Evacuation Alert Systems (EAS) are vital for ensuring safety in high-rise buildings, especially in emergencies.
On 30 October 2019, Sir Martin Moore-Bick published the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report. This recommended that ‘all high-rise residential buildings (both those already in existence and those built in the future) be equipped with facilities for use by the fire and rescue services enabling them to send an evacuation signal to the whole or selected part of the building by means of sounders or similar devices’.
BS 8629:2019 is the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats.
EAS in fire strategies
EAS don’t alter the fundamental approach to fire strategies but act as a critical last-resort tool. While the Fire and Rescue Service initially focuses on evacuating affected floors through door-knocking, EAS ensures the safe evacuation of the entire building if the situation escalates. Proper maintenance is crucial to keep these systems operational and reliable.
How do building evacuation systems work?
Buildings are divided into evacuation alert zones, typically by floor. The Fire and Rescue Service controls which zones receive evacuation alerts using manual toggle switches, supported by LED indicators that show which areas are being evacuated. EAS systems are designed to be adaptable and expandable to meet the evolving needs of the building.
Key points of BS 8629
BS 8629:2019 is the British code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining EAS for fire and rescue services in buildings with flats. It mandates the use of independent evacuation alert control and indicating equipment (EACIE) to support any evacuation strategy implemented by the Fire & Rescue Service (FRS).
BS 8629 allows the use of wired or radio technology. It is anticipated that radio systems would be more appropriate for retrofitting into existing buildings and that wired systems would be more cost effective over the life of the building.
What is BAFE SP207?
The BAFE SP207 scheme certifies organizations involved in designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining EAS. Companies must be certified for any module they work in, ensuring they meet high standards across all aspects of EAS management.
In summary, EAS are not just optional safety features, they’re a critical component of modern fire strategies, ensuring that high-rise buildings are prepared for emergencies.
Contact BSI
https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/
Product Testing & Certification, Kitemark, CE Marking
Phone: 0345 0765 606
Email: product.certification@bsigroup.com
Further information
Legislation implemented for evacuation systems with building Regs approved doc B updated in Dec 2022 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b.
Note this only covers new build and refurbished over 18m/7 floors. However, allocated responsible persons (Fire Safety Order 2005) would be encouraged to adopt best practice.
FIA guidance notes https://www.fia.uk.com/news/guidance-notefia-guidance-document-bs-8629-2019.html
Legislation https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9770/
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