Two-Way Communications

Best Defense Provides Two-Way Communications to Ensure You're Up To Date With Building Codes Regarding Area of Rescue Assistance Communication

Our two-way systems meet the requirements of the International Building Code section 1007.8 for communications at elevator landings. Wisconsin adopted this requirement with the adoption of the 2009 IBC in 2012.

The code was adopted to supplement the requirement for Area Of Rescue Assistance Communication as most buildings built today do not require Areas of Refuge. The intent being that if a wheel-chair bound resident or visitor to a building uses an elevator, they have a method with which to communicate they are trapped if the elevator is in recall mode or otherwise out of service in the event of an emergency.

The communications system provides a hands-free intercom at each elevator landing which communicates back to a common intercom at the main entrance to the building. From this intercom responding fire fighters can communicate to the trapped individual and, per the code, these systems are also tied back to our central monitoring station to provide monitoring 24/7.

For assistance in designing, installing, maintaining, or monitoring your Area of Rescue Assistance or Two-Way In Building Communications system, contact sales@bestdefense.com or call us at 800-237-8379.

Code Requirements per IBC 2015

1007.8 Two-way communication.
A two-way communication system shall be provided at the elevator landing on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the story of exit discharge complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

Exceptions:

Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.6.3.
Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with exit ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1010.1007.8.1 System requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location and the fire command center or a central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not constantly attended, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to a monitoring location or 911. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.
1007.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.