Speaker Biograghy: Panos is a professional engineer registered in the European Union. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Certified Business Continuity Planner. He has considerable experience in all aspects of fire safety in airports, acting as the authority having jurisdiction and implementing a comprehensive fire safety programme, where he routinely organises and executes emergency drills and audits.


Day 3 - 22 March
Session: Management & Operations: Crisis & Disaster

10:05 - 10:35 - Emergency communication systems (ECS) effectiveness in an airport environment
Synopsis: A case study will be presented that will highlight the key factors driving the design and operation of emergency communication systems (ECS) in airports. Research literature developed from practice evacuations indicates that the use of verbal directive messaging may be the most effective way to reduce delay in an evacuation. The presenters will show videos from airport testing documenting and comparing unaware passengers' reactions to evacuation messaging in the form of fire alarm sirens versus verbal instruction provided by the airport emergency communications system.

Audience will learn:

• Proper strategy for emergency messaging in public airport spaces
• Technical requirements for occupant notification per codes and standards
• Operation of emergency management systems in the most effective manner to facilitate evacuation