When fire alarm systems go into an alarm state, an audio and visual notification system will be triggered to warn occupants. In essence, the notification system is how your fire alarm control panel communicates with the people in your building. However, buildings and facilities may serve many different purposes and require different strategies for fire protection. Thus, warning every occupant in the building that a fire is occurring is not always the most desirable response for every case. After all, blaring sirens, and bright strobes could damage the vision and hearing of newborns in a hospital nursery, and it is not particularly useful to inmates in a prison who can’t evacuate by themselves. In the worst case scenarios, they may disturb sensitive operations like surgeries, or they may incite a panic that makes escape even more difficult. In cases like this, it is better to notify trained staff members, who can carry out a predetermined fire safety plan that suits the needs of that occupancy. If you are interested in learning more about private signaling mode systems and how it differs from public mode signaling, read on.
When people hear the word fire alarm, they usually envision a public signaling system. The majority of notification systems will utilize public mode signaling. This mode includes public-facing strobes, horns, sounders, and other audio / visual devices to warn every occupant in the building about a fire or emergency. However, even among public mode signaling systems, there is variation in fire safety strategies. For instance, schools and workplaces can expect the same occupants in the building over a long period of time. Therefore, fire drills are a highly effective way of training the occupants on how to respond to an emergency in an orderly fashion. This training allows occupants to learn about what escape methods are available to them, and how to reach them with the shortest available route. Also, schools will have a teacher or attendant for each class, who can provide additional guidance and coordination during the emergency.
In contrast, a shopping center or assembly hall will regularly be visited by different occupants that don’t necessarily know any paths of egress in the facility. In this case, a brief fire escape message can be broadcast in community centers and large event halls to quickly prepare occupants. At the same time, it can be more optimal to have a voice evacuation system from which escape instructions can be given during the emergency. With a voice evacuation system, pre-recorded or live messages can be used to provide real-time emergency information to occupants. Also, having appropriate lighting and signage can draw attention to escape routes, so they are more easily discoverable.
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Fire Tetrahedron
While public mode signaling alerts every occupant in the building, private mode signaling only alerts a few select individuals on the premises. Unlike public systems, this type of system requires having qualified staff 24/7 to respond to the emergency. In addition, private signaling systems will always be integrated within a larger emergency response plan that is carried out by trained staff members. In these cases, visual notification is predominantly used in a performance-based fashion. That is, the primary function is to notify only those who are directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency response in the areas protected by the system. Afterwards, that trained staff member will initiate the predetermined emergency response protocol, which may include investigating the alarm, confirming the emergency, coordinating with emergency services, and ultimately deciding whether a full building evacuation or other public mode signaling is necessary based on the nature and severity of the event.
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Since private mode signaling is only used to notify specific individuals, private audible notification is permitted to have a lower volume than pubic mode notification. Although adequate visual notification is required to fulfill ADA requirements, visual notification doesn’t have to meet the same coverage requirements as public mode systems. Private mode signaling is typically used in special occupancies such as hospital patient care areas, prisons, and nursing homes. In facilities that require private mode signaling, typically the occupants cant escape without assistance, an alarm would interrupt delicate operations, or vulnerable occupants may be harmed by the alarm signals. Furthermore, private mode signaling can also be used as a tool to prevent panic and confusion, allowing staff to coordinate a more orderly escape. As an important note, your AHJ will play a crucial role in approving the use of private signaling systems, ensuring they are appropriate for the specific occupancy, will adequately alert staff members, and meet safety standards.
Read on: What Are the ADA Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems? >>
Private operating mode in fire alarm systems offers a crucial alternative to traditional public signaling, providing a tailored approach to emergency notification for specific occupancies. By alerting only essential personnel, these systems prevent unnecessary disruption in sensitive environments like hospitals or prisons, allowing trained staff to implement a coordinated emergency response. The integration of private mode signaling within a comprehensive emergency plan, coupled with the oversight of the AHJ, ensures that safety remains paramount while addressing the unique needs of diverse facilities. Ultimately, understanding the distinctions between private and public modes is vital for optimizing fire safety strategies and protecting all occupants.
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