Emergency Warning & Intercommunication Systems
An '''Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS)''' is a piece of equipment in buildings that helps to save lives when used in conjunction with appropriate ''Emergency Procedures (EP)''.
An EWIS contains two major components ? an '''Emergency Warning System (EWS)''' and an '''Emergency Intercommunication System (EIS)'''. The EWS is used to evacuate occupants of a building, effectively and efficiently in the event of an emergency such as a fire or bomb threat. This is achieved by the use of special "Alert" and "Evacuation" tones coupled with systematic voice-over commands using the Emergency Public Address facility. Tones and voice are broadcast through speakers located strategically within the building. Visual alarms are used in conjunction with the speaker system in areas with high noise levels or areas that are sensitive to loud sounds such as the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital.
The EWS can also be utilised for the distribution of Background music and general Public Address and these facilities are automatically disabled during an emergency.
The EWIS provides a dedicated emergency communication system between ''Zone Wardens'' and Chief Warden for a building who are responsible for the overall evacuation of a building. Zone Wardens, responsible for ensuring the safe evacuation of occupants within a predetermined area of the building, have two-way communication with the ''Chief Warden'' via '''Warden Intercom Phones (WIP)''' which are strategically placed throughout the building, predominantly at points of egress. Where required by the '''Building Code of Australia (BCA)''', the EWIS must comply with the Australian Standards.
The standard details the equipment design and manufacture focusing on operation, colour, layout and electrical characteristics. It also provides details on the installation and commissioning of equipment and the integrity required for the cabling systems.
The Building Code of Australia dictates that an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System complying with the Australian Standard must be installed under a number of circumstances.
Examples of those circumstances include buildings with an effective height of more than twenty five (25) metres, certain class buildings having a rise in storeys of more than two (2) where that building is used as the residential part of a school, accommodation for the aged, children or people with disabilities and numerous others.
The requirement also includes other class buildings used as a school and having a rise in storeys of more than three (3), or in buildings used as a theatre, public hall, or the like, having a floor area more than 1000m2 or a rise in storeys of more than two (2).
Finally, there are some key points to remember when assessing the safety level of your building. First determine if an EWIS is required in the building by using the Building Code of Australia criteria.
Ensure that existing EWIS equipment, it?s installation and commissioning complies with and is approved to Australian Standard. Implement an Emergency Procedure and conduct regular fire drills to ensure all personnel are aware of what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency requiring evacuation. As with any mechanical device ensure that the EWIS is maintained in accordance with the Australian Standard.
