Offering temporary protection to occupants
Refuge Areas
Use CasesA refuge area, according to paragraph S.4.9.1 of the Code for Fire Prevention (Italian legal text), is a safe area necessary for emergency management inside buildings, particularly in case of fire. The calm space must be designed as an integral part of the fire safety concept, to offer temporary protection to occupants considering all forms of disability, both temporary and permanent - in accordance with the Fire Safety Code paragraph G.2.1 point 3 (Italian legal text). The refuge area guarantees the safety of people waiting to be evacuated and is a mandatory feature in various types of buildings, including schools, hospitals, accommodation facilities and in general where there may be people with disabilities. As a mandatory feature, the refuge area must have a two-way communication system that Commend is able to offer in full compliance with EN 62820-2 and 3.2.
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With advanced technologies and integrated solutions like those provided by Commend, it’s possible to establish effective communication between the occupants of the refuge area and emergency responders. Thanks to superior audio quality, reliability in extreme conditions, and seamless integration with other systems, Commend’s intercom systems represent a secure choice for refuge areas.
Refuge area management
Why choose Commend products
Commend intercom systems are specifically designed to guarantee clear, safe and effective communication even when there is background noise or in stressful situations. Thanks to these reliable and technologically advanced solutions and their integration with other management and communication tools, Commend solutions provide centralised emergency management in refuge areas. This ensures that critical information reaches operators and rescuers without delay, but that's not all. A clear and reliable communication channel also allows you to maintain a good level of communication that operators can use, for example, to calm anyone present.
Commend products ensure high speech intelligibility even in extreme conditions, such as smoke or high temperatures, and comply with the most strict safety regulations, including EN62820-2 and EN62820-3-2. Choosing Commend means ensuring the safety of occupants and effective communication to and from the refuge area during emergencies.
Reliability in Extreme Conditions
Commend systems are designed to operate even in high-temperature environments or when exposed to smoke and water: this guarantees continuous communication and the safety of occupants during the most critical emergency situations.
Integration with Third-Party Platforms
Thanks to compatibility with third-party management systems, for example building management systems such as Desigo CC by Siemens, it is possible to manage emergency communications in a centralised way, improve the speed of response and guarantee greater safety for all occupants during crisis situations.
High Audio Quality
Speech intelligibility is essential in emergency situations: Commend systems offer clear audio without distortion even in noisy environments, ensuring unparalleled intelligibility. This means that important information and instructions will always reach operators and rescuers.
Scalability and Flexibility
Commend systems can be adapted to buildings and facilities of all sizes, to offer effective protection based on specific needs. In addition, their flexibility enables easy integration with other emergency and security management systems and platforms.
Commend Evergreen Technology
Best Future Investment
While modern technology is often treated as disposable, Commend takes a different approach. Our products are designed to last for years, with backward compatibility that allows older devices to work alongside modern innovations. For instance, first-generation products remain compatible with the latest technologies. Commend’s commitment to sustainability is backed by ISO 14001 certification, which underscores our environmental responsibility.
Refuge Space Management
What does
the law say?
Italian fire safety regulations, defined under the Fire Prevention Code, classify refuge spaces as safe areas within buildings where occupants can seek shelter during emergencies. These spaces must adhere to strict design requirements, including specifications for size, location, and fire-resistant materials. A key requirement is the inclusion of two-way communication systems, enabling occupants to signal their presence and receive instructions from emergency responders.
Standards such as EN 62820-2 and EN 62820-3-2 mandate high audio quality, reliability under adverse conditions, and resilience against mechanical and thermal stress. Commend intercom systems comply fully with these standards, providing robust solutions for secure communication and efficient emergency response.
Essential Features of Refuge Spaces
To ensure the effectiveness of safe spaces, it is essential to include:
- Fireproof walls rated at least REI30 and doors rated E30-Sa (Italian legal text)
- Two-way communication devices accessible to all
- Equipment for emergency use
- Clear instructions for occupants on what to do while waiting for assistance
- Proper signage (UNI EN ISO 7010-E024 or equivalent)(Italian legal text)
Inclusive design is the basis of the Ministerial Decree 03/08/2015 and incorporates the principles of safety for people with different disabilities. This standard indicates that buildings must be designed to allow anyone occupying the building to evacuate safely or to find refuge in temporary safe spaces, each of which is referred to as a quiet space. The Fire Prevention Code describes the quiet space as a temporary safe place, in fact, where assistance can be awaited to complete the evacuation. This space must be contiguous and communicating with an escape route or inserted into it, without constituting an obstacle to the exodus. If it is planned to create a quiet space within a stairwell, the parking area must not hinder the movement of people and any evacuation.
