Results of detailed VADs study issued by Building Research Establishment

The research delves into five key factors that influence the effectiveness of VADs: the effects of wall surfaces, direct or indirect presentation to individuals, red and white VAD colours, background light levels and pulse durations.

The stakeholder group – comprising the FIA, twelve VAD manufacturers and one independent consultant – steered the work and reviewed the data that was gathered. The work supported the previous finding that, as the pulse widths of LED devices shorten, the attention drawing effectiveness increases.

The work has also shown that red and cool white LED VADs result in similar subject responses. In all four ambient light level conditions, the Xenon VAD was proven to be more effective at drawing attention than the LED VADs of different pulse durations.
It was observed that subject responses under low ambient light level conditions were always better than high. Subject responses to white and red VADs demonstrated inconsistent variability. Further work, encompassing a greater selection of VADs, is recommended in order to investigate this further.

This research is expected to provide invaluable evidence for updating the 2012 revision of the Loss Prevention Certification Board’s (LPCB) Code of Practice (CoP 0001). This is a key document referenced in BS 5839-1 that offers essential guidance on the effective use of VADs in order to alert individuals in the event of a fire alarm.

By incorporating the research findings, future updates to the LPCB’s CoP 0001 will ensure that fire alarm systems are more effective in drawing attention and prompting timely building evacuations.

Valuable contributions

This significant project was generously sponsored by the FIA to the tune of £35,000, with many FIA members also contributing through sponsorship, valuable advice, VAD products and expertise.

The research stands as an example of collaborative effort, showcasing the FIA’s commitment to supporting evidence-based standardisation within the fire safety industry. The collaborative nature of this project aligns perfectly with the FIA’s aims and objectives, emphasising the importance of rigorous research in developing standards that enhance public safety.

This collaborative project not only highlights the importance of effective industry partnerships, but also reinforces the critical role of evidence-based research in shaping safety standards.

*Further information and copies of the Briefing Paper visit the BRE’s website