AS 1670.4 Warning System Lettering Heights
Throughout Australian Standard AS 1670.4 covering Emergency warning and intercom systems, there are various references to the height of letters used in signage specified. This document provides a summary of these requirements.
Warning System Speech Intelligibility Measurement
Speech intelligibility refers to the clarity and comprehensibility of spoken words to a listener. Measuring speech intelligibility is a requirement of Australian Standards AS1670.1 and AS1670.4 to establish criteria for measuring and recording the baseline data at each place specified within an evacuation zone and within a 6m radius of each required exit.
Competing sound system override
Where a warning system (emergency warning system or building occupant warning system) is employed in a building that incorporates other sound reinforcement systems (such as an independent public address system or speaker system) such as a theatre, meeting room or cinema that a likely to produce an average sound pressure level (SPL) of more than 75 dB(A) in the same emergency zone, then the requirements of Clause 4.11 of AS 1670.4 shall apply.
Warning system use for non-emergency purposes
A warning system (emergency warning system or building occupant warning system) may be used for non-emergency purposes such as public address and background music. In this circumstance, there are criteria set out in Clause 4.12 of AS 1670.4 that are necessary to override these features and ensure the warning system will continue to safeguard occupants from injury by being made aware of an emergency.
Operation of a Warning System
A warning system can include any of the following, emergency warning system, building occupant warning system (also known as an occupant warning system) or sound system for emergency purposes. The operation and emergency warning signals of a warning system are set out in the National Construction Code and a number of Australian Standards depending on the approved design including AS1670.1 and AS1670.4 and AS2220 (now obsolete).
Emergency Warning Systems in Hospitals, Commercial Properties and Public Buildings
For the safety of building occupants, installing, inspecting, and maintaining emergency warning systems in commercial and public buildings is a compliance obligation for certain buildings covered by the National Construction Code and Australian Standards, ensuring occupant safety, and improving building reputation and value.
Hospital: Audible and Visual Warning Systems
Protecting Patients and Staff in Operating Theatres: Explore the importance of audible and visual warning systems in hospitals, specifically operating theatres, and the relevant legislation, National Construction Code, and Australian Standards governing emergency alert requirements, ensuring patient and staff safety during emergencies.
QE20 Emergency Warning System - Announcement
Fire Australia, 2022 – Melbourne: Johnson Controls displayed the QE20 the logical successor to their very popular QE90 Emergency Warning and Communication System. The QE20 is a comprehensive redesign of the QE90. Complying with Australian Standard AS 4428 Part 4 and Part 16, as well as AS7240 and includes a range of new features and innovation to promote the safe and orderly evacuation of a building in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Temporal T3 Evacuation Tones
International Standard ISO 8201:2017 covers the requirements for an audible signal that is used alone and as a general evacuation signal for a building. ISO 8201:2017 defines the acoustic parameters of the audible emergency evacuation signal are defined being the temporal pattern and the required sound pressure level at all places within the intended reception area of the signal.
Standby (Fire Alarm) Battery Calculator
A standby battery is an electrochemical device that provides reserve (backup) power for a primary power source such as consumer mains power for fire safety systems and equipment. Various Australian Standards require the adequate reserve power to enable the system or equipment to continue to operate for extended periods of time.