Quiet Spaces Dimensions
The dimensions of the refuge space must be designed to accommodate all occupants with disabilities on the floor, in accordance with the minimum required areas:
- 0.70 m² per ambulatory person
- 1.77 m² per non-ambulatory person
- 2.25 m² per bedridden person
Commend intercom systems, fully compliant with these standards, ensure that refuge spaces remain safe, fully functional, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Insights into Refuge Spaces
Over the years, we have developed various articles focused on the importance of refuge spaces and technological solutions for security. These cover topics like compliance with industry regulations, integration with building management systems, and reliable, timely communication solutions by Commend during emergencies.
Applications
La gestione degli spazi calmi: innovazione e sicurezza integrate
Applications
Migliora sicurezza e efficienza con un sistema interfonico per la scuola
Applications
Evacuazione e comunicazione: il ruolo critico dei sistemi interfonici Commend negli spazi calmi
Applications
Sistemi interfonici Commend: una soluzione innovativa per la gestione degli Spazi Calmi
Applications
Impianti interfonici: garantire la comunicazione fluida tra gli ambienti
Our range of Products Dedicated to Refuge Areas
Commend provides a comprehensive product line for the safe and efficient management of refuge areas,
ensuring regulatory compliance and clear, immediate communication in emergencies.
Features of Commend Products
Commend's refuge area management products are designed to offer advanced technological solutions that improve occupant safety and the efficiency of evacuation operations. With a combination of high reliability, superior audio quality, and advanced integration with building management systems, our communication systems are able to ensure a timely and effective response in the event of an emergency. In addition, Commend devices are designed to be extremely easy to use, even in high-stress situations, ensuring that every message is conveyed clearly and without interference. Our range of products is the ideal choice for those looking for reliable and cutting-edge solutions for the management of refuge areas. Here are some of the features that set them apart:
High reliability
Designed to operate under extreme conditions, Commend intercom systems ensure continuity of communication even in environments exposed to smoke and heat.
Superior sound quality
Sound intelligibility is guaranteed thanks to advanced background noise cancellation technologies and automatic volume management.
Advanced integration
Commend systems can be integrated, for example, with building management platforms such as Desigo CC, creating a centralized and scalable security ecosystem.
Ease of use
Commend devices are simple and intuitive, even in emergency situations, minimizing user confusion and stress.
Advanced self-diagnostic tools
Systems perform automatic checks on microphones, speakers, and server connections, alerting maintenance teams of faults to guarantee functional readiness when needed.
Commend's Services for the Organisation of Refuge Areas
Commend offers advanced technological solutions and a range of services to support the planning, design, and implementation of refuge areas. From initial consultations to regulatory guidance, Commend’s experts ensure that each refuge area complies with current standards and is optimized for maximum safety. Our team collaborates with technology partners and specialized suppliers to deliver integrated solutions tailored to the specific needs of each building, ensuring efficient and well-coordinated emergency management.
Design Consultancy
Commend offers a dedicated consulting service for the planning and management of refuge areas. Our experts work closely with designers and engineers to ensure that each space complies with local and international regulations. We provide technical support for the installation, maintenance and integration of communication systems. Additionally, we conduct risk analyses and train staff, to optimize emergency procedures, ensuring that the implemented technological solutions are fully operational in all situations.
Integration
Commend’s Intercom systems integrate seamlessly with advanced building management platforms, such as Siemens’ Desigo CC, creating an interconnected security network. Using OPC UA standards, Commend solutions are scalable and compatible with various devices, simplifying the centralized management of emergency communications. This integration enhances everyday operations while ensuring optimal coordination between fire alarms, security systems, and access control during emergencies, improving the speed and effectiveness of response efforts. Commend’s modular and flexible approach allows its systems to adapt to buildings of any size or complexity.
Continuous innovation
Commend is committed to continuous innovation, offering cutting-edge technological solutions that evolve with growing safety demands. We invest in research and development to improve the performance of our intercom systems, introducing new features like conversational AI and advanced alarm management. By incorporating technologies such as voice recognition and automated emergency response, Commend establishes itself as a leader in safety communication. Our systems not only meet the highest industry standards but also offer future-proof solutions for continuously improving protection in refuge spaces and beyond.
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