Introduction
An EVC (Emergency Voice Communication) system is also known as a Disabled Refuge System. It allows firefighters and staff to communicate with people that are awaiting safe evacuation in designated refuge areas in an emergency situation.

How Does the EVC System Work?
In essence, it enables people who are looking for assistance to have continuous 2 way communication with the emergency services. This can be from a number of points in the building complex. This is especially the case in a fire emergency situation. The allowing for a safe refuge area enables the person in question to make their way to the closest designated location and await an evacuation.

 

Drivers
This need has been driven by a number of factors including the equality Act (2010) which was created to ensure that disabled people are treated equally. Of course, there are other requirements too such as those described in building regulations BS9999:2017, BS5839-9:2011 and BS8300:2009. These standards were designed to ensure that buildings are designed to meet the requirements of disabled people. This also includes the important responsibility on all operations to fully ensure that all people have access to buildings and services. A refuge area can typically be defined as a safe place for people to await evacuation assistance but specifically:

An enclosed area of fire-resisting construction

It must be served directly by a safe route of exit

The minimum size = 900mm x 1400mm – enough space for a wheelchair to manoeuvre

A minimum of 30 minutes fire-resisting separation

A wheelchair space should not reduce the width of escape route

A wheelchair space must not obstruct flow of persons escaping