3.2.4.22.

(1) A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6.v1 or Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f)v1 shall consist of,

(a) a 2-way communication system in each floor area, with connections to the central alarm and control facility and to the mechanical control centre, and

(b) loudspeakers operated from the central alarm and control facility that are designed and located so as to be audible and the messages intelligible in all parts of the building, except that this requirement does not apply to elevator cars.

(2) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alarm signal in a single stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has initially sounded for not less than 30 s.

(3) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alert signal and the alarm signal in a 2 stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has initially sounded for not less than,

(a) 10 s in hospitals that have supervisory personnel on duty for twenty-four hours each day, or

(b) 30 s for all other occupancies.

(4) The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be designed so that the alarm signal can be selectively transmitted to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or selectively transmitting voice messages to any other zone or zones in the building.

(5) The 2-way communication system referred to in Clause (1)(a) shall be installed so that emergency telephones are located in each floor area near exit stair shafts.