Safety Fire Technology最新文献

{"title":"The Role of Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in the Fire Safety of Residential Buildings","authors":"Urszula Garlińska, Marta Iwańska, R. Śliwiński, Paweł Florek","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.8","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The aim of this publication is to present the most important aspects of using smoke and carbon monoxide detectors intended for households or similar residential facilities as well as to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of the adopted system solutions that affect the number of detectors installed in this kind of buildings. The article aims to present the issues related to the Integrated Qualifications System (ZSK), i.e. newly developed market qualification, dedicated to installers and maintenance technicians of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Introduction: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for early detection of existing threats such as fires or escaping carbon monoxide are an important element of fire protection, dedicated primarily to owners of residential buildings. In many countries in the EU it is obligatory to install detectors in homes, whereas at the moment in Poland the only aspect regulated legally is the obligation of the manufacturer of these products to obtain a certificate. Since 2016, the ZSK has been operating in Poland, in which in 2019 the qualifications of installers/maintenance technicians of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were distinguished. As a result, a person with a market qualification certificate is prepared for independent installation and maintenance of fire safety monitoring devices Methodology: As part of the research process, theoretical research was used, such as: analysis of literature and legal documents, synthesis, general- ization, inference, comparison and analogy. As part of the research, documents from such countries as Poland, Great Britain (mainly England), Germany and France were analysed. The selection of individual countries was guided by the level of development of these systems in a given country and the availability of source documents Conclusions: The presented analysis of the requirements for the installation of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shows how different the ap- proach is regarding the use of this type of devices. Depending on experiences and the administrative structure of a given country, a variety of regulations, whether legal or normative, can be discerned in the use of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ZSK is a well-described system of formal organization and classification of competences and offers the public services at the highest possible quality level. It is also a partial solution to the problem of installing detectors. However, it is necessary to regulate this issue from the legal level, as it was the case in other EU countries, where the installation of detectors in homes is obligatory. Such action will contribute to reducing the victims of fires or inhalation of toxic gases (carbon monoxide) Keywords: Integrated Qualifications System (ZSK), smoke alarm detector, electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide, residential buildings Type of article: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66334051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of Fire and Explosion Properties of LNG","authors":"M. Półka, Robert Piec, Dariusz Olcen","doi":"10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.4","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of this article is to analyse fire and explosion properties of LNG along with the identification of hazards that may arise during emergency incidents involving it. The article is based on an analysis of the available literature and a full-scale experimental study involving a 200-liter LNG tank leading to a jet fire. Introduction: Safe use and proper transport of flammable and harmful substances, together with the analysis of the effects of threats, enable the reduction of the number of accidents and provide possible conditions for the evacuation of people and property in a hazard zone. The compilation and systematization of knowledge on the safe use of the environmentally friendly LNG fuel will allow for an increase in the scope of its use. It is consistent with the state’s sustainable development policy consisting in identifying threats or adjusting technical solutions that minimize losses in transport or industry. Methodology: There are many legal acts in the world regarding safe storage and transport of LNG. One of the most important is Directive 2012/18/EC known as “Seveso III”. This document contains requirements for the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances – including LNG – and ways to reduce their negative effects on human health and the environment. Relevant requirements have also been specified in standards, tests, articles and other international acts, including in the European agreement on the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (the so-called ADR Agreement). The article compares flammable and explosive parameters of LNG. Possible scenarios occurring during the release and ignition of the LNG vapour cloud have been shown. The change of pressure of LNG vapour in the 200 l tank as a function of its heating time in the burning spill of a mixture of gasoline and diesel fuel is presented. In such a thermal exposure, a jet fire with a flame length of up to 5 meters was obtained. Conclusions: The proper use of flammable gases should be a priority in ensuring fire and explosion safety in facilities, during transport, etc. Hence, recognizing the threats and comparing them, or matching technical solutions that minimize the effects of LNG failures will allow active inclusion of knowledge in this field in the process of protection against fire and explosion. In case of LNG storage, attention should be paid to the types of materials in the immediate vicinity of this liquefied gas in order to have sufficient mechanical properties at the lowest liquefied gas temperature. Keywords: LNG, fire safety, process safety Article type: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cryptoassets as Contemporary Threats to the Economic Security of the Country","authors":"Jacek Charatynowicz","doi":"10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.10","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of this article is to present the conclusions of a research conducted in the area of identifying threats to the economic interests of the state related to the trading of cryptoassets, as well as the presentation of legal solutions functioning in the cryptoasset environment and possible