nf pa 72 and emergency communication systems

5/20/2018 Nf Pa 72 and Emergency Communication Systems

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2012 Higher Education

Risk Management Conference

Waymon Jackson, P.E.

University of Texas at Austin

Assistant Fire Marshal

Fire Prevention Services

Campus Safety and Security

The University of Texas at Austin

304 East 24th Street, Suite 202AE

Austin, Texas 78712

[email protected]

Tel (512) 471-2197

Fax (512) 471-69182
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATION

CONTAINS CONTENT THAT MAYBE INAPPROPIATE FOR SOME OF

THE PARTICIPANTS

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

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Provide an overview of NFPA 72-2010 as it relates to

Emergency Communication System (ECS).

Review the key design features in NFPA 72 as they relate to

circuit pathways, ECS pathway survivability, ECS secondarypower supply and speech intelligibility requirements.

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Name Change:

Previously 2007 National Fire Alarm Code

Currently - 2010 National Fire Alarm and Signaling

Code

The word fire was removed from the code wheneverpossible:

Chapter 10 Fundamentals of Fire Alarm Systems

Chapter 26 Supervising Station FireAlarm Systems

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This title change recognizes that NFPA 72 addresses signaling

systems used for more than just fire hazards. Systems used for

weather alerts and warnings, terrorist attacks, chemical

releases and other threats are now directly incorporated in

NFPA 72.

In addition to the addition of signaling systems to NFPA 72,

NFPA now addresses many other types of systems.

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Combination Systems

Video Imaging Detection

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Gas Detection

Supervisory Service of Sprinkler Control Valves

Water Level Supervisory

Water Temperature Supervisory

Room Temperature Supervisory

Fire Extinguisher Monitoring

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Circuits and PathwaysChapter 12

Emergency Control Functions & InterfacesChapter 21

Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)Chapter 24

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2007 edition had 11 Chapters

2010 edition has 29 Chapters15 Unused

The intent of the reorganization was to make the code easier tomaneuver and allows for future changes and expansionwithout having to relocate existing text.

Administrative Chapters 1 - 9

Support Chapters 10 - 19

System Chapters 20 - 29

Usability Annexes A - I

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Administrative

Chapters

1 - 9

1

Administrative

3

Definitions

2

Referenced

Publications

4-9

Reserved

12

Circuits and

Pathways

14

Inspection,

Testing &

Maintenance

17

Initiating Devices

19

Reserved

10

Fundamentals

Support Chapters

10 - 19

13

Reserved

15 - 16

Reserved

18

Notification

Appliances

11

Reserved

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Annex C System

Performance &

Design Guide

Annex E

NEMA SB 30

Annex G

Wiring Diagrams

Annex A

ExplanatoryMaterial

Annex D

Speech

Intelligibility

Annex F

Sample

Ordinance

Annex H

Informational

References

Annex B

EngineeringGuide

22

Reserved

24Emergency

Communications

Systems (ECS)

26Supervising

Station Alarm

Systems

28

Reserved

20

Reserved

System Chapters

20 - 29

23

Protected Prem.

Fire Alm. Sys.

25

Reserved

27Public Emer. Alm.

Reporting Sys.

21

Emer. ControlFunc. & Interfaces

29

Household FireAlarm System

Annex I

Cross-Reference Table

Usability Annexes

A - I

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The requirements for the

application, installation, and

performance of emergency

communications systems

(ECS) and their components

for voice/alarm

communications systems

within buildings andoutdoor areas and other

communications systems.

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ECS - A system for the

protection of life by

indicating the existence of

an emergency situation and

communicating information

necessary to facilitate an

appropriate response and

action.NFPA 72

MNS - A system that

provides real-time

information to all building

occupants or personnel in

the immediate vicinity of

the building during

emergency situations.

UFC 4-021-01

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Emergency Communications Systems

(ECS) Chapter 24

One-way ECS

In-Building

Fire EVACS

In-building

MNS

Wide-area

MNS

Distributed

Recipient

MNS

Two-way in-building ECS

Two-Way Wired

Emergency

Services ECS

Two-Way Radio

Enhance System

Area of refuge

ECS

Elevator ECS

Info Commandand Control

Performancebased design

Combination Systems

Interfaces with MNS

PA Systems Used for

MNS

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One-Way Emergency Communications Systems

In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications

Systems (EVACS)

In-Building Mass Notification Systems

Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems

Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems

(DRMNSs)

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Two-Way, In-Building Emergency Communications Systems

Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services

Communications Systems

Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems

Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency

Communications Systems

Elevator Emergency Communications Systems

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Fundamentals-Chapter 10

Circuits and Pathways-Chapter 12

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance-Chapter 14

Initiating Devices-Chapter 17

Notification Appliances-Chapter 18

Emergency Control Functions and Interface-Chapter 21

Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems-Chapter 23

Supervising Station Alarm Systems-Chapter 26

Public Emergency Alarm Reporting System-Chapter 27

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One way emergency communications systems are intended tobroadcast information, in an emergency, to people in one or

more specified indoor or outdoor areas. It is intended that

emergency messages be conveyed either by audible, visible, or

textual means, or any combination thereof. In-Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications

System - Dedicated manual or automatic equipment for

originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as

alert and evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency,to the occupants of a building.

