EVCS
EVCS
Total Integrated Solutions Ltd carry out servicing of Emergency Voice Communication Systems is in accordance with the ‘British Standards BS5839 – 9:2021 – Fire Detection and fire alarm systems for buildings’.
In accordance with BS5839-9:2021 clause 30, TIS will carry out a special inspection of the Emergency Voice Communication System, which includes the system records as identified in clause 23. During this inspection areas of non-conformity will be identified and documented to the responsible person as detailed within clause 30.1 items a through to c.
Inspection and Servicing by Total Integrated Solutions Ltd
BS5839-9:2021 states It is essential that the system is subject to periodic inspection and servicing so that faults are identified, preventive measures can be taken to ensure the continued reliability of the system.
Periodic inspection and servicing needs to be carried out by a competent person with specialist knowledge of the system used.
The following are required by BS5839-9:2021
29.1 Recommendations for quarterly inspection of vented batteries
All vented batteries and their connections will be examined by a person competent in battery installation and maintenance technology. Electrolyte levels will be checked and topped up as necessary.
29.2 Recommendations for six-monthly inspection and test of the system
a) Each outstation will be checked for operation ensuring that the speech is clear and intelligible, and any induction loops installed function correctly. A visual inspection is also carried out to ensure all outstations remain unobstructed and conspicuous.
b) Batteries tested to ensure they are in a good serviceable condition, includes vented batteries.
c) System functions tested including controls, visual indicators, fault indication by simulation of a fault and any other tests as recommended by the manufacturer.
d) Radio systems will have the signal strength of the wireless links checked to ensure they fall within acceptable levels.
29.2 During our visits, the recommendations detailed in section 29.1 & 29.2 will be carried out testing and inspecting each of the outstation and any master stations.
Responsibilities of the Client (BS5839 – 9:2011 Section 6)
There is a need for the user to appoint a single, named responsible person to supervise all matters pertaining to the EVC system. The role of the responsible person ought to be to ensure that the system is tested and serviced in accordance with the recommendations of this part of BS 5839, that appropriate records are kept, and that relevant occupants in the protected premises are aware of their roles and responsibilities in connection with the EVC system.
The following recommendations are applicable:
31 a) A single, named responsible person should be appointed to supervise all matters pertaining to the EVC system.
31 b) The responsible person should ensure that arrangements are in place for testing and servicing of the system in accordance with the recommendations of Section 5 of the standard.
31 c) The responsible person should ensure that suitable records are kept in relation to testing and servicing.
31 d) The responsible person should ensure that all relevant staff or occupants of the premises are instructed in the proper use of the system. Particular care should be taken to ensure they are adequately familiar with the appropriate controls and understand when and when not to use the system and how to make calls efficiently and to the point. In premises in multiple occupation, it should be ensured that sufficient representatives of each building occupier are instructed.
31 e) When changes are made to the system, the responsible person should ensure that record drawings are updated.
Routine Testing (BS5839-9:2011 Section 5)
Routine testing by the user.
Although modern EVC systems incorporate a high degree of intelligence they still need to be tested periodically to ensure that there has not been any major failure. This does not require any specialist knowledge as they are mainly operational tests as identified below.
BS5839-9:2021 Section 6 dictates that there is a need to appoint a single named responsible person to supervise all matters pertaining to the EVC System and they are responsible to ensure that the system is tested and serviced in accordance with the standard.
28.1 Recommendations for weekly testing by the user
a) In premises in which the location of the master station is such that the audible fault warning signal could go unnoticed for longer than 24 h, a special check should be carried out each day to confirm that either the equipment indicates normal operation or that any fault indication is receiving necessary attention. This inspection need not be recorded.
b) Every week, an outstation should be operated. It should be confirmed that the call is correctly received at the master station and that a short test conversation is clear and intelligible at both master station and outstation.
c) A different outstation should be used at the time of every weekly test, so that all outstations in the building are tested in rotation. The result of the weekly test and the identity of the outstation used should be recorded.
28.2 Recommendations for monthly attention by the user
a) If an automatically started emergency generator is used as part of the secondary power supply to the EVC system, it should be started up once each month by simulation of failure of the primary power supply and operated on load for at least one hour. The test should be carried out in accordance with the instructions of the generator manufacturer, including instructions on the load that should be operated. At the end of the test, the fuel tanks should be left filled, and the oil and coolant levels should be checked and topped up as necessary.
b) If a vented battery is used as a secondary power supply, a visual inspection of the battery and its connections should be made to ensure that it is in good condition. Action should be taken to rectify any defect, including low electrolyte level.