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£242
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£242
+ VATDelivered Online
Intermediate level
When standard fire alarms aren’t enough, voice alarm systems take over.
In larger or more complex buildings, clear voice messages - not just sounders - are critical for safe and controlled evacuation.
This course provides a practical understanding of voice alarm (VA) systems and how they integrate with fire detection and alarm systems.
Course description
This course introduces the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of voice alarm systems in line with BS 5839-8.
You’ll explore how VA systems are used as part of fire alarm solutions, including how they support evacuation strategies and integrate with FD&FA systems.
The course focuses on real-world application, helping you understand how to design and work with systems that deliver clear, intelligible instructions during an emergency.
Who this course is for
Fire & security engineers working with fire alarm systems
Designers and consultants involved in complex or large buildings
Those responsible for verification or witness testing
Facilities and building managers overseeing fire systems
Anyone working with or specifying voice alarm systems
What you’ll get from this course
Clear understanding of BS 5839-8 requirements
Knowledge of how VA systems support evacuation strategies
Insight into system design, components, and integration
Confidence in working with intelligibility and system performance
After this course, you’ll be able to
Understand when and where voice alarm systems are required
Apply BS 5839-8 to system design and implementation
Recognise how VA systems integrate with FD&FA systems
Understand key considerations such as intelligibility and reliability
Prior knowledge recommended
This course assumes a fundamental understanding of BS 5839-1 and fire detection and alarm systems.
Learners without this knowledge may benefit from completing the FD&FA Foundation module before attending.
Course content
Scope and need for voice alarm systems
System types and information exchange
Evacuation strategies and risk assessment
VA / FD&FA system interfaces
System components
System reliability, fault monitoring, and integrity
Loudspeakers and zoning (design and installation)
Voice sounders
Power amplifiers and ANS
Emergency microphones and messages
Audibility (non-speech) and intelligibility (speech)
Priority broadcast levels
VACIE requirements and siting
Networked systems
Power supplies (LV & ELV)
Cables and wiring
Installation (responsibility, workmanship, testing)
Commissioning, handover, and verification
Maintenance (routine and non-routine)
User responsibilities
Assessment

Ideal for those working on larger or more complex buildings where voice alarm systems are required for safe evacuation.
Fire and security engineer training is essential for individuals who are responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and commissioning fire and security systems.
Ember Compliance specialises in providing comprehensive training programs for fire and security engineers. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of fire and security engineer training and how Ember Compliance can provide a comprehensive training program.
Importance of Fire and Security Engineer Training:
Ensuring System Functionality:
Fire and security engineer training is essential for ensuring that fire and security systems are designed, installed, and maintained correctly. Proper training can help engineers understand the complexities of fire and security systems and ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Maintaining Compliance:
Our training can help engineers understand legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that fire and security systems meet compliance standards. Proper training can help engineers stay up-to-date with changing regulations and requirements.
Improving Safety:
Proper training can help improve the safety of buildings and the people inside them. Fire and security systems are critical in preventing loss of life and property damage, and properly trained engineers can ensure that these systems function correctly.
Ember Compliance Comprehensive Training Program:
Ember Compliance provides a comprehensive training program for fire and security engineers. Our program includes:
Technical Training:
We offer technical training for fire and security engineers. Our training covers a wide range of topics, including the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire and security systems. Our training is designed to ensure that engineers have a solid foundation in fire and security systems.
Compliance Training:
We also provide compliance training for fire and security engineers. Our training covers legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that engineers understand the compliance standards for fire and security systems.
Practical Training:
In our classroom training courses, we also provide practical training for fire and security engineers. Our training includes hands-on experience with fire and security systems, providing engineers with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
Certification:
Through the CPD Certification Service and FireQual we offer certification for fire and security engineers. Our certification program ensures that engineers have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, commission, and maintain fire and security systems effectively.
Fire and security engineer training is essential for ensuring that fire and security systems are designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained correctly and that legal and regulatory requirements are met.
At Ember Compliance we provide a comprehensive training program that covers technical, compliance, and practical training, as well as certification.
If you require fire and security engineer training, contact Ember Compliance to discuss your needs and learn how we can help.
We are pleased to inform you about the release of Version 8.0 of the BAFE SP203-1 Competency Scheme Document, which was officially published on August 21, 2023. This document is a significant resource for professionals involved in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems.
For organisations that are already certificated/BAFE Registered or are currently in the process of achieving certification/BAFE Registration within this scope, it's crucial to understand that different rules apply. These specific details are outlined in Clause 1: Introduction of the BAFE SP203-1 Competency Scheme Document Version 8.0.
The primary objective of this latest version is to ensure that organisations can effectively demonstrate their competency with objective evidence. Changes have been carefully implemented through collaboration with the BAFE SP203-1 Monitoring Committee, which includes all BAFE SP203-1 Licensed Certification Bodies. These changes are in line with current industry demands and aim to safeguard certificated/Registered Organisations from potential future industry modifications.
To provide you with a clear understanding of the updates, here's a summary of the key changes made:
It's essential to note that regulated qualifications are required for lead roles in critical areas such as design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. These qualifications are integral to ensuring that professionals in these roles possess the necessary expertise to uphold safety standards.
We encourage all relevant stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the changes introduced in BAFE SP203-1 Competency Scheme Document Version 8.0 to ensure compliance and continued competence in the field of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems.
For access to the full document and detailed information, please visit the BAFE website or contact us directly.
Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards in fire safety is greatly appreciated, and these updates aim to support your efforts in this important endeavour.
Confused about the different Qualification Frameworks? Take a look at our blog which talks about the corresponding levels between UK national qualification frameworks and the European qualification framework.
Please click here to download our brochure outlining the courses each day.