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In-Building Mass Notification System. A system used toprovide information and instructions to people in a

building(s) or other space using intelligible voice

communications and including visible signals, text,

graphics, tactile, or other communication methods. Wide-Area Mass Notification System. Wide-area mass

notification systems are generally installed to provide real-

time information to outdoor areas and could have the

capability to communicate with other notification systemsprovided for a campus, military base, municipality, or

similar single or multiple contiguous areas.

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Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System (DRMNS).A distributed recipient mass notification system is a system

meant to communicate directly to targeted individuals and

groups that might not be in a contiguous area.

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Two way emergency communications systems aredivided into two categories, those systems that areanticipated to be used by building occupants and thosesystems that are to be used by fire fighters, police, and

other emergency services personnel. Two-wayemergency communications systems are used to bothexchange information and to communicate informationsuch as, but not limited to, instructions,

acknowledgement of receipt of messages, condition oflocal environment, and condition of persons, and togive assurance that help is on the way.

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Fire department two-way telephone communication adedicated two-way telephone communications service

provided for use by the fire service and collocated with the

in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications

equipment. Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems -

is a system used for enhancing fire department radio

communications within a building by the usage of a

reception antenna, a signal amplifier and an internalrebroadcast antenna.

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Area of Refuge EmergencyCommunications Systems - acommunication system located inareas that have direct access to anexit. They are used by people whoare unable to use stairs and can

remain temporarily in safety toawait instructions or assistanceduring emergency evacuation orother emergency situation.

Elevator Emergency

Communications Systems anemergency communicationssystems installed in elevators inaccordance with the requirementsof ANSI/ASME A17.1a/ CSAB44a, Safety Code for Elevators

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In order for the ECS to communicate information properly it

must reproduce the desired messages so that the intended

listeners will both hear and understand the message.

The two issues discussed above are the evacuation toneaudibility of the ECS and intelligibility of the message

transmitted through the ECS.

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Audibility, which is generally measured in decibels (dBA), isdefined as the state or quality of being perceptible by the

human ear.

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Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio is a comparison of the sound level that

is being produced by the speaker to the ambient or

background noise in the room.

To ensure that audible public mode signals are clearly heard,they shall have a sound level at least 15 dB above the

average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum

sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds,

whichever is greater, measured 5 ft above the floor in thearea required to be served by the system using the A-

weighted scale (dBA).

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Distance from Sound Source

Doubling the distance to a measuring point decreases the

SPL by 6dB.

Absorption

Soft surfaces can absorb reduce the SPL by as much as 40dB.

Room Configuration

Rooms that contain shelving or other obstruction can absorb

and/or reflect sound waves.

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Section 24.3.1 Intelligible Voice Messages. Requires ECSmessages with voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter

18.

NFPA 72-2010 defines intelligibility as the quality or

condition of being intelligible.

It further states intelligible as capable of being understood;

comprehensible; clear.

Speech Transmission Index (STI) is a measure of speech

transmission quality. The STI measures some physical

characteristics of a transmission channel and expresses the

ability of the channel to carry across the characteristics of a

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Speech Transmission Index for Public Address Systems

(STIPA) is a simplified version of STI designed for practical

application in specific situations (amongst others measuring

PA Systems in airports and railway stations). It is a weighted

average of the response to fluctuating modulation frequencies.

The Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS) was created to map all

quantitative intelligibility measurement methods to the same

scale so that all different results can be compared.

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Intelligibility Test A test method used to predict how well

speech is understood by a listener.

Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure LevelThe period of time

when the building involved in the test is occupied and isreasonably close to having maximum background noise.

Unoccupied Ambient Sound Pressure Level The period of

time when the primary occupants of the facility are not

present, or when ambient noise is not at its highest level.

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Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio is a comparison of the sound level that

is being produced by the speaker to the ambient or

background noise in the room or area.

In order to help achieve the needed intelligibility, it isimportant to ensure the speaker sound output is 10 to 15 dB

over ambient noise.

Frequency Response

For voice evacuation, speakers ideally should have afrequency range between 150 and 11,000 Hertz (Hz)

because this is the frequency range that an adult voice

produces.

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Harmonic Distortion

There are many factors that affect harmonic distortion, such

as tolerance of the message generator and amplifier, loading

of the audio amplifiers (load vs. available power), ormechanical factors, including foreign objects touching the

cone of the speaker, excessive voltage drop in the speaker

circuit, vibration caused by poor installation, and damaged

speakers. In addition, all manufactured equipment has

distortion built into it. All of these different factors build on

each other and have a cumulative effect on intelligibility.

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Reverberation

Reverberation is the persistence of a sound through echoes

and reflections after the initial sound source is removed.

