Emergency voice alarm system

[rnapier]

I have an emergency voice alarm system being installed in a new health facility that includes a health fitness center and pool. These areas currently have ambient readings of 58dB to 61dB and alarm readings of up to 87dB. This is without the piped in music system or occupancy noises. The occupancy load for each of these areas is fifty. I will take readings again when the music system is working. I am with the building department here and once I release the building I do not get to go back in, so I won't know the affect of fifty people in these spaces. The engineer for the project says all is fine but hearing this sytem I am not so sure. Does anyone have experience with a situation like this? I have noise levels for varies locations but none that seem to fit.

 

[rnapier]

I was looking at an older plan the revised plans have the occupancy load for the pools are 211 for the pool and 458 for the exercise room. They will never have that number of people in these areas.

 

[cda]

Should be good, especially with the strobes going off also.

Not in office so cannot give a section reference

Are you measuring the db level on the whoops and not the voice??????

 

[rnapier]

Originally it didn't have whoops but they changed the program and now I am measuring to the whoops.

 

[cda]

I do not think I would worry about it

I normally go by what I hear,does it sound loud enough, and if questioned get the meter

Comparative Examples of Noise Levels | Real World Examples and Decibel Levels |Industrial Noise Control

 

[cda]

Strobes must be used to supplement audible signals wherever the average ambient sound level exceeds 105 dBA. Combination Audi- ble/Visible signals must be installed per NFPA guidelines established for strobes.

Cannot give you a section reference

 

[rnapier]

Thank you for your responses.

 

[cda]

check 18.4.1.1 nfpa 72 2010 edtion and see if that helps.

 

[midwestFCO]

I agree that it is probably good. How loud is the music in this area though? Would it be advantageous to have a shunt to turn off the music when the fire alarm sounds?

 

[rnapier]

I agree that it is probably good. How loud is the music in this area though? Would it be advantageous to have a shunt to turn off the music when the fire alarm sounds?

I have yet to hear the music system but I don't imagine it being loud enough to bring in 18.4.1.1 or to require the music to shunt besides there are visible notification devices in most locations. I will get the oppurtunity to take dB readings after the music system is in.

 

[FM William Burns]

Don't forget to get a handle on the type of "fitness class" and the 50 screaming attendees like at a Crossfit class, spinning class or aerobics class with music. I like the use of the shunt's in any facility where the potential exists. If you don't get back in after C of O no worries, the fire guy will address it especiall when people don't evacuate upon arrival and the suppression crews report it up the chain. We enforce the provisions of ambient sound removal in facilities with potentials including but not limited to Theaters and Gyms with loud music.