We are pleased to announce a new course in Evacuation Alert Systems (BS 8629), this training is the first of its kind and emanates from the work that has been done since the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This first of its kind training course can be taken online and, in the future, it will be able to be taken in class to enable learners to choose a teaching style that suits their needs.

Ian Moore CEO of the FIA added “The FIA has been involved from day one with the Evacuation Alert System concept. As part of the expert committee following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it was clear that the Fire and Rescue Services needed another “arrow in their quiver” to assist with the evacuation of residents if needed.

Moving on from the initial concept, the FIA formed a special interest group with a number of key stakeholders from across the industry and Fire and Rescue Services to lay out the plans to develop an accelerated new British Standard (to be known as BS 8629).

It is worth noting that this only adds to the “stay-put” policy which the FIA continues to stand strongly behind. The FIA FD&A (fire detection and alarm) Council progressed this work where it is believed to be one of the quickest British Standards ever brought to fruition from concept to reality.

The next logical step is to train the industry on this important standard because it is crucial that people are competent in designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining of Evacuation Alert Systems in line with BS 8629."

Will Lloyd, FIA Technical Manager added:

Before BS 8629 buildings that were designed to have a stay-put policy prior to this standard had no easy way of changing that policy to a simultaneous or phased evacuation policy. This new standard enables fire and rescue service across the country to evacuate a stay-put building in a more controlled manner.

This is now an electronic system which has been reinvented to become a valuable, powerful and necessary tool for use by the fire and rescue service.

Anyone that is designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining should be competent to work with these systems and this course is a great step in becoming more competent.