Notifier BDA Article - A Critical Take on Connectivity

Derek Case Critical Take on Connectivity building materials reduce operating costs and improve aesthetics yet they also prevent radio signals from penetrating facilities especially in critical areas by first responders in emergencies many of us think of connectivity the first things that come to our minds are devices tablets or the cloud These tools are critical to keep us informed and anytime from anywhere What we don always jump to is first responder in our buildings and facilities This connectivity is critical to ensure that first responders can communicate if an emergency event ensues and as many 98 of the facilities in the U S could have poor radio frequency coverage according a 2017 survey of the International Association of Fire Chiefs IAFC performed the Safer Buildings Coalition SBC may ask how it is possible to have substantial radio frequency dead spots an age of such profound connectivity The answer to this question lies in how are constructing our buildings Today facilities particularly LEED Certified are constructed for maximum efficiency with Low E Glass windows other energy saving materials These efficient building materials reduce operating and improve aesthetics yet they can also prevent radio signals from penetrating facilities especially in the critical areas used by first responders in the event an emergency amplifiers 2019 The Risk simplest and most cost efficient solution is to install an Emergency Radio Enhancement System ERCES also known as a Bi Directional BDA System In instances where public safety radio communication into out of the building do not meet minimum signal strength or clarity requirements Building Code IBC International Fire Code IFC the National Fire Association NFPA and even local building ordinances may require installation of an ERCES or BDA System to amplify radio signals life safety systems are required by code to communicate 24 7 with the fire control panel as well as a separate supervised annunciator panel that signals trouble with the BDA System to facility managers and emergency personnel BDA systems must also be registered with the FCC and the system must have their FCC General Radio Operators License GROL to design systems and to perform final accreditation testing These requirements ensure radio signal strength and clarity comply with all pertinent building codes and standards preventing any unnecessary delays in acquiring Certificates Occupancy from Authorities Having Jurisdiction AHJs once construction remodel is complete All Systems Are Created Equally some are aware of the codes and standards that govern the need for BDA what many do not know is that not every system being sold is compliant UL 2524 In fact only five manufacturers sell UL 2524 Listed systems NOTIFIER Gamewell FCI Farenhyt and Radio Solutions This UL assures building owners occupants and first responders that the system in their facility meets the highest performance standards and that it will the first time and every time an emergency event unfolds Those Who Protect Us an emergency event unfolds 100 reliable radio for first responders greater protection for people property 56 of first responders have a communication failure within building during an emergency event the last two years according the 2017 survey of the IAFC by SBC can facility executives help improve untenable and life threatening When building a new facility renovating an existing property including radio signal strength site survey as part of construction planning process This will areas of insufficient radio coverage confirm whether an ERCES is required is our responsibility to prevent First from venturing into during an emergency event ERCES will not only protect those protect us but it will also provide safer code compliant buildings especially an emergency ensues In Building Emergency Is Not A Luxury Depend Upon It Case is the General Manager Global BDA Business for Honeywell Clintonville Road CT 06472 NOTIFIER by Honeywell International Inc All rights reserved use of this document is strictly prohibited Rev 01 2019 10 18