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Segment Leader Commercial Buildings EMEA, Eaton

December 28, 2016

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Trends in evacuation tech and strategy you might see in 2017: adapting technology to fit the environment

The safety risks faced by owners and managers of commercial, industrial and public buildings are increasingly diverse.

Beyond the familiar possibility of fire, we’ve sadly seen many examples in 2016 of other dangers, including terrorism threats, social unrest, crime and extreme weather.

This is the risk landscape to which the people responsible for safety in buildings must adapt. The obligation to protect people, property and business continuity is brought into sharp focus when the potential consequences are considered.

The risk of death or serious injury is clearly the most fundamental influence on safety planning, but there could also be legal and regulatory consequences, financial costs, closure (temporary or permanent) and reputational damage.

In fact, reputation is a growing concern for many organisations, with social and digital media empowering the wider public to publish and share their views globally at an astonishing rate. In an age of peer-to-peer reviews where people often research what others think before making a purchasing decision, reputation is arguably more important than ever.

Complex range of factors

Putting place an evacuation strategy is one of the most critical steps to improving safety in buildings. However, businesses face a complex range of factors that must be considered when planning a strategy.

From offices to commercial centres and from airports to stadiums, we are seeing a significant increase in human footfall in commercial and public places. In addition, the complexity of escape routes has intensified to reflect the sheer diversity of modern and existing designs.

Furthermore, the imperative to be prepared for all scenarios is amplified by social considerations such an ageing population composed of more people with disabilities or impairments that might require assistance.

Set against this background, an improved understanding of the risks coupled with innovative new technologies means we now have an increasing ability to make evacuation safer by tailoring solutions to meet different situations.

Take voice alarm systems, which are growing rapidly as businesses recognise the important role they can play in enhancing life safety.

While the traditional fire bell or siren is a staple element of fire safety systems, it has limitations. Consider, for example, a busy shopping centre, civic building or transport hub. Visitors may not even know the distinctive characteristics of a genuine fire bell or siren and could mistake it for a security alarm, test procedure or fault.

Voice alarm systems enable pre-recorded messages or live announcements to be broadcast, providing better and more accurate information to occupants about the dangers they may face and their optimum route towards a safe exit point.

Another important development we can expect to see in the near future is the use of dynamic exit sign technology. Unlike fixed emergency lighting or signage, dynamic signage is responsive to hazards, modifying information in the guidance system in response to emerging events and conditions on the ground.

Moving forward, adaptability will be of growing importance in evacuation technology, providing building owners and managers with the flexibility they need to meet the challenges of the future.

2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!

Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.

Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.

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