Published on 27/04/2026
In the field of fire safety, installation quality is just as crucial as equipment performance. It is in this spirit that the Belgian certification brand BOSEC—supported by ANPI and well-known for its certifications in fire detection and suppression—is now extending its scope to a new category: Voice Alarm Systems (VAS).
This extension is part of the accreditation of ANPI's Certification Division according to the ISO/IEC 17065 standard for BOSEC service certification, including the field of voice alarm systems (VAS) (cf. BELAC 003-PROD scope).
This represents a significant step forward for the profession.
BOSEC: A name synonymous with excellence in fire safety
Recognized for 35 years, BOSEC certification is based on a rigorous voluntary approach. It certifies that the approved products and services comply with Belgian and European standards, as well as strict technical criteria defined by ANPI.
Now applied to voice alarm systems (VAS), this certification falls under the "BOSEC Brand Regulations – Service Certification Rules," and specifically Annex 5.2.4 relating to voice alarm systems (VAS), available on the BOSEC website.
It guarantees that installations are carried out by companies with the technical skills, quality processes, and references necessary to ensure a high level of reliability and efficiency.
Why certify VAS systems?
VAS systems automatically broadcast voice messages in the event of fire, evacuation, or emergency situations (AMOK, chemical accidents, etc.), thereby facilitating a rapid, orderly, and safe reaction from building occupants.
For them to fully fulfill their role, it is essential that they are perfectly designed, installed, tested, and maintained.
This is the primary objective of BOSEC VAS certification: to provide an independent guarantee that every installation complies with best practices and sector-specific standards. By choosing a certified company, developers and operators reduce their technical risks and ensure the regulatory compliance of their building.
The certification scheme also provides for periodic audits of companies to ensure continued compliance over time.
How to obtain BOSEC VAS certification?
Three key requirements must be met:
- Technical and Quality File: The company is audited to verify that its organization complies with BOSEC regulations and technical requirements (organizational compliance, reference installations, procedures, etc.).
- Certified Experts: At BEMAC, two internal experts have passed the BOSEC VAS exam, validating their skills in installation and regulation.
- Installation Audit: Installations compliant with the NBN S 21-111-2 standard are submitted for evaluation. Maintaining certification requires periodic inspections to validate compliance over time.
Note: The NBN S 21-112-4 standard, currently being finalized, will further specify the requirements for VAS systems.
Reminder of applicable installation standards
Voice Alarm Systems (VAS) are currently governed by a set of evolving standards.
The NBN S 21-111-2 standard, which details the installation requirements for voice alarm systems, remains the current applicable reference. It covers all aspects related to the implementation, documentation, and maintenance of VAS.
However, a new series of standards, the NBN S 21-112, is being progressively published to more precisely structure the field of audible and voice alarms:
- NBN S 21-112-1 and NBN S 21-112-2: These standards define the criteria for choosing an evacuation system and the distribution of responsibilities between stakeholders (designers, installers, operators).
- NBN S 21-112-3: This standard specifically governs the installation of audible devices, such as sirens and programmable sounders.
- Upcoming Standard: NBN S 21-112-4, which will address installation requirements for voice alarm systems. Until its publication, NBN S 21-111-2 remains fully applicable to guarantee the compliance of VAS installations.
First concrete application in the field
The implementation of this certification is already becoming a reality on the ground, with the first companies certified under this new scheme, including the installation company BEMAC.