These echoes and reflections are the main reason why it is

often difficult and sometimes impossible to achieve a

required intelligibility score in certain environments, like

large, open areas with very reflective surfaces. If echoes are

spaced too closely together, the sound cannot be clearly

distinguished by the listener, so minimizing reverberation iskey to achieving the intelligibility score desired.

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Some of the main factors that affect reverberation include

room size, the reflective properties of the surfaces in the

space, the orientation of the speaker, and the sound output

of the speaker.

Talker and Listener Abilities

There is great variation in the human element relating to

intelligibility, specifically around the abilities of the talker

and listeners. Talker abilities that could affect intelligibility

would include accents, dialects, diction, frequency of voice,

etc.

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Where intelligibility is required and required to be measured,quantitative methods using an intelligibility meter are typically

used. Intelligibility meters, which measure either STI or CIS

scores, are the most accurate and practical means of

conducting intelligibility testing. There are also subjective test methods that use a group of

people who listen to a passage that is spoken or played over

the speaker system. The group is then asked to recall how

much of the passage they understood to determine theintelligibility score. The two main types of tests done in this

manner are the Modified Rhyme Test and Phonetically

Balanced word score.

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When conducting intelligibility testing, especially for an ECS,

NFPA 72-2010 requires that 90 percent of all measurements

taken in an ADS meet the required intelligibility scores in

order to be considered acceptable: Measured STI of not less than 0.45 (0.65 CIS)

Average STI of not less than 0.50 (0.70 CIS)

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Speech Intelligibility may be expressed by a single number

value. Two scales are most commonly used: STI and CIS.

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STI predicts the likelihood of syllables, words and sentences

being comprehended. As an example, for native speakers, this

likelihood is given by:

STI

Value

Quality

according to

IEC 60268-16

Intelligibility of

Syllables in %

Intelligibility of

Words in %

Intelligibility of

Sentences in %

0 - 0.3 bad 0 - 34 0 - 67 0 - 89

0.3 - 0.45 poor 34 - 48 67 - 78 89 - 92

0.45 - 0.6 fair 48 - 67 78 - 87 92 - 95

0.6 - 0.75 good 67 - 90 87 - 94 95 - 96

0.75 - 1 excellent 90 - 96 94 - 96 96 - 100

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New to the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 is the termpathway and pathway survivability.

Path (Pathways) - Any circuit, conductor, optic fiber,

radio carrier, or other means connecting two or morelocations.

Pathway Survivability. The ability of any conductor,

optic fiber, radio carrier, or other means for

transmitting system information to remain operational

during fire conditions.

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Class B A

Alm Trbl ARC Alm Trbl ARC

Abnormal Condition 1 2 3 4 5 6

Single open

Single ground

-

-

X

X

-

R

-

-

X

X

R

R

The circuit performance tables for SLCs, IDCs, andNACs have been removed and the style and

designations have been eliminated.Table 6.5 Performance of Initiating Device Circuits (IDCs)

Alm: Alarm. Trbl: Trouble. ARC: Alarm receipt capability during abnormal condition. R:

Required capacity.

X: Indication required at protected premises and as required by Chapter 8.

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A pathway (interconnection) class designation shall bedependent on the pathway (interconnection) capability to

continue to operate during abnormal conditions.

The designation of the pathways shall be permitted to also

include the performance of the pathway (interconnection) to

survivability from attack by fire.

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Class A. A pathway shall be designated as Class A when it

performs as follows: It includes a redundant path.

Operational capability continues past a single open.

Conditions that affect the intended operation of the path are

annunciated.

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CLASS A


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Class B. A pathway shall be designated as Class B when it

performs as follows: It does not include a redundant path.

Operational capability stops at a single open.


annunciated.

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CONVENTIONAL CLASS B PATHWAY


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Class C. A pathway shall be designated as Class C when itperforms as follows:

It includes one or more pathways where operational

capability is verified via end-to-end communication, but the

integrity of individual paths is not monitored. A loss of end-to-end communication is annunciated.

The Class C reference is new and is intended to describe

technologies that supervise the communication pathway by

polling or continuous communication handshaking.

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Class D. A pathway shall be designated as Class D when it hasfail-safe operation, where no fault is annunciated, but the

intended operation is performed in the event of a pathway

failure.

Power to door holders where interruption of the powerresults in the door closing

Power to locking hardware that release upon an open circuit

or fire alarm operation

Class E. A pathway shall be designated as Class E when it is

not monitored for integrity.

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Class X. A pathway shall be designated as Class X when itperforms as follows:

It includes a redundant path.

Operational capability continues past a single open or short-

circuit.


annunciated.

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Class X


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Level 0 pathways shall not be required to have anyprovisions for pathway survivability.

Level 1 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully

protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance

with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler

Systems, with any interconnecting conductors, cables, or

other physical pathways installed in metal raceways.

