Baldwin Boxall Market Sectors – Commercial

There is not a typical commercial building type. A commercial building can be anything from a single storey local bank or distribution centre / warehouse through to the multi-level, high rise structures which are typically found in major cities worldwide. Whatever the size or shape of the building, it is important that clear communication methods are available for use – particularly in times of an emergency such as a fire or attack. The public need to be protected as do the staff of any business and the safety considerations for any building/environment are vital. Part of the safety assessment will include fire and emergency procedures and equipment. One of the British Standards that needs to be referred to is BS9999:2008 (Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings). Included in this Standard is the mention of Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems (and further referral to BS5839-9), methods of evacuation and much more that must be considered. The method of ‘phased evacuation’ is frequently considered to be the optimum method for multi-level structures and also for wide spread sites and buildings. Another important Standard is BS5839-8 (Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems). This Standard discusses the need for Voice Alarm (VA). It suggests that in general, it is appropriate to install a form of VA system in all buildings which are subject to a pre-determined evacuation plan. The Standard also suggests that the use of VA system would be appropriate in buildings where there are trained personnel to aid an evacuation – suggesting that this type of system would enhance the management of the situation. Our VIGIL voice alarm systems are fully EN54 certified (the European requirement which involves intensive testing by an approved third party) – including the latest touch screen microphone controller. The VIGIL VA system, with its pre-recorded messages, quality of microphones and clarity of sound provides building management with a thoroughly reliable method of controlling the evacuation, or control of the inhabitants of any commercial structure – short or tall. The systems are not only used in times of a major event or emergency, they also have many benefits and features that are used every day – such as general ‘live’ announcements, background music and timed message broadcast. One key aspect of our systems is their modular nature and our ability to design a system to exactly meet your requirements. Many high-rise style structures employ our Eclipse systems – a wall mountable ‘all-in-one’ enclosure which is fully networkable and sensibly fits within building risers. The VA system includes ‘self-monitoring’ with alerts to faults reported at the appropriate points on the system. One option on the system includes the ability for any such faults to be immediately reported by email to an engineer or other support company. A VIGIL VA system has sophisticated, yet user-friendly zoning and routeing of any broadcasts. There is also a good choice of control methods – from touch screen PC, touch screen control microphone, various paging and control microphones and annunciator panel control. In addition to the VA system, as mentioned above, there is often a requirement for an EVC system. This type of system can comprise of disabled refuge, fire telephone, steward telephone and toilet alarm units – all on one system. We manufacture two EVC ranges – Omnicare (a loop wired option) and Care2 (radial wired option). Both these systems include a variety of outstation options, with the ability to mix types (within the same range) on a single system. Fitting one of these systems, in addition to a VA system, will help to ensure that everyone is catered for.

For more information on Baldwin Boxall Market Sectors – Commercial talk to Baldwin Boxall Communications Limited