Fire detection, evacuation & occupant warning systems are used to alert occupants of a building of a fire. The occupants can then use fire extinguishers and hose reels to extinguish a fire (if small) or can evacuate the building.

South Australian regulations typically only require Evacuation and Occupant Warning Systems to be installed in commercial buildings where the building area is greater than 2,000 square metres or greater than 2 storeys in height. Evacuation and Occupant Warning Systems tones and announcements should be able to be heard in all parts of the building.

Fire & Emergency Services SA can undertake a FREE review of your site and advise if you are likely to require Evacuation and Occupant Warning Systems and whether the layout of your existing speakers and warning devices meets the current Australian Standard. The final determination of the type and layout of an Evacuation and Occupant Warning System is undertaken by a Building Certifier. Once installed, Evacuation and Occupant Warning Systems should be regularly maintained. The minimum maintenance requirements as documented in South Australian legislation and regulations are:

• monthly test of the WIPs’, alarm and evacuation tones
• annual test of a sample of areas to confirm that the sound levels are adequate
• Annual test of a sample of the fire detection devices to confirm operation

The maintenance of fire detection, evacuation and occupant warning systems can only be undertaken by a competent person. All of the service technicians at Fire & Emergency Services SA are trained in the servicing of evacuation and occupant warning systems and are independently accredited. It is recommended that only companies, such as Fire & Emergency Services SA, that are recognised businesses under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) be used to maintain your fire detection, evacuation and occupant warning systems.