BS 5839-8:2023

What does BS 5839-8 - Voice alarm systems cover?

BS 5839-8 gives recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems that automatically broadcast speech or warning tones, in response to signals from their associated fire detection and fire alarm systems.

BS 5839-8 also covers systems that include a manual facility for the transmission of live emergency announcements as well as automatically generated messages for emergency purposes.

NOTE 1: The fire detection and fire alarm systems themselves are covered by BS 5839-1. Systems that depend solely upon manual intervention are not covered in BS 5839-8:2023, however it can be used for guidance in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of such systems.

NOTE 2: BS 5839-8:2023 also applies to extensions and alterations to existing systems, at least in respect of the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and the certification of the new work, albeit that the extended or altered system might not, overall, conform to BS 5839-8:2023.

NOTE 3: BS 7827 provides further recommendations in respect of large public buildings, venues and sports grounds.

Why should you use BS 5839-8 - Voice alarm systems?

•     It provides the latest guidelines and specifications relating to specific voice alarm systems
•     It’s comprehensive, including systems that automatically broadcast speech or warning tones as well as systems with a manual facility for broadcast of live or pre-recorded speech and sounds
•     It is designed to help users to increase confidence in their products and enter new markets
•     It aims to help users accelerate product innovation and better manage the risk associated with these products
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BS 5839-8 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being and Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.

What’s new about BS 5839-8:2023?

This is a full revision of BS 5839-8:2013. BS 5839-8:2023 reflects changes made to BS 5839-1, BS 5839-6 and the BS EN 54 series and incorporates the latest regulatory and legislative requirements for building evacuation, including for disabled people, and technical changes since the last edition was published.