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Practice paper

Emergency communication systems effectiveness in an airport environment

Panos Samaras and Michael J. Ferreira
Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 12 (3), 242-252 (2019)
https://doi.org/10.69554/ACPO2363

Abstract

Since 2010 there have been at least 25 reported events that necessitated the evacuation of at least one full terminal of an airport. To facilitate the evacuation of the large number of passengers required, it is critical that airports install a properly designed emergency communications system (ECS). This paper discusses the key factors driving the design and operation of alarm systems in airport passenger terminal buildings. The technical requirements for passenger notification per the applicable codes and standards are discussed as well as the proper strategy for messaging and facilitating passenger evacuation. The paper discusses the various options for audible notification (including siren type alarms, pre-recorded announcements and live announcements) and visible notification (including strobes, exit signage and dynamic signage) and the impact of airport staff actions on facilitating evacuation. The paper concludes that a properly designed ECS incorporating verbal directive messaging may be most effective, with consideration being given to whether to augment this with enhanced visible notification. Perhaps equally important is developing standard operating procedures for assigning non-rescue-oriented airport staff with the responsibility to pay attention to and act upon ECS notification to provide direction to passengers and aid in facilitating evacuation.

Keywords: airport evacuation; emergency communication systems; ECS; fire alarm; evacuation drills; notification; public address system

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Author's Biography

Panos Samaras is the Fire Safety Officer for Athens International Airport, where he reviews and monitors all projects related to fire safety for all airport facilities. He is responsible for developing standard operating procedures for prevention as well as emergency management and business continuity for fire incidents.

Michael J. Ferreira is a vice president at Jensen Hughes, an international fire protection, life safety and security consulting firm. He is a licensed fire protection engineer with over 25 years’ experience performing fire and smoke hazard and evacuation modelling for airports.

Citation

Samaras, Panos and Ferreira, Michael J. (2019, March 1). Emergency communication systems effectiveness in an airport environment. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 12, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.69554/ACPO2363.

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cover image, Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning
Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning
Volume 12 / Issue 3
© Henry Stewart
Publications LLP

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