BS 8629:2019 +A1:2023 Compliant Evacuation system specifically designed to assist the fire and rescue services in evacuating high rise residential buildings in fire emergencies.
British-built and comprising a range of evacuation alert panels, single and multi-way flat interface units, self testing evacuation alert sounders and Equality ACT compliant visual indicators and vibrating pillow pads.
Evac-Alert facilities the safe orderly evacuation of buildings contacting flats.
EVAC Alert Panels are not just add-on’s, but a critical life safety infrastructure.
Contact our friendly team to discuss your security needs and arrange a convenient time to start the process.
We’ll carry out a thorough site survey and provide a tailored, no-obligation quote based on your specific requirements.
Our certified engineers will professionally install your system with minimal disruption, ensuring everything meets the highest standards.
Enjoy ongoing peace of mind with regular servicing and responsive support to keep your system running at its best.
An evacuation alert system (also known as an EVAC is a specialised life-safety installation designed to be used by the fire and rescue service to trigger the evacuation of part or all of a building if required.
Unlike a standard fire-alarm system (which detects fire or smoke and alerts all occupants immediately), an EVAC system allows the FRS to initiate a phased or managed evacuation, for example evacuating just the floor(s) affected first rather than the entire building at once.
In many high-rise or multiple occupancy buildings with a “stay-put” policy, this gives much greater control and helps avoid panic or bottlenecks during evacuation.
The need for an EVAC system depends on the building type, height, occupancy, evacuation strategy and fire-risk assessment. For example:
The British Standard BS 8629:2019 sets out good practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems in buildings containing flats, for use by the FRS. fixfire.co.uk+1
In Scotland (and increasingly in England) for residential blocks of flats over about 18 m height, regulators may specify the installation of an evacuation alert system in line with BS 8629. WFP Fire, Security & Electrical+1
Also, voice alarm systems (VA) for public address/evacuation messaging follow the standard BS 5839‑8:2023 (for voice alarm).
Your building’s fire-risk assessment should identify whether you need a full EVAC system, a voice evacuation system or only a standard fire alarm system.
Because an EVAC system is a life-safety system, there are important ongoing obligations:
It must be commissioned by a competent installer with documented hand-over and certification.
Regular testing and maintenance are required — for example checking sounder audibility in each zone, checking circuits for integrity (so a fault in one zone does not disable many zones) and verifying battery/stand-by supply.
The control equipment (EACIE) and its enclosure must be secure (so unauthorised access is prevented) because the system is under the control of the fire service.
The responsible person for the building must ensure records/logbook are maintained, that the FRS is aware of the system’s existence and that any changes to building use, occupancy or layout are reviewed to make sure the system remains appropriate.
Need urgent help? Mech-Elec Group offer a 24-hour emergency line.
Please call us on
Stay Safe and Stay Connected with Mech-Elec Group