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Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

2-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) cable

2-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective

system(s)]

2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

2-hour performance alternatives approved by the authority

having jurisdiction

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Level 3 shall consist of pathways in buildings that are fully

protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance withNFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,

and one or more of the following:

2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) cable

2-hour fire rated cable system (electrical circuit protectivesystem(s))

2-hour fire rated enclosure or protected area

2-hour performance alternatives approved by the authority

having jurisdiction

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The requirement for ECS pathway survivability is addressed inSection 24.3.5.

The level of survivability required is dependent on the type of

ECS being installed.

EVACS

For systems employing relocation or partial evacuation, a

Level 2 or Level 3 pathway survivability shall be required.

For systems that do not employ relocation or partialevacuation, a Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 pathway

survivability shall be required.

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Mass Notification in Buildings

In-building mass notification systems shall be permitted to

have a Level 0 pathway survivability or greater if

determined by a risk analysis.

Wide-Area Mass Notification Systems

All circuits for wide-area mass notification systems shall be

permitted to have a pathway survivability of Level 0 or

greater if determined by a risk analysis.

Two-Way in-Building Wired Two-way in-building wired emergency communications

systems shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or

Level 3.

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Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems

Where a two-way radio communications enhancement

system, exclusive of the antennae, is used in lieu of a two-

way in-building wired emergency communications system,

it shall have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.

Area of Refuge Communication

Area of refuge emergency communications systems shall

have a pathway survivability of Level 2 or Level 3.

Circuits intended to transmit off-premises shall have a

pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level

3.

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Elevator Emergency Communications

Elevator emergency communications systems shall have a

pathway survivability of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, or Level

3.

Central Command Station Communication Systems Central command station emergency communications

systems shall have pathway survivability as determined by

the risk analysis.

All other emergency communications system circuits shallhave pathway survivability as determined by the risk analysis.

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Battery calculations shall include a 20 percent safety margin tothe calculated amp-hour rating.

Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications service

secondary power supply shall be capable of operating the

system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm

condition) for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be

capable of operating the system during a fire or other

emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum

connected load.

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In-Building Mass Notification systems secondary powersupply shall be capable of operating the system under

quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be

capable of operating the system during emergency condition

for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load. Textual Visible Appliances for In-Building Mass

Notification secondary power supply shall be capable of

operating the system under quiescent load for a minimum of

24 hours and then shall be capable of operating the systemduring emergency condition for a period of 15 minutes at

maximum connected load.

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Textual Visible Appliances for Wide-Area Mass NotificationSystems shall have sufficient secondary power to operate for aminimum of 2 hours of continuous display time during anemergency event.

Textual Visible Appliances that are not on a dedicated

branch circuit, shall have a primary source of power and asecondary source of power and be monitored for powerintegrity.

High-Power Speaker Arrays used for Wide-Area Mass

Notification Systems secondary power supply shall havesufficient capacity to operate the unit for a minimum of 7 daysin standby, followed by 60 minutes of operation at full load.

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Distributed Recipient Mass Notification Systems personaldevices have no secondary power requirements.

Firefighter and warden telephones shall have sufficient

capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a

minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of operatingthe system during a fire or other emergency condition for a

period of 15 minutes at maximum connected load.

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Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems shallhave sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent

load for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of

operating the system during a fire or other emergency

condition for a period of 15 minutes at maximum connectedload.

Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency

Communications Systems shall have sufficient capacity to

operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24hours and then shall be capable of operating the system during

a fire or other emergency condition for a period of 5 minutes

at maximum connected load.

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Elevator Emergency Communications Systems shall havesufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load

for a minimum of 24 hours and then shall be capable of

operating the system during a fire or other emergency

condition for a period of 5 minutes at maximum connectedload.

Central Control Station, the emergency communications

control unit secondary power supply capacity shall be capable

of supporting operations for a minimum of 24 hours.

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Ancillary functions, including the use of a fire alarmsystem or mass notification system for general paging,

background music, or other non-emergency functions

are permitted and shall not interfere with the

performance requirements of the fire alarm system orthe mass notification system.

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Section 24.4.1 in the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 addresses In-

Building Fire Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications

Systems.

EVACS systems are primarily used for total are partial

evacuation resulting from the initiation of fire alarm signals.

Permits a mass notification control unit to take control of andoverride fire alarm notification appliances including

amplifiers, speakers, and strobes.

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NFPA 72 2010 edition introduced the term acoustically

distinguishable space, an important new term associated withthe intelligibility of ECS. ADS applies to EVACS type ECSs

only.

Chapter 18 is responsible for determining the requirements

and methods for determining areas required to audible.

Definition - An acoustically distinguishable space is an

emergency communications system notification zone, or

subdivision thereof, that might be an enclosed or otherwise

physically defined space, or that might be distinguished from

other spaces because of different acoustical, environmental, or

use characteristics, such as reverberation time and ambient

sound pressure level.

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Each ADS is determined by the system designer during theplanning and design phase of any system.

Each ADS shall be identified as requiring or not requiring

voice intelligibility.

Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, ADS

assignments shall be submitted for review and approval.

