What's A Workplace Evacuation System?
Fire is a potential hazard in all workplaces but some industries - particularly where there are open flames, flammable equipment, and sparks - are more of a risk than others. But fire isn't the only reason a workplace might need to be evacuated. There could be a gas leak, a security risk, or a structural issue.
An evacuation system can be comprised of hardware like smoke sensors, evac triggers, and evac sirens, manual equipment like air horns and megaphones, or sometimes word of mouth. It's critical that whatever system configuration a workplace installs and uses takes into account the type of risk, the level of risk, and the speed with which workers are told what to do in order to take action. Clear communication about the event - and expectations for those on site - is imperative.
Five Questions We Get Asked About Our Evacuation Systems
1) What do Vanguard Wireless recommend YOU include in your evacuation system?
We understand every workplace is different, thus requiring a system that meets the criteria above (type of risk, level of risk, communication requirements/challenges). We work with construction sites where fire presents a risk to a storage unit or office, or where fire presents a risk to a building's structural integrity. There's also a risk of structural collapse, flying debris, and other environmental issues like gas leaks. These sites tend to have a trigger - either an evacuation trigger or smoke sensor - and evacuation siren or sirens. Nominated personnel can also trigger an evacuation from the control panel or smartphone app. The evacuation system on a construction site evolves as the site is developed. Once the site is completed, the system is relocated to the next project.
We work with industrial facilities - factories, warehouses, manufacturing plants - who seek a simple, permanent solution that's easy to use and manage. These systems incorporate a mix or triggers and sirens and can be used with or without our software.
We also work with other customers who seek something more bespoke that fits with their site layout and unique challenges. This might be a mix of radio frequency and cellular connected devices, external aerials, radio system integration, or integration with a 3rd party software platform.
Generally our systems are comprised of a set of triggers, a set of sirens, a control panel, wireless smoke detectors, a smartphone app, and a web-based user portal. We work with the customer to design a system that covers the entire site and every single use case and requirement.
2) Are our systems easy to install?
Yes. We ship our systems already connected so it's just a matter of powering up, selecting a location for the evacuation triggers and sirens, renaming devices with that location, then testing and monitoring. It's a true plug-and-play solution. You don't need an electrician or specialist installer.
Our SuperM sirens and control panel require a mains power connection but our smoke sensors, evacuation triggers, and combined trigger + siren devices use batteries. The entire system is wireless - the devices use a internal mesh radio frequency or cellular module to build a communications network. This means you can install triggers and detectors that use batteries in areas where wiring is not possible or practical, and sirens in key areas to provide optimal site coverage so everyone hears a siren if an evacuation is triggered.
Vanguard Wireless' hardware + software solution means you never have to 'press and guess' with a device. If you're using the control panel or smartphone app, you have full transparency to the status of each device and your entire emergency evacuation system.
3) Where should evacuation triggers and evacuation sirens be installed?
If you're retrofitting a new system to replace an old system, it's probably a good idea to replace like for like and stick to the same design unless the old system's site coverage is deemed inadequate. If you're installing a new system then you should undertake a risk assessment to understand the type of evacuation that could occur, the level of risk, and the speed with which workers are told what to do in order to take action. It's about speed of notification and response.
Either way, you should always conduct regular tests to ensure your emergency evacuation system is fit for purpose. You should also be aware of any state or federal legislation that impacts your business and its approach to evacuation emergencies.
4) Where does Vanguard Wireless install our wireless evacuation alarm systems?
Our office is in NSW Australia, but we can install anywhere in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. We have evac systems in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Our systems are plug-and-play as they’re shipped ready to use so you can manage the installation yourself. All you need to do is power them up, assign them a location, set up app users for triggering and response, and monitor them.
We have also designed and manufactured multi frequency radio frequency modules which now enable us to work in other regions like America, Canada, and Europe.
5) What makes our systems one of the best evacuation systems on the market?
Our systems are specified by many leading businesses because they:
- Can be installed temporarily or permanently, suited to many industries and applications
- Are easily retrofitted to an existing building
- Don’t require specialist installation by an electrician
- Weigh less than 1kg/2lb
- Provide real time data on device and system health
- Are managed via smartphone app, control panel, and web-based user portal
- Integrate with third-party software or hardware such and construction project management apps, safety apps, home automation systems, motion detectors, and security systems
- Can consist of a few devices or 100
- Can be recommissioned for use on another site
Request an obligation free demonstration from our customer care team by clicking the Contact Us tab at the top of this page.