Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook
A Complete Guide to AS 1851—2012 Emergency Warning and Intercom Service Records
Emergency Warning Systems (EWS) and Emergency Intercom Systems (EIS) support building evacuation by delivering emergency warning signals and enabling communication between emergency personnel and wardens.
These systems contain specialised equipment, including warning panels, emergency call points, speakers, visual warning devices, Warden Intercom Points (WIPs), batteries and interfaces with other building fire safety systems.
Regular inspection, functional testing and accurate service records help document the ongoing condition and operation of this equipment.
The Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook from Fire Factory Australia provides dedicated hardcopy service records for both systems.
Developed around the applicable requirements of AS 1851—2012 (Incorporating Amendment No. 1), Section 6, it includes:
- Monthly Emergency Warning System service records
- Yearly Emergency Warning System service records
- Yearly Emergency Intercom System service records
- Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System service records
- Battery capacity and condition records
- Warden Intercom Point communication tests
- Speech intelligibility measurements
- Sound pressure level measurements
- Speaker-circuit impedance records
- Defects, corrective actions and completed repairs
The logbook combines two related emergency communication systems while maintaining their separate service schedules.
View the Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook
What Does This Logbook Cover?
The logbook provides dedicated routine service records for two systems.
| System | Main Equipment and Functions |
|---|---|
| Emergency Warning System (EWS) | Warning panels, warning signals, emergency call points, speakers, visual warning devices, batteries and system interfaces |
| Emergency Intercom System (EIS) | Intercom panels, Warden Intercom Points, incoming and outgoing calls, all-call functions, batteries and system interfaces |
Both systems are addressed under Section 6 of AS 1851—2012.
The relevant clauses are:
- Clause 6.4.3 – Emergency Warning Systems
- Clause 6.4.4 – Emergency Intercom Systems
Although these systems are closely related, their routine service activities and recording requirements differ.
The logbook provides separate schedules for each system to keep inspection results, measurements and test records organised.
Emergency Warning & Intercom Service Frequencies
The logbook includes the following routine service schedules.
| System | Monthly | Yearly | Five-Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Warning System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency Intercom System | — | ✓ | — |
The Emergency Warning System has dedicated Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly service records.
The Emergency Intercom System has a separate Yearly service record.
This distinction is important when planning servicing and selecting the correct record pages.
The schedules reflect the structure of this logbook and should be applied according to the installed system and relevant requirements.
Monthly Emergency Warning System Service Records
The Monthly Emergency Warning System schedule is based on the applicable activities identified in Table 6.4.3.1 of AS 1851—2012.
It focuses on the condition, accessibility and basic operation of the Emergency Warning System.
The logbook includes records for:
- Zone block plans
- Supplementary zone drawings
- Emergency Warning System panel
- Panel visibility
- Panel accessibility
- Dust and contamination
- Panel-door labelling
- Manual Call Point replacement elements
- Vented battery enclosures
- Battery enclosure corrosion
- Simulated alarm conditions
- Required warning signal operation
These checks provide a regular record of the physical condition and basic functionality of the system.
Emergency Warning Panel Inspection
The Emergency Warning Panel is a central component of the system.
The Monthly Service Schedule includes inspection to confirm that the panel is:
- Clearly visible
- Readily accessible
- Free from excessive dust and contaminants
- Correctly identified where concealed behind a door
Where applicable Manual Call Points use replaceable frangible elements, the schedule also includes checking the availability of the required replacement element and tool.
Recording these inspections helps establish a consistent history of panel accessibility and condition.
Monthly Emergency Warning System Alarm Testing
The Monthly Service Record includes simulation of an alarm condition.
The test verifies that the required warning signals operate when an alarm condition is initiated.
This provides a documented check of the Emergency Warning System’s basic response.
Any faults or unsuccessful results can be recorded in the dedicated defect and corrective-action fields.
Yearly Emergency Warning System Service Records
The Yearly Emergency Warning System schedule provides a more detailed inspection, testing and survey record.
It includes activities relating to:
- Emergency call points
- Visual Warning Devices
- Other warning devices
- As-installed drawings
- Automatic warning-system operation
- Speaker-circuit faults
- Emergency call-point circuit faults
- Visual Warning Device circuit faults
- Emergency Warning Panel fault indications
- Fire Indicator Panel fault indications
- Sub-Indicator Panel fault indications, where applicable
- Aural indicators
- Panel switches
- Keypad controls
- Visual indicators
- Alphanumeric displays
- Battery capacity
- Ancillary control functions
- Warning-system audibility
- Non-emergency signal override
- Interfaced systems
- Battery condition
- Structural changes
- Occupancy changes
The dedicated Yearly Schedule allows these activities to be documented within one organised service record.
Emergency Call Point Testing
Emergency call points are included in the Yearly Emergency Warning System service schedule.
The record provides for:
- Inspecting all emergency call points for damage or conditions that may affect operation.
- Functionally testing each emergency call point.
These records help document the condition and operation of the installed emergency call points.
Visual Warning Device Testing
Where Visual Warning Devices (VWDs) are installed, the Yearly Schedule includes inspection and functional testing.
Applicable checks include:
- Testing each device
- Inspecting for damage
- Identifying conditions that may affect operation
- Checking that required labels are clear and correct
Other alarm-indicating warning devices are also inspected and tested where applicable.
These activities provide a record of the visual warning equipment installed throughout the building.
Emergency Warning System Circuit Fault Testing
The Yearly Service Schedule includes simulated fault testing for applicable warning-system circuits.
The logbook covers:
- Speaker circuits
- Emergency call-point circuits
- Visual Warning Device circuits
The tests verify that relevant fault conditions are indicated at the applicable control equipment.
This may include:
- Emergency Warning Panel (EWP)
- Fire Indicator Panel (FIP)
- Sub-Indicator Panel (SIP), where fitted
Fault testing documents whether the system can identify and report relevant circuit faults, in addition