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Building ElementSound

Transmission


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Building ElementLoss (dB)

Walls and Partitions

1. 4.00 in. - dense concrete with or without plaster 45

2. 6.00 in.no fines concrete with .05 in. plaster on both laces 45

3. 4.50 in. brickwork with .05 in. plaster on both laces 45

4. 4.50 in. brickwork unplastered 42

5. 12.00 in. lightweight concrete precast blocks with well-grouted joints 42

6. 3.00 in. clinker blockwork with .05 in. plaster on both laces 407. 2.00 in. dense concrete 40

8. 2-1.00 in. plasterboard separated by 3.00 in. studs & mineral fiber blanket 40



11. 2.00 in. clinker blocks with .05 in. plaster on both faces 35

12. 2.50 in. hollow clay blocks with 12-mm plaster on both laces 35

13. .25 in. plasterboard (2 layers) separated by 3.00 in. studs with .05 in.

plaster on both faces

35

14. Plywood/hardboard (2 layers) separated by 2.00 in. studs and 2.00 in.mineral fiber blanket

30 66

Building Element ContSound

Transmission


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Building Element Cont.Loss (dB)

Walls and Partitions Cont.

15. 7.50 in. chipboard on a supporting frame 25

16. 22 Gauge sheet steel 25

17. 1.00 in. tongued and grooved softwood boards tightly clamped on a

support frame20

18. .125 (1/8) in. hardboard (2 layers) separated by 44-mm polystyrene core 20

Doors

19. Flush panel, hollow core, hung with one large air gap 14

20. Flush panel, hollow core, hung with edge sealing 20

21. Solid hardwood, hung with edge sealing 26

Windows

22. Single glass in heavy frame 24

23. Double-glazed 9-mm panes in separate frames 50-mm cavity 34

24. Double-glazed 6-mm panes In separate frames 100-mm cavity 38

25. Double-glazed 6-mm and 9-mm panes in separate frames 200-mm cavity,

absorbent blanket in reveals58

Occupant

N tifi tiA i ADSNo

STOP!


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Notification

Required

Tone Occupant

Notification

Measurement

Required?

Subject-Based

Measurement

Voice Occupant

Notification

IntelligibilityRequired Not

Required?

Assign ADS

Visual Occupant

Notification

IntelligibilityRequired?

Objective

Measurement

STOP!

Seek Professional Help!!

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In an ADS that is a non-acoustically challenging area,designing for audibility will typically result in an intelligible

system provided minimum speaker guidelines are followed.

Areas typically considered to be non-acoustically challenging

include, traditional office environments, hotel guestrooms,dwelling units, and spaces with carpeting and furnishings.

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Distance listener to speaker less than 30 ft in the room(assuming proper audibility and low reverberation)

Ambient sound level is less than 50 dBA and the average SPL

of the voice message is 1015 dBA fast greater

No appreciable hard surfaces (e.g., glass, marble, tile, metal,

etc.)

No appreciable high ceilings (i.e., ceiling height equals

speaker spacing at a ratio of 1:1 optimal or 1:2 max)

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Space has been acoustically designed by individuals having

skills sufficient to properly design a voice/alarm system for the

occupancy to be protected (e.g., space has been designed using

commercially available computer modeling software

acceptable to AHJ)

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Special attention must be given to acoustically challenging

ADSs. Such areas might incorporate appreciable hard surfaces

(e.g. glass, marble, tile, metal, etc) or appreciably high ceilings(e.g. atriums, multiple ceiling heights).

These conditions will require more stringent design guidelines

to ensure intelligibility (e.g. a closer than normal speaker

spacing with lower taps).

In an ADS where the ambient noise level exceeds 85dB it is

acknowledged that intelligibility might not be attainable and

an alternate means of notification is required.

Spaces because of different acoustical, environmental, or use

characteristics, such as reverberation time and ambient sound

pressure level.

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Appreciable hard surfaces (e.g., glass, marble, tile, metal, etc.)

Appreciable high ceilings (e.g., atriums, multiple ceiling

heights)

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The preferred procedure is to conduct the STI/STIPA test in

the presence of the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure Level.

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Where the test method is measuring the STI using the STIPAtest signal, the STIPA test signal is played through the system

and the STI is measured.

Testing should be done during a period of time when the area

is occupied and is reasonably close to having maximumbackground noise.

Measurements should be taken at an elevation of 5 ft or at any

other elevation deemed appropriate if the area is subject to

normal occupant access (e.g., elevated walkways).

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The number and location of measurement points in each ADS

should be planned and based on the area and volume of the

space and the speaker appliance location within the space. The

location of noise sources, egress paths, and the locations of

personnel in the space should also be considered.

If multiple measurement points are required within an ADS,they should be separated by about 40 ft.

No more than one third of the measurement points within an

ADS should be on the axis of a speaker.

Average the results at different measurement points within an

ADS.

