Where are the manual call points placed?
Manual call points, also known as manual pull stations or break glass stations, are strategically placed throughout buildings to provide a means for building occupants to manually initiate a fire alarm in the event of an emergency. The placement of manual call points is a critical aspect of fire safety and follows specific guidelines and regulations to ensure their accessibility and effectiveness.
Manual call points are typically placed in the following locations within a building:
1. Exit Routes: Manual call points are commonly positioned near exit doors and along escape routes to ensure that occupants can easily access them while evacuating the building. Placing them near exits allows for immediate activation of the fire alarm system when evacuating to safety.
2. Stairwells: Manual call points are often installed in stairwells, especially in multi-story buildings, as stairwells are primary evacuation routes. This placement ensures that occupants can activate the alarm system as they descend the stairs to exit the building.
3. High-Risk Areas: Areas with a higher risk of fire, such as kitchens, mechanical rooms, and areas containing flammable materials, should have manual call points installed nearby. These areas are more likely to experience fires, so quick activation of the fire alarm is crucial.
4. Key Locations: Manual call points should be placed at key locations where they are readily visible and easily accessible. They should be installed at a height that allows occupants to reach them comfortably, typically at a height between 3.5 to 4.5 feet above the floor.
5. Building Entrances: Some buildings may have manual call points near building entrances to allow individuals entering the premises to activate the alarm if they observe a fire or other emergency situation upon arrival.
6. Occupant Concentration Areas: In areas where a large number of people gather, such as assembly halls, theaters, or conference rooms, manual call points should be strategically placed to ensure prompt activation of the alarm if needed.
7. Specific Fire Zones: In some cases, buildings may be divided into specific fire zones, and manual call points are placed at the boundaries of these zones to help pinpoint the location of the fire more accurately, such as in Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
For specific product information and options for manual call points, High Rise Security Systems offers the BG-12 Series Pull Station by Honeywell, a reliable and widely used manual pull station.
The placement of manual call points is a critical component of fire safety within buildings. HRSS offers complete fire alarm system design, including placement of manual call points that meet your business requirements and comply with code regulations