BS 8629:2019 is the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats.

Here we explain the scope and definitions of BS 8629, evacuation alert zone, sounders, siting of devices, evacuation alert control and indicating equipment, responsibilities of the installer and commissioning and handover.

We cover how evacuation alert control and indicating equipment (EACIE) can support the fire and rescue service during firefighting and rescue operations, enabling the phased evacuation of an area, floor or building in the safest possible way, supporting the evacuation strategy chosen by the fire and rescue service.