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Perform STI orSTIPA Test At

Maximum

Background Noise

Determine Numberand Location of

Measurement Points

Average the Results

at Different

Measurement Points

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Where the test method is measuring the STI using the STIPAtest signal, the STIPA test signal is played through the system

and the STI can be measured and the data saved when the area

is either not occupied or when the background ambient

conditions are not the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure

Level. It is also necessary to measure and save the unoccupied

ambient sound level at each measurement location. Then,

during occupied times or when the background ambient

conditions are not the Occupied Ambient Sound Pressure

Level, take and save ambient sound level measurements. Thethree data sets are combined by software to calculate the

corrected STI for the area.

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Perform STI or

STIPA Test in

Unoccupied ADS at

each MeasurementLocation

Determine Number and Location of

Measurement Points

Calculate the Corrected STI Value at

Different Measurement Points

Measure

Unoccupied

Ambient Sound

Level at eachMeasurement

Location

Measure Occupied

Ambient Sound

Level at each

MeasurementLocation

Average the Results at Different

Measurement Points 79


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For a standard building configuration with normal ceilingheight (8 ft to 12 ft, normal ceiling construction (i.e. drop

acoustical ceiling tiles), standard wall configurations and

finishes and carpeted floors the following should apply:

Ceiling-mounted speakers should be installed in all normallyoccupiable spaces and in corridors spaced at a maximum of

twice the ceiling height.

Or as determined by a computer acoustical/speaker

modeling program.

In general low ceilings require more ceiling mounted

speakers per square foot of area than high ceiling.

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The 2010 edition of NFPA 72, Section 24.4.1.2.2.4 gives

guidelines for determining where intelligibility is required.

Section 24.4.1.2.2.4 states, Unless specifically required by the

authority having jurisdiction, intelligibility shall not be required

in the following locations:

(1) Private bathrooms, shower rooms, saunas and similarrooms/areas

(2) Mechanical/electrical/elevator equipment rooms

(3) Elevator cars

(4) Individual offices

(5) Kitchens

(6) Storage rooms

(7) Closets

(8) Rooms/areas where intelligibility cannot reasonably be

predicted 81


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Section 24.4.2 in the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 addresses In-

Building Mass Notification Systems.

In-Building Mass Notification System. A system used to

provide information and instructions to people in a building(s)or other space using intelligible voice communications and

including visible signals, text, graphics, tactile, or other

communication methods.

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An in-building mass notification system shall include one or

more of the following components:

Autonomous control unit (ACU)

Local operating console (LOC)

Fire alarm control interface

Notification appliance network

Initiating devices

Interface to other systems and alerting sources

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Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia - June 25, 1996

20 Deaths / 372 Injured

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In 2002, the DOD issued the

Minimum Antiterrorism Standardfor Buildings UFC 4-010-01 (July,

2002) and the Design and O&M:

Mass Notification Systems to

improve Force Protection UFC 4-

021-01 (December, 2002)

Purpose: To provide all inhabited

buildings with terror resistant

construction, maximize stand-off

distance, prevent building collapse,minimize flying debris, limit

airborne contamination.

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Purpose: To provide real-time

information to all buildingoccupants or personnel in the

immediate vicinity of a building

during emergency situations.

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The Air Force Civil Engineering petitioned NFPA in June

2003 to established guidelines for Mass Notification Systems.

There were conflicts with fire alarm.

NFPA Standards Council assigns MNS to NFPA 72.

National Fire Alarm Code Technical Correlating Committee

was charged with the task of reviewing this request.

TCC Task Group was formed February 2004.

First Task Group meeting held March 2004.

Standalone document or part of NFPA 72?87


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NFPA 72-2007 EditionMNS was added to Annex E.

July 2007 the Technical Committee on Emergency

Communications was formed.

August 26, 2009, NFPA 72-2010 Edition containing Chapter

24 - Emergency Communications Systems was by the

Standards Council.

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World Trade Center, New York City September 11, 2001

2753 Deaths / 9349 Injured

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Goal is to give incident-specific guidance to those in dangeras to the best course of action on an area-by-area basis.

Fire

Natural Disasters, Weather

Armed Intruder

Terrorist Events

NBC

Nuclear, biological, chemical

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Incendiary and explosive

CBRNE

All of the above

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Note: At this time mass notification systems are not requiredby any building code or by the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

It may be required by specific local, county, state, or federal

codes, laws, regulations or statutes or organizational mandates.

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Local Operators Console (LOC) is a mass notification

secondary control console.

Allow authorized building occupants to initiate messages.

Perform live paging to meet the specific emergencies.

Consoles are required to have the necessary number ofswitches for activating messages and a microphone.

Allow emergency responders to perform a live page or

initiate a digital message without having to travel long

distances in the facility.

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Controls for the in-building fire emergency voice/

evacuation alarm communications system shall be at alocation approved by the AHJ.

Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) is the primary control unit

for an in-building mass notification system.

Able to function independently upon failure of a central

control system.

Independent of fire alarm system.

Ability to deliver messages quickly.

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Secure local operator console for initiating recorded

messages, strobes, and displays; and for delivering livevoice messages.

Secure microphone for delivering live voice messages.

