Vox Ignis managing director Anthony Smith elected chair of BSI FSH/12/5

As chair, Smith will also sit on FSH/12, the Technical Committee that co-ordinates the UK’s participation relating to the BS EN 54 series of standards.

Across the last 30 years, Smith has become an expert in audio technology and legislation contributing to standards development within CEN and CENELEC. He has also been president of the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers and is a member of the Audio Engineering Society.

His appointment comes after many years guiding and developing British Standards as well as international standards and Codes of Practice. Roles for Smith have included being a UK expert on the CEN/TC 72 Working Group covering voice alarm systems, loudspeakers, sounders and beacons, as well as being a committee member on FSH/12/5 for over 15 years.

Smith was convenor of the EPL/100 drafting panel responsible for BS 6259 (sound systems) and CLC/BTTF 133-1, which developed EN 50849 focused on sound systems for emergency purposes.

Managing in emergencies

Commenting on the announcement, Smith observed: “I’m delighted to be continuing to contribute to the important work of FSH/12/5 and honoured to have been confirmed by the British Standards Institution as committee chair.”

Smith continued: “Voice communications are increasingly recognised as the best way in which to manage people in an emergency. The standards and Codes of Practice regimes around voice alarm systems, emergency voice communications and assistance alarms are changing relatively quickly as our built environment and the systems protecting it become more complicated.”

Further, Smith explained: “My work over 30 years in developing audio safety products, Codes of Practice and standards is something about which I’m very proud. I would encourage any stakeholder in the industry to make sure they’re involved in the future creation and amendment of life-saving regulations. I would also like to thank the former chair Andy Scott for his diligent work over many years.”

Christopher Smith-Wong, lead standards development manager within the British Standards Institution’s Built Environment sector said: “British Standards are globally respected because of the expert input of stakeholders from across the field. Anthony has been a vocal and important member of FSH/12/5 for many years and, given his lengthy experience as well as his work on other standards, Codes of Practice and industry bodies, he’s an excellent choice to chair the committee. I congratulate him and look forward to working with him.”

Safety first

As a business, Vox Ignis is a global specialist when it comes to the design and production of voice alarm, emergency voice communication and assistance-related call systems.

Designed and manufactured in the UK and sold under the Vox Ignis and leading OEM brands worldwide, its products amplify the safety of millions of people and buildings every day.

*Further information is available online at www.vox-ignis.com