From Entertainment to Evacuation

The Dual Role of PA Systems in Sports Grounds

Part 2

Part 1 was all about what types of sports ground the green guide covered

The Green Guide highlights Public Address (PA) systems vital role in ensuring safety and effective communication at sports grounds. It underscores that a well-designed and operated PA system is not merely for entertainment but essential for guidance on managing spectator safety, including emergencies.

I've included the clause references so you can read the actual text.

PA System Design and Functionality for Emergencies

The Green Guide emphasises that the design and specifications of a PA system should prioritise its function as a safety tool during emergencies.

Prioritising Emergency Use: The Green Guide stresses that the primary consideration when designing and installing a PA system should be its capacity to function effectively during emergencies, rather than focusing solely on its use for entertainment purposes. [Clause 16.18] This underscores the vital role of the PA system in ensuring spectator safety.

Meeting British Standards: The Green Guide emphasises that PA systems at sports grounds should adhere to specific British Standards to guarantee their effectiveness and reliability, particularly during emergencies. The key standards highlighted are:

• BS 7827: This standard provides a code of practice for designing, specifying, maintaining, and operating emergency sound systems in sports venues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to PA system implementation. [Clause 16.18. para 3 and 16.18. d.]
• BS 5839-8: This standard specifically addresses fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings, emphasising the importance of voice alarm systems. It recognises the unique challenges of evacuating large crowds from sports grounds and highlights the need for higher-performance PA systems in these venues. [Clause 16.18. para 3]

Intelligibility and Clarity for All: A fundamental requirement for any PA system, especially in emergencies, is the ability to deliver clear and easily understandable messages to all spectators within the venue. [Clause 16.18. a.] The Green Guide stresses that messages must be audible and comprehensible, even amidst high ambient noise levels often present at sports grounds.

Strategic Zoning for Targeted Communication: Recognising that large sports grounds often have multiple sections and areas, the Green Guide recommends incorporating zoning capabilities within PA systems. [Clause 16.18. b.] This allows for targeted communication, enabling announcements to be directed only to specific zones or sections as needed. Zoning prevents confusion among spectators in unaffected areas and ensures that emergency instructions reach only those who need them.

Override Functionality for Emergency Situations: The Green Guide highlights the importance of an override facility within the PA system, allowing designated personnel—either from the venue management or the police—to take control and broadcast emergency messages as required. [Clause 16.18. c.] This feature ensures that critical safety information can be disseminated quickly and efficiently, overriding any other audio sources or pre-scheduled announcements. The override should also extend to:

• Concourse Sound Systems: The PA system override must take precedence over any other sound source in the venue, including television or music systems operating in concourses or hospitality areas, guaranteeing that emergency messages take priority. [Clause 16.18. c.]
• Local Volume Controls: Where local volume controls are installed, such as hospitality boxes or lounges, the override function should automatically bypass these controls when broadcasting emergency messages, ensuring consistent audibility throughout the venue. [Clause 16.18. C.]

Integration with Fire Warning Systems: The Green Guide indicates that PA systems are frequently integrated with fire warning systems in sports grounds, necessitating adherence to relevant sections of BS 7827 and BS 5839-1. [Clause 16.18. d.] This integration ensures a coordinated response during fire emergencies, using the PA system to broadcast evacuation instructions alongside any fire alarm signals.

Robust Backup Power for Uninterrupted Operation: Given the critical role of PA systems during emergencies, a reliable backup power supply is essential. [Clause 16.18. e.] The Green Guide recommends a backup system capable of sustaining the PA system at full operational capacity for a minimum of three hours in case of power outages.

Backup Loudhailers as a Contingency: The Green Guide advocates for having backup loudhailers readily available throughout the venue, particularly in the control point, to be used by stewards and police if the primary PA system fails. [Clause 16.18. f.] This ensures communication can be maintained during emergencies, even if the main system experiences technical difficulties.

Effective PA System Operation for Clear Communication

Beyond the technical specifications, the Green Guide stresses the importance of effective PA system operation for clear and impactful communication. They highlight the following operational considerations:

Dedicated PA Booth for Optimal Acoustics: The PA announcer should operate from a separate, dedicated room or booth to minimise ambient noise interference and ensure clear transmission. This booth should ideally:

Be Adjacent to Control Point: Proximity to the control point facilitates communication and coordination between the PA announcer and the safety management team. [Clause 16.19. a.]

Have a Clear View of the Venue: A good view of the playing area or event space allows the announcer to observe events and tailor announcements accordingly. [Clause 16.19. a. para 2]

Have Direct Communication Links: The PA booth should have direct communication links to the control point, either through a dedicated telephone line with a visual indicator or a soundproof window/hatch for message exchange. [Clause 16.19. i and ii]

Managing Ambient Noise Levels: Maintaining clear audibility requires adjusting the PA system's volume according to the ambient noise levels within the venue. [Clause 16.19. b.] This can be achieved:

• Manually by PA Announcer: The announcer can make real-time adjustments based on their assessment of noise levels in the venue.
• Automatically with Ambient Noise Sensing: (I’m strongly against Ambient Noise Sensing) Installing an ambient noise sensing system automates the volume control process, adjusting sound levels as needed. However, in case of system failure, the volume should default to maximum to ensure messages are heard. [Clause 16.19. b.]

Clear Protocols for Emergency Announcements: The Green Guide recommend establishing clear protocols for emergency announcements, including:

• Scripted Messages: Pre-scripted messages, ideally pre-recorded for consistency and clarity, should be prepared for various emergency scenarios, streamlining communication and reducing response time. [Clause 16.19. e.]
• Attention-Grabbing Pre-Announcement Signal: The Green Guide recommends using a distinct and easily recognisable pre-announcement signal, such as a three-event, two-tone chime, to precede important safety announcements. [16.19. d.] This:

Tone & Content for Emergency Messages: The Green Guide stresses emergency announcements should be clear, concise, and delivered calmly, authoritatively. [Clause 16.19. e.] They should:

• Provide Accurate Information: Messages should convey accurate and timely information about the situation, avoiding speculation or ambiguity.
• Offer Clear Instructions: Spectators need unambiguous instructions on what actions to take, whether it's evacuating, seeking shelter, or remaining calm.
• Project a Sense of Control: A controlled and measured tone helps prevent panic and encourages spectators to follow instructions.

Announcer Training and Preparation: The Green Guide highlight the importance of proper training and preparation for PA announcers, ensuring they are:

• Familiar with the Venue: A thorough understanding of the sports ground's layout, including evacuation routes and assembly points, is crucial for providing accurate and helpful information. [Clause 16.19. e.]
• Proficient in Emergency Procedures: Announcers should be well-versed in the venue's emergency procedures, ensuring they can communicate instructions effectively during a crisis.
• Multilingual Announcements: For international events, having announcers fluent in relevant languages is essential for reaching a wider audience. [Clause 16.19. e.]

In conclusion, the Green Guide underscores that effective public address systems are paramount for safety and communication at sports grounds.

A well-designed, implemented, and operated PA system, supported by clear protocols and a well-trained announcer, plays a crucial role in informing spectators, managing crowds, and facilitating safe evacuations during emergencies.