Conductor integrity monitoring for strobe, display,

temporary deactivation of fire alarm audible notificationappliances, and speaker wiring.

Local diagnostic information display.

Local diagnostic information and system event log file.

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Notification Can Be Achieved By: Audible Alert Tones

Visible Signals

Visible Text

Visible Graphics Tactile Notification

Other Method Approved by the AHJ

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97(Source: NFPA 72 Annex)


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Level 1Immediate and Intrusive Level 2Personal Alerting

Level 3Public Alerting

Level 4Local Alerting

Ideally an ECS will include at least one Level 1

component with augmentation from additional level

components to provide a redundant means of

communication.

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Sirens, Indoor, and Outdoor Loudspeakers Fire alarm voice evacuation systems

Electronic signage

Code compliant system

Independent of devices carried or activities performed

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Short Message Service (SMS) text messages to cell phones Computer screen pop-up notifications

Bed Shaker

Tone alert radios

Broadcast electronic mail Automated voice dialing and text messaging

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Satellite/AM/FM radio broadcasts TV broadcasts

Location-specific text messages

10

1

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT!

TORNADO APPROACHING

FROM THE NORTH!

SHELTER IN PLACE!


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Handheld bullhorns Radio cell phones

Two-way radios

10

2


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Intrusive MNS - Independent of the devices carried by anindividual or activities performed.

Intrusive MNS is the primary means to inform the

population.

Personal Alerting MNS - Require that an individual iscarrying a device or is engaged in a specific action

Personal alerting solutions provide an extra layer of

notification.

The overall MNS Solution is likely to exploit a number of

intrusive and personal systems that combine to produce a

reliable and robust solution to the risk analysis.

10

3


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Emergency communications systems shall be capable of thereproduction of prerecorded, synthesized, or live (e.g.,

microphone, telephone handset, and radio) messages with

voice intelligibility in accordance with Chapter 18.

Where audible notification is provided, mass notificationsystems shall also provide visible notification information to

serve the hearing impaired and for high-noise areas.

The visible notification required by In-Building Mass

Notification Systems shall be accomplished using strobes.

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4


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In addition to the strobes required by In-Building MassNotification Systems, textual, graphic or video displays are

permitted.

Textual, graphic or video displays are an important MNS

feature when attempting to communicate emergencymessages to the hearing impaired.

The only viable way to provide content rich information and

instructions to the hearing impaired is via visual textual

messages on scrolling signboards, television and computer

screens and personal devices like cell phones and pagers.

10

5


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Only viable way to provide content rich information andinstructions to the hearing impaired is via visual textual

messages on scrolling signboards, television and computer

screens and personal devices like cell phones and pagers.

Cost

Installing scrolling sign boards at every location where there

are speakers is not practical.

The intent of MNS is not met by just notifying the hearingimpaired to move to a location where there is a sign board or

other textual display.

10

6


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In situations where existing notification appliances previouslyused exclusively for fire alarm applications, and are marked

with the word FIRE,and are to be used for other emergency

notification purposes, field modification to the marking shall

be permitted, provided that it is accomplished by one of the

following methods:

10

7


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Replacement of the manufacturersapproved escutcheon ortrim plate.

Covering of, or removal of, the word FIRE using a

manufacturersapproved method.

Installation of a permanent sign directly adjacent or belowthe notification appliance indicating that it is multipurpose

and will operate for fire and other emergency conditions.

10

8

Replace escutcheon

Wide-Area Mass Notification System


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High powered speaker arrays (HPSA) for large outdoor areas

Mounted at heights to prevent hearing damage to nearby

persons

Are not permitted to provide mass notification to occupantsinside structures or buildings

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Communication to a wide range of targeted individuals or

groups

Systems include mass dialing systems, reverse 911, email,

SMS (mobile phone text messages), and other directedcommunication methods

Distributed Recipient Mass

NotificationSystems (DRMNS)

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Communication to a wide range of targeted individuals or

groups.

Systems include mass dialing systems, reverse 911, email,

SMS (mobile phone text messages), and other directed

communication methods.

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Firefighter and warden telephones.

Two-way telephone systems shall be common talk (i.e., aconference or party line circuit).

If the two-way telephone system is intended to be used by fire

wardens in addition to the fire service, the minimum

requirement shall be a selective talk system, where phones are

selected from the control location.

Selective Talk Mode - The ability for personnel at the fire

command center to receive indication of incoming calls and

choose which call to answer. This includes the ability to

transfer between incoming calls and conference multiple

phone locations. Selective calling may include the ability to

initiate calls to emergency phone locations.

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Two-way telephone communications equipment shall be listedfor two-way telephone communications service.

Two-way telephone communications service, if provided, shall

be for use by the fire service and collocated with the in-

building fire emergency voice/alarm communicationsequipment.

Monitoring of the integrity of two-way telephone

communications circuits shall be in accordance with 10.17.2.

