Manual Call Points

People can often detect a fire before automatic detectors, so to ensure that there is a prompt evacuation in a fire condition, manual call points are provided on all escape routes and exits.

The positioning of call points is defined in BS5839 part 1: 2002. This states that manual call points should be mounted on all escape routes, and at all exit points from the floors of a building and to clear air. It should not be possible to leave the floor of a building without passing a manual call point, nor should it be necessary to deviate from any escape route in order to operate a manual call point.

Call points mounted at the exits from a floor may be mounted within the accommodation or in the stairwell. In multiple storey buildings, where phased evacuation is to be used, manual call points should be positioned within the accommodation to avoid the risk of activation on lower floors by occupants leaving the building.

Manual call points should be mounted between 1.2 and 1.6 metres above the floor and should be clearly visible and identifiable. The maximum distance anyone should have to travel in order to operate a manual call point is 45 metres, unless the building is occupied by people with limited mobility, or where rapid fire spread is likely. In this case, the maximum travel distance should be reduced to 20 metres. In addition, call points should also be sited in close proximity to specific fire hazards.

Modern units employ re-settable frangible elements, which, when operated sound the fire alarm to evacuate the occupants.