In many buildings, the shrill tone of a traditional fire alarm sounder is enough to prompt swift evacuation. But in certain settings, that noise alone might cause confusion, delay, or even panic.
This is where Voice Alarm (VA) systems come in. Instead of just a siren, these systems broadcast clear, pre-recorded or live voice messages instructing occupants what to do. And in some environments, they’re not just helpful, they may be essential for safety and compliance.
If you manage or design public spaces, educational sites, healthcare facilities or large open areas, this guide explains when voice alarms are needed, where they’re considered best practice, and what the UK regulations say.
What Is a Voice Alarm System?
A voice alarm system is part of a fire detection and alarm system that uses spoken messages, either live or pre-recorded, instead of, or in addition to, traditional tones or bells.
Rather than simply alerting occupants that there’s an emergency, a voice alarm tells them:
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That there is a fire
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Where the fire is (in phased systems)
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Whether to evacuate, stay put, or await further instructions
These messages can be targeted to specific zones or broadcast building-wide, depending on the fire strategy.
Why Use Voice Alarms Instead of Sounders?
While conventional alarm sounders are still suitable for many buildings, they have several limitations, especially in complex or high-occupancy settings:
1. Sounders don’t explain what to do
A standard tone or bell gives no direction—it may be misinterpreted as a test, false alarm, or security alert.
2. They can cause panic in public areas
In busy public environments like shopping centres or transport hubs, a loud siren can lead to chaotic evacuations if not accompanied by guidance.
3. Hearing-impaired and neurodivergent individuals may not react appropriately
A voice system can complement visual alarms and provide calmer, clearer instructions.
4. Sounders may be hard to hear in noisy or acoustically challenging spaces
Open-plan offices, large atria, warehouses or gyms often suffer from poor audibility or sound reflections.
Where Are Voice Alarm Systems Required or Recommended?
The need for a voice alarm system is typically assessed as part of a fire risk assessment and fire strategy, guided by BS 5839-8:2013 (the British Standard for voice alarm systems). They are recommended or expected in:
Public buildings with large numbers of people
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Shopping centres
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Museums
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Theatres
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Transport terminals
Educational premises
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Large schools and universities
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Particularly those with multiple buildings or complex layouts
Healthcare and care settings
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Hospitals, clinics, care homes
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Voice alarms can provide specific evacuation messages, especially where full evacuation may be phased or delayed
High-rise or complex buildings
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Buildings with phased evacuation strategies
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Voice alarms allow only the affected floors or zones to be evacuated first
Open-plan or noisy environments
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Gyms, warehouses, large retail spaces, airports
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Where sirens alone might not be noticed or understood
In these settings, voice alarms aren’t just helpful—they may be required under fire safety regulations, depending on the layout and risk profile.
What Do the Regulations Say?
There’s no blanket legal requirement that every building must use voice alarms. However, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person (usually the building owner, employer or landlord) must:
“Take such general fire precautions as will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of any of his employees.”
That includes ensuring effective warning systems are in place. Where a standard siren would not be sufficient to warn and instruct all occupants clearly, a voice alarm becomes necessary.
BS 5839-8 further states that:
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Voice alarms must be considered where the number of occupants exceeds 500
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They are strongly recommended in any place of assembly with over 100 people
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Voice alarms are preferable in premises where occupants may not be familiar with evacuation procedures
Key Features of a Good Voice Alarm System
If you’re considering a voice alarm installation, it should:
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Deliver clear and intelligible messages, even in noisy environments
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Be integrated with your existing fire detection system
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Support zoned messaging for phased evacuation
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Include backup power in case of mains failure
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Allow for live announcements by staff or emergency services
Pre-recorded messages must be calm, concise and consistent with your fire strategy. Customised messages for different zones (e.g. “Please evacuate via the nearest exit” vs “Remain where you are”) are often necessary.
Training and Testing
As with any fire system, a voice alarm must be:
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Regularly tested to ensure audibility and clarity
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Maintained in line with BS 5839-8
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Backed by staff training, especially where live announcements are used
Occupants should also be familiarised with voice messages during drills. Consistency and clarity are vital; unclear or contradictory announcements can be worse than silence.
Final Thoughts
In some buildings, a siren is simply not enough. If your premises house large numbers of people, have a complex layout, or present unique challenges to evacuation, then a voice alarm system may be essential, not just a luxury.
As part of your fire risk assessment, ask:
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Would a tone-only alarm be confusing or insufficient here?
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Do our occupants include vulnerable people or unfamiliar visitors?
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Would verbal instructions help support a safer evacuation?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” it’s time to consider a voice alarm system.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648