October 1, 2011 (Powerhomebiz.com) A futuristic new 14-screen cinema in London has been equipped with a wealth of life-safety equipment. Located in the Westfield London Shopping Centre, near the BBC TV centre in Shepherds Bush, Vue Westfield is the biggest all-digital cinema in Europe and features two super-sized large format screens the size of four double-decker buses.
Sophisticated 24V EN54-4 compliant power supplies control the aspirating system which continuously samples air for the smallest traces of smoke to provide early warning smoke detection in the event of a fire.
Another key component of the cinema’s life safety systems is an Integrity voice alarm system which functions as a fully integrated voice alarm, public address and background music system. In an emergency, Integrity will provide a complete people warning system to effectively evacuate the cinema. The paging console is situated in the manager’s office so live announcements can be made as and when required.
A disabled refuge system has also been installed on site. In the event of an emergency, an internal telephone will facilitate effective two-way communication between building management and people located in the refuge area to, firstly, assist rescue teams in determining where assistance is required and, secondly, to reassure people help is on the way.
Emergency alarm facilities are provided by an addressable call system for the cinema’s eleven disabled washrooms. Each toilet area features a call point and ceiling pull unit. Every call triggered is displayed on the network controller housed in the reception area to alert staff that there is a problem. As an additional safeguard, Quantec addressable over-door light and sounders are fitted outside each room to flash and sound in an emergency.
Current Building Regulations insist that all new non-domestic buildings with more than one storey provide’refuge’ areas – relatively safe places where people who cannot easily use fire escapes and evacuation lifts can call for assistance and wait until help arrives. Simple, effective two-way communication in these areas is essential, firstly to assist rescue teams in determining where assistance is required and secondly to reassure people help is on the way.
A new Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) System has been specifically designed to meet the rising demand for fully compliant BS 5839 Part 9 disabled refuge systems. It includes connections for an optional induction loop system for the hard of hearing and a general-purpose relay output that closes on activation of the unit.
Manufacturers of world-class life-safety products are constantly revising their products, there is now a new range of recently recertified and revolutionized range of EN54-compliant XFP and CFP fire alarm control panels and set to release soon a revolutionary new range of multi-loop touch-screen controlled analogue fire panels next year. The company also manufactures a vast range of call systems, power supplies and disabled refuge systems at its headquarters in the North West of England.
C-Tec information:
The company also manufactures a vast range of call systems, power supplies and disabled refuge systems at its headquarters in the North West of England.
For more information, call C-TEC on 01942 322744. Or view our website at: http://www.c-tec.co.uk