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In buildings provided with a two-way telephonecommunications system, at least one telephone station or jack

shall be provided at the following locations:

Each floor level

Each notification zone Each elevator cab

Elevator lobbies

Elevator machine room(s)

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Emergency and standby power room(s) Fire pump room(s)

Area(s) of refuge

Each floor level inside an enclosed exit stair(s)

Other room(s) or area(s) as required by the authority havingjurisdiction

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Components utilized in the installation of the public safetyradio enhancement system, such as repeaters, transmitters,

receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed

antenna systems, shall be approved and shall be compatible

with the public safety radio system.

Non-Interference

Signal Strength -95dBm

Inbound and Outbound

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Radio coverage requirements: Critical areas (i.e.,FDC, exit stairs, fire pump room, etc.)

99% coverage

General building areas90% coverage

Components utilized in the installation of the public safety

radio enhancement system, such as repeaters, transmitters,

receivers, signal boosters, cabling, and fiber-distributed

antenna systems, shall be approved and shall be compatible

with the public safety radio system.

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The area of refuge (rescue assistance) emergency

communications system shall be comprised of remotely

located area of refuge stations and a central control point.

The area of refuge station shall provide for hands free, two-way communication provide an audible and visible signal to

indicate communication has occurred and indicate to the

receiver the location sending the signal.

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If the central control point is not constantly attended, it shall

have a timed automatic communications capability to connect

with a constantly attended monitoring location acceptable to

the authority having jurisdiction where responsible personnelcan initiate the appropriate response.

Instructions for the use of the two-way communications

system instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way

communications system and written identification, includingin Braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-

way communications system.

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Elevator two-way emergency communications systemsshall be installed in accordance with the requirements

of ANSI/ASME A17.1a/ CSA B44a, Safety Code for

Elevators and Escalators.

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A central control station is considered to be a mass notificationsystem facility(s), with communications and control

equipment serving more than one building, where responsible

authorities receive information from premises sources or

systems, or from (higher level) regional or national sources or

systems, and then disseminate appropriate information to a

building, multiple buildings, outside campus areas,

municipalities, or a combination of these in accordance with

the emergency response plan established for the premises. A

mass notification system could include at least one centralcontrol station with optional secondary/alternate central

control stations.

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The primary central control station should be located at thecommand post, emergency operations center, or some such

similar location. A redundant central control station, if

required, should be located at a physically separate location,

such as a police station, fire station, or similar facility.

Generally, the primary central control station should be housed

in a building or portion of a building separated from the rest of

the facility and having a 2-hour fire-resistive-rated separation.

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The performance-based design shall meet the following goals

and objectives: The risk analysis, design criteria, design brief, system

performance, and testing criteria are developed in the spirit

of this chapter.

The system disseminates information to the target audiencein an accurate and timely manner.

The design and performance criteria are specific to the

nature and anticipated risks of each location.

The system is capable of withstanding various scenarios andsurvives even if some damage has already occurred.

Message initiation can be effected by all responding entities

responsible for the safety and security of occupants.

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Qualifications - The performance-based design and risk

analysis shall be prepared by a design professional certified orapproved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Independent Review - The authority having jurisdiction shall

be permitted to require an approved, independent third party to

review the proposed design brief and provide an evaluation ofthe design to the authority having jurisdiction.

Performance Criterion - The performance criterion shall

include timely and accurate notification of all persons within

the boundaries of the mass notification system in a medium to

which they can respond when given directions by responding

entities.

125

Risk Analysis The design of the mass notification system shall


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Risk Analysis - The design of the mass notification system shallbe specific to the nature and anticipated risks of each facility forwhich it is designed. The risk analysis shall consider the number of persons, type of

occupancy, anticipated threat to occupants, and extent of the notification.

A risk analysis shall be completed before beginning the designof a mass notification system. This process is used to identifyand characterize the probability, and potential severity, ofincidents associated with natural or man-made disasters orother events requiring emergency response.

The designer shall consider both fire and non-fire emergencieswhen determining risk tolerances for survivability for the mass

notification system.

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Below are the types of questions the designer should consider


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yp q g

when designing a system:

What type of emergency event can occur? What is the level of urgency for each potential event?

What is the anticipated or expected severity?

What is the level of certainty?

Where is it located or from what direction is it approaching?

What is its validity?

What zone or areas should receive emergency message(s)?

What instructions should we send to our personnel?

What special procedures or tasks should we send to remind

our personnel?

127

Emergency Response Plan A documented set of actions to


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Emergency Response Plan. A documented set of actions to

address response to natural, technological, and manmade

disasters and other emergencies prepared by the stakeholdersfrom information obtained during the risk analysis.

The emergency response plan should include, but not be

limited to, the following elements:

Emergency response team structure

Emergency response procedures, as follows:

Building system related emergencies

Human-related emergencies

Terrorism-related emergencies

Weather-related emergencies

Emergency response equipment and operations

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Emergency response notification, as follows: Emergency message content

Emergency notification approval process

Emergency notification initiation process

Emergency response training and drills, as follows:

Classroom training

Table-top training

Live drills

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Any additional Questions?


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