If you’re responsible for managing a commercial property, shopping centre, aged care facility, school, hospital, or any large building in Australia, you’ve likely heard of an Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System, or EWIS. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

Here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant, safe, and prepared — plus how Fire Safe ANZ can support you across NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA and beyond.

What Does EWIS Stand For?

EWIS stands for Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System. It’s a specialised fire safety system installed in larger buildings to:

• Alert occupants of an emergency (usually a fire)
• Provide clear instructions during an evacuation
• Allow fire wardens, emergency services, and building management to communicate efficiently during an emergency

In short: EWIS saves lives by coordinating an orderly evacuation.

Where Are EWIS Systems Required?

In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 1851 mandate EWIS in specific types of buildings, including:

• High-rise buildings (generally over 25 metres in height)
• Hospitals and aged care centres
• Large shopping centres
• Theatres and public assembly buildings
• Schools and universities
• Any facility that hosts large volumes of people

If your site falls under these categories, not only is EWIS essential for safety — it’s legally required.

How Does an EWIS Work?

An EWIS system typically includes:

• Emergency warning tones (beep or whoop tones)
• Pre-recorded voice messages for staged evacuations
• Warden intercom phones (WIPs) for communication between fire wardens and building control
• A master emergency control panel (MECP), usually located in the fire control room by the fire indicator panel (FIP)

This system ensures emergency messages are heard clearly — even in noisy environments or across multiple floors.

EWIS Maintenance: Your Legal Obligations

Under AS 1851, EWIS systems must be inspected, tested, and maintained regularly — usually on a monthly and annual basis. Failure to do so puts lives at risk and may lead to non-compliance penalties from local councils or fire authorities.

Routine testing ensures:

• Speakers and tones function properly
• Backup power is operational
• Intercom phones are in working order
• Control panels are fault-free

At Fire Safe ANZ, we handle all of this for you — reliably, efficiently, and without disrupting your business.

Why Choose Fire Safe ANZ for EWIS Testing & Maintenance?

We know that fire compliance can feel like a hassle — but it doesn’t have to be. Our dedicated technicians service thousands of sites across Australia and New Zealand with:

✅ Fast response times
✅ Local experts across ANZ
✅ Friendly, professional service
✅ Tailored compliance scheduling
✅ Comprehensive reporting

We also help identify faults early, saving you from costly emergencies or council fines down the line.

Need EWIS Installed or Serviced?

Whether you’re unsure if your building requires an EWIS, need one installed, or simply want fast, professional testing and maintenance — we’re here to help.

👉 Stay compliant. Stay safe. Stay in control.
Get in touch with our team today to book a free consultation or EWIS inspection.

Ready to chat?

📞 Call us on 1300 553 566
📧 Email us at admin@firesafeanz.com.au
Or visit: www.firesafeanz.com.au