remedial actions to be taken by the state authorities competent in this regard. Introduction: Due to the technological features, undefined legal status, regulatory and organizational risks of this instrument, the threats related to the trading of cryptoassets are one of the most important current threats from the point of view of the economic security of the country. They are identified both by domestic and foreign financial market supervision authorities, tax and law enforcement authorities, and those dealing with counteracting money laundering and the financing of the terrorists. The article presents the identified risk areas, legal regulations in the field of trading in these assets, and regulatory perspectives. An attempt was also made to describe the actions necessary to be taken to mitigate the threats. Methodology: In this work, theoretical research was used, such as: analysis of literature, on legal and strategic studies as well as industry literature, synthesis, generalization and inference. In addition, analysis was carried out of the legal acts related to the regulation of the market of cryptoassets, international strategic documents describing this market and the Polish financial supervision. Draft legal acts of a legislative nature were also presented. Conclusions: The market of cryptoassets is subject to constant legal, organizational and institutional transformations. Its socio-economic environment is also changing. Due to the characteristics of cryptoassets, their dispersed and unregulated nature, institutions of this market, both entities participat - ing in transaction brokerage, as well as natural persons, can be used for money laundering, concealing property from various forms of crime. However, the identified vulnerabilities do not pose a significant threat to the economic security of the country – they are of a sectoral nature. The relevant state institutions undertake specific activities in order to counteract threats, both of a legal, institutional and organizational nature. Keywords: cryptoassets, threats to economic security, legal regulations in the area of cryptoassets, counteracting money laundering and financing of terrorism, mitigation of threats related to cryptoassets Type of article: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Waste in the Context of Combustibility – Classification Possibilities in Legal Terms","authors":"Wojciech Klapsa, D. Małozięć, Da-Un Bak","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.3","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The aim of the article is to review the possibility of classifying waste as non-combustible and combustible on the basis of the applicable Polish legal acts and to discuss the problems related to this area. Introduction: In the last decade, there has been a marked increase in the number of fires in landfills in Poland. Therefore, a legislative initiative has been undertaken to tighten and complete the provisions of the law on fire protection of facilities and places where waste is collected and stored. Methodology: The basic act regulating the issues of waste storage in Poland is the Act of 14 December 2012 on waste materials. The Act divides waste into two categories: non-combustible and combustible. In reference to the act, a Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of 19 February 2020 on fire protection requirements which need to be met by construction structures or their parts and other places for collecting, storing or processing waste, in which stringent fire safety requirements were defined for fire safety of facilities where combustible waste is stored. Results: During the review and analysis of the legal acts, it was discovered that after the division into combustible and non-combustible waste, the classification rules for these two categories were not strictly defined. As a consequence, there was a problem of interpretation and, thus, discretion in classifying waste. Therefore, there was a need to review the knowledge on the possibility of classifying waste. Conclusions: The review of regulations and the state of knowledge on the principles of considering materials and products as non-combustible or com- bustible presented in the article allows to systematize the knowledge and indicates selected paths of conduct. As waste is not homogeneous materials, the Act leaves the freedom to carry out opinions on whether or not waste is considered combustible. Such an assessment is not simple, hence the need to indicate what are the possible correct ways of proceeding in this action. Keywords: combustible waste, non-combustible waste, waste classification, fire protection, landfills Type of article: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical Infrastructure in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"R. Wróbel, Ilona Wróbel","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.4","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The paper presents the results of the review of literature and of the legal regulations in the field of the protection of critical infrastructure in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assumed main goal was to determine the requirements for protecting elements catalogued in 11 critical infrastructure systems, in the face of the risk of losing key personnel and the need to maintain continuity of critical infrastructure operations. Introduction: The first part of the paper discusses the essence and methods of identifying critical infrastructure in Poland. Further on, possible clauses were identified of an epidemic and its impact on individual critical infrastructure systems, with particular focus on the fact that if an epidemic occurs, there may be a temporary or long-term shortage of personnel essential to the business continuity of the facilities, installations and elements included in critical infrastructure. Then, the legal solutions for maintaining the operating continuity of critical infrastructure during COVID-19 implemented in 2020 were presented, pointing to legal tools aimed at ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure by securing key resource, i.e. the employees. Methodology: Literature research and qualitative analysis were carried out of the legal acts announced in 2020 related to enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure, and a review was carried out of the recommendations and guidelines addressed to critical infrastructure operators, which were issued in March and September of 2020. The obtained results were analysed using the following: publications, acts of the Polish law, recommendations and guidelines published on the websites of governmental institutions, interviews with independent experts. Conclusions: The first regulations on specific arrangements meant