Is the audibility level of voice communication systems addressed in the Fire Code?
A3 The system should provide a verbal signal clearly heard in all occupied areas of the building and within the means of egress. The Ontario Fire Code does not specifically address the required sound level of a voice communication system. A voice communication system is not intended to alert the occupants to an emergency. It is used to transmit instructions to the occupants during a fire emergency after they have been alerted by the fire alarm system. The instructions may include the location of the fire and whether they should or should not evacuate the building, and which evacuation route to be taken. A secondary use would be by the firefighters, to coordinate suppression efforts. Q4 What criteria should be used to determine if an existing intercom system is adequate for use as a voice communication system in a highrise residential building? A4 Existing residential buildings are often provided with intercom systems to notify the occupants of visitors attempting to gain entry into the
