Directional Sound  Evacuation - Buildings

In buildings equipped with modern fire detection systems  conventional alarm sounders will sound to alert people to a fire. However - this gives no clues as to how to find the way out. If Directional Sound Evacuation (DSE) beacons are also triggered - people are given clear audible guidance to their nearest exit.

By using sophisticated analogue addressable fire panels, systems can locate the seat of the fire and decide which are preferred evacuation routes. DSE beacons can then be triggered only along these routes to direct people away from danger. In combination with Voice Evacuation systems it is possible to educate people on the use of system when it is needed even if they have no previous knowledge. However, research shows that it is NOT critical to understand what the sounds mean - just hearing the directional sound draws attention to the exits and people get out faster.

Examples of building installations to date include Business Design Centre in London, BAE Systems in Warton and Munich International Airport.

The American Council for the Blind recently passed a resolution pressing for mandatory fitment of DSE to buildings, aircraft and passenger vessels. Link

In Europe, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will make it illegal for building owners to discriminate by providing less safe access and exit for disabled users from January 2004 - DSE offers a solution.

Similarly, in the USA, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlaws discrimination against disabled people and obliges owners of buildings with public access to provide equivalent exit guidance for sighted and non sighted citizens. The International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC) and NPFA 101 are under review and consideration is being to the integration of DSE within these codes. Investigations into the evacuation of the WTC have shown that people had difficulty locating the entrances to the emergency stairs due to smoke in the lobby areas. 

  - Building  evacuation data sheet (.pdf format 136k)

  - Business Design Centre case study (.pdf format 180k)

  - Munich International Airport case study (.pdf format 43k)

  - Disability Discrimination Act 1995 -summary of implications for building owners and tenants regarding evacuation