to prevent, counteract and combat COVID-19, other contagious diseases and crisis situations caused by them did not contain any provisions that would be supportive of the protective capacity of the critical infrastructure elements in Poland. The first document in this respect, RCB guidelines of 16 March 2020 have not been formalised yet in the legal system. The so-called Shield 2.0 of 31 March 2021 introduced to the 15x of the COVID-19 Act the tools for specific employers entitled to take advantage of new, previously unavailable opportunities to ensure the continuity of services. Those entitlements made it possible to change the work system or work schedule of employees, to instruct them to work overtime, as well as to refuse to grant annual leave or to cancel it. Keywords: critical infrastructure, pandemic, COVID-19, law, key personel Type of article: case study","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Converter Compensation of Reactive Power Consumed by the Induction Generato","authors":"J. Tępiński","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.5","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The purpose of the article is to present a reactive power compensation for small hydropower plants with an induction generator. The classic compensation with capacitors is discussed and its improvement is proposed. Instead of capacitors, a three level power electronic converter connected in parallel to the induction generator can be used to provide reactive power compensation. The purpose of the paper is to present the developed structure of an active compensator and its control method. The developed control method was verified on a laboratory stand. The project and the methods: As part of research, an active compensator was built as a three-level power electronic converter in topology with Neutral Point Clamped. Laboratory tests of a converter compensator were carried out on a stand equipped with an induction generator with a power of 7.5 kW. Laboratory system measurements were made using a power analyzer and an oscilloscope. Results: A control structure of an active compensator based on a voltage-oriented method was presented and discussed. The operation of the con- verter compensator has been verified on a laboratory stand equipped with a 7.5 kW induction generator. The compensator current reduces the reactive (inductive) component of the current consumed from a power grid to a value equal to zero. The reactive power compensator ensures that the tgφ power factor is maintained at a set value of zero, which corresponds to the total compensation of inductive reactive power consumed by an induction generator working in a hydropower plant. Operation of the active compensator did not cause a significant increase in the harmonic content in the current consumed from the power grid. Conclusions: The paper presents the issues regarding reactive power compensation in hydropower plants with induction generators. Commonly used capacitor compensation has been covered and as a result, it is proposed to replace it with power electronics converter compensation of reactive power connected in parallel induction generators. Active compensator provides compensation for the entire reactive power consumed by the induction generator. The use of the converter compensator of reactive power significantly contributes to the reduction of costs for reactive power incurred by the owners of hydropower plants. The reactive power compensator also has a positive impact on the operation of the entire power grid, power losses from the reactive component of the current on the impedances of power grid components are limited. Keywords: renewable source of electricity, reactive power, active compensator, induction generator Type of article: original scientific article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods Used to Extinguish Fires in Electric Vehicles","authors":"P. Lesiak, Dariusz Pietrzela, Piotr Mortka","doi":"10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.58.2.2021.3","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of the article is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the possibility of suppressing or effectively extinguishing fires of electric vehicle. Due to the growing popularity of means of transport powered by electric batteries, the problem of emerging fires and their effects is becoming recognizable. Due to the possible violent process of combustion of lithium-ion batteries (hereinafter referred to as Li-Ion batteries), a fire in a vehicle may lead to a wide range of property damage. For at least a decade, intensive efforts have been made to develop appropriate methods to allow firefighters to deal with the problem of fires of electric vehicles. These activities were directed, among others, at new fire extinguishing/suppression techniques, innovative extinguishing agents and methods of their application. Introduction: Taking into account the current global trends in changing the method of powering vehicles from fossil fuels into electricity, the occurrence of such events should be expected to intensify. The authors systematize the issue by analysing the literature on fires, Li-Ion batteries being a critical ele- ment that may initiate a fire. The adopted and practiced methods of extinguishing/suppressing a fire as well as the used extinguishing agents were also analysed. The publication may be an element helpful in selecting the most optimal fire extinguishing method of the electric energy storage unit in a vehicle. Methodology: The review of the current state of knowledge was made based on publications on the fire characteristics of Li-Ion batteries, as well as works and research projects in the field of extinguishing methods and the effectiveness of various extinguishing agents. In addition, the procedures used by the emergency services and selected real events were analysed. Conclusions: Fires of Li-Ion batteries are a relatively new and growing phenomenon. Fires in fully or partially electric vehicles are much more difficult to fully extinguish compared to fires in vehicles with internal combustion engines. So far, no effective method has been developed that would allow a fire to be extinguished in a short time. Activities in this area focus on minimizing the effects. There is still a need to look for new technical and tactical solutions in order to optimize the procedures leading to more effective activities of the services in this type of incidents. Keywords: lithium-ion battery, Li-Ion, fire, extinguishing, suppression Type of article: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Threat of Environmental Pollution with Harmful Substances, on the Example of Uncontrolled Fires in Landfills and Actions Aimed at Reducing it","authors":"Krzysztof