|
Small Business Security
Security Cameras
Sensors and Detectors
Employee Security Systems
White Papers
Suggest an Article
Haven´t found the article you are looking for, please suggest your article. We value all your suggestions and comments.
Submit here
Free Newsletter
Recommended Sites
|
Emergency Visual And Audible Alarm For The Office
The purpose of a business security alarm system, as laid down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) department of the US government, is to reduce the impact of injuries and accidents at the workplace.
According to OSHA, it is not sufficient enough just to install a business security alarm system system- . Eemployers have to also ensure that these alarm systems function properly all the time and that safety procedures must be in place so that employees can be warned oboutf any emergency that occurs inat the workplace.
Business security alarm systems are of two types: audible alarm systems and visual alarm systems.General requirements of a business security alarm systemOSHA has laid down a business security alarm systems standard (1910.165) that specifies, among other things, the general requirements and norms that these alarm systems have to meet and adhere to. These requirements are:
- The alarm systems should be easily accessible, and should sound a warning well in time, so that employees can escape from the workplace or take any emergency action.
- Visual alarms should be visible once they trigger off off- . The in the sense that the existing office lighting should not impair the visibility of the visual alarm systems. The same is the case with audible alarm systems systems.- . Tthey should be easily heard and their effect should not be reduced by the existing office sounds.
- The alarms should be recognizable and employees should know that once these alarms start buzzing or flashing then something is wrong.
- The employer should explain exact ways to report workplace emergencies.
- to all his employees the exact ways to report workplace emergencies.
- Employers should establish procedures for the sounding of alarms. In case a company has less than 10 employees, then direct voice communication is regarded as an acceptable
practice.
- Alarms systems should be installed in sufficient locations and should be in working condition all the time. Non-supervised alarm systems must be tested every two months. Supervised alarm systems should be tested annually.
- Alarm systems must be serviced and maintained by qualified contractors.
Where should business security alarm systems be located?According to OSHA, the location of the business security alarm systems should be appropriate for the area that needs to be protected. An independent testing laboratory should approve the location. If the location is not approved by such a body then:- The alarm systems should be capable of being easily seen or heard by everyone in the office.
- The employees should be able to easily identify the alarm that these systems generate from such a strategic location.
Types of business security alarm systemsBusiness security alarm systems can be either audible or visual alarm
systems.
Examples of audible alarm systems are:- Vibrating bells that are commonly used in schools for fire alarms.
- Horns produce a massive sound soundthat's tough not to hear.
- Sirens are used in open workplaces as they make a loud wailing sound that spreads across a large area.
- Announcement systems are ideal for large workplaces, and are used to play live or recorded messages.
Visual alarm systems use flashing, strobe, or steady lights to warn employees of an emergency situation. They are used in workplaces where the audio level is high. They , plus they are beneficial for employees suffering from hearing disabilities. Examples of visual alarm systems are:Such lights - usually color-coated - are used in workplaces where the audio is considered high for an audible alarm system. Some of these lights rotate too, thereby grabbing more attention.- Strobe lights:
- These lights generate
high-intensity light and are used in workplaces where audible alarm systems and flashing/steady lights are ineffective.
Buying a business alarm security systemBefore you decide on a business alarm security system, keep the following factors in mind:- The sound generated by an audible alarm should be different and distinct from the sounds that are produced at the workplace. The sound should exceed the workplace sound by at least six decibels. Similar considerations apply for visual alarms.
- White lights are more easily visible than red lights.
- Go for alarms that feature both audio and visual elements. These will also be effective for a person with visual/hearing disabilities.
Avoid buying strobe lights that flash for more than five times a second as they can trigger seizures in epileptic people.Conclusion
The installation of alarm systems is best left to experienced and accredited contractors who have a rich experience. Once you
install the alarm systems, you must maintain them well and test them at periodic intervals, because under normal circumstances your business won't be facefacingd with an emergency situation regularly and so the alarms may remain dormant for a while. Don't forget to conduct mock drills and keep your employees ready to respond to any emergency situation at the workplace.
Related Articles
Best small office security tips
Remote Video Surveillance System for better security
Privacy in the workplace: Is it being compromised?
Effective Small Business Security Systems
Foolproof security with Biometrics Security devices
How to ensure the Safety of Office Documents?
 Bookmark
this page  Email
this to your friend  Add
this page to del.icio.us
|
