landings. All evacuation or escape plans

should conform to the format as described in ISO 23601. The ambient lighting

levels should also be taken into account when determining which type of sign

should be used (e.g. back-lit, reflective, etc.).

The problem with this type of sign is that they may not be easily visible in smoky

conditions. For this reason the concept of way guidance is becoming more

widespread.

Way guidance To complement emergency escape lighting, way guidance equipment can be

very useful in helping people to follow exit routes. Way guidance systems usually

consist of photo luminescent material, lines of LEDs, or strips of miniature

incandescent lamps, forming a continuous marked escape route at a lower level

(e.g. handrail or floor). These systems have proved particularly effective for

partially sighted people and when visibility is already affected by smoke.

3.4.5-1 Escape route sign