Cygańczuk, P. Janik","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.6","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This article attempts to bring closer the issues related to the emission of harmful substances to the environment. The example of two fires that occurred in Poland in 2018 was used – in the former “Boruta” plant in Zgierz and in a landfill in Trzebinia. By presenting the results of measurements and tests available in this field, attention was drawn to the need to improve the methods of detecting and measuring hazardous substances, in particular with regard to their dispersion in the atmosphere. Introduction: The threat to the environment resulting from improper management, including waste disposal, remains a serious challenge for many societies, also for the EU countries, which are among the richest countries in the world. Increased waste generation, high costs related to waste management, i.e. landfilling and recycling, generate the risk of deliberately causing fires in landfills as a method of free disposal. It is cost-free only from the point of view of the dishonest owner of this waste, because the direct costs of long-term rescue and firefighting activities and the effects of the emission of hazardous substances to the environment are borne by the society. In addition, in the last of the aspects mentioned above, the price for this method of disposal is paid primarily by people living in the vicinity of the facilities in question. But not only. In the event of the penetration of the substances mentioned above into the soil and watercourses via e.g. firefighting waters, their impact – also delayed in time – may also affect many other people, e.g. consumers of agricultural products manufactured in the contaminated areas. Methodology: In the article, mainly theoretical research methods were used, including the analysis of literature. Also research reports of specialized research units involved in extinguishing the mentioned fires were analysed. The legal instruments were reviewed against the background of economic conditions and their impact on the efficiency of waste management in Poland was determined. Conclusions: Despite measurement imperfections mentioned above, the presence of the compounds such as toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, methylstyrene, sulfur dioxide and o-xylene, which are characteristic substances released during the combustion of plastics, was found in the fire areas. The analysis of surface water samples showed exceeding the standard levels of metals such as copper, aluminum and antimony, as well as petroleum substances such as anthracene, fluoranthene, benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene, benzo (g, h, i) fluoranthene, petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile phenols. Moreover, elevated values of heavy metals were found in the soil. The above data fully justify the formulation of a thesis on the need to undertake increased, systemic actions aimed at reducing the number and size of fires in landfills. The description of some activities in the field of fire protection of the considered facilities undertaken i","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in the Requirements for Placing Construction Products for Fire Protection Marked with a Construction Mark on the Market or Making Them Available on the National Market – Update","authors":"K. Jankowska, A. Kowalczyk, Marta Iwańska","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.10","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional and Performance Characteristics Including Principles of Placing the Elements of Voice Alarm Systems on the Market","authors":"Szymon Pergał","doi":"10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12845/sft.57.1.2021.2","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of the article was to present voice alarm systems and discuss the legitimacy of their use in fire alarm systems. The article presents the principles of introducing the elements of voice alarm systems to the market and their functional and operational properties. The article was written on the basis of a master’s thesis entitled “The analysis of the functional and operational properties of voice alarm systems” submitted at the Faculty of Safety and Civil Protection Engineering of the Main School of Fire Service. Introduction: Voice alarm system is one of the methods of warning the users of facilities about a threat, but there are many methods of alerting, e.g. sounders or optic signalling devices. Each of the above-mentioned systems has its advantages and disadvantages, so the application of the appropriate system, regardless of whether the regulations impose this obligation on the investor or it will be done on investor's own require deep consideration. Methods: There are several legal acts in force in Poland that define various aspects of voice alarm systems. Facilities in which the use of voice alarm systems (VAS) is mandatory are listed in the Regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other construction facilities and areas. In turn, the specification of the documents required for individual VAS elements is specified in the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 establishing harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction prod- ucts and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC and additionally in Poland in the annex to the regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of 20 June 2007 on the list of products used to ensure public safety or protection of health and life and property, as well as the rules for issuing admittance for use of these products. Results: It has been found that many elements of voice alarm systems require careful analysis. Starting with the conformity assessment of the system components through its parameters, such as speech intelligibility, coverage angles or the appropriate sound pressure level. It is also important to select the system for the intended functional use of the rooms and to verify the correct operation of the system after changing the arrangement. Conclusions: Voice alarm systems are a very good, but relatively expensive system. They allow for a very diverse operation and facilitate appropriate evacuation. However, despite the high costs, it is worth considering their installation due to the invaluable action in terms of ensuring the safety of the users of the facility and the protection of their lives. Keywords: voice alarm systems, loudspeakers, maintenance, conformity assessment, phased evacuation Type of article: review article","PeriodicalId":34374,"journal":{"name":"Safety Fire Technology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66333380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}