Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS)

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An emergency warning and intercommunication system is required for some classes of buildings, in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.

They are installed for the purpose of enabling the orderly evacuation of the building.

The EWIS will provide :

• Manual and automatic alarm activation
• Alert signal (continuous Beep….Beep…)
  An audible signal, or combination of audible and visible signals to alert occupants
• Evacuation signal (continuous Whoop….Whoop)
  An audible signal, or combination of audible and visible signals to alert occupants
• Ability to provide verbal address to one or more areas of the building via a PA
• Ability to communicate to one or more Wardens via the Warden Intercommunication Points (WIPs – Emergency Red phones)Duration of the Alert Signal

The alert signal shall continue on until the Chief Warden takes manual control of the system.

If not responded to within a prescribed time from initiation the automatic evacuation sequence shall commence.  The prescribed time shall be established to suit the particular building, but it shall not exceed 10 minutes.  The majority of EWIS at the University are programmed to roll-over from the Alert to the Evacuation tone within 3 minutes.

Manual Operation

Should an emergency arise, other than fire, the Chief Warden may utilise the features of the EWIS to alert and direct occupants eg lock-down, shelter-in-place.

The PA may be used to provide an announcement to one or more zones or the whole building if required. The Alert and Evacuation tones can be manually operated to enable a partial alert or evacuation of one or more zones if required.

The Chief Warden is provided with additional training in order to manually operate this equipment.

Emergency Warning System  (EWS)

There are some University buildings where and EWS panel has been installed.

They will provide distinctive alert and evacuation signals, a verbal address and visible signs as required for emergency alarm purposes, however do not provide for Warden communication via Warden Intercommunication Points.
The Chief Warden has the ability to take manual control of the system if required.

Visual signals

In accordance with AS 2220 (Emergency warning and intercommunication systems in buildings), the visible signal for alert and evacuation shall be flashing lights.  The colours of these lights shall be amber for alert and red for evacuation.

Occupants

On hearing the Alert Tone are to cease activities and standby for further instructions from the Warden or Chief Warden.
On hearing the Evacuation Tone are to commence evacuation via the nearest safe exit, or as instructed by the Warden/Chief Warden.

After hours, occupants should evacuate on either signal, as the members of the Emergency Control Organisation will not be on site.

(Please refer to Emergency Procedures)