British Standard, BS 10827: Audio systems for emergency communication

By J M Woodgate

BSI is considering the development of a new British Code of Practice to provide guidance on the use of sound systems for emergency communication in premises where a formal communication plan is required.

British Standard, BS 10827: Audio systems for emergency communication

BS 10827: Audio systems for emergency communication

The proposed standard comes in the wake of Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which covers scenarios involving lockdown, evacuation and invacuation. BS 10827 would also provide guidance on audio communication in the case of fire emergencies in high rise residential buildings.

The standard would focus on communication outcomes, providing guidance on planning, design, audibility, intelligibility, testing and operation of emergency audio systems, while complementing existing fire, security and product standards rather than duplicating them.

Stakeholder views have been gathered and the EPL/100 committee is now moving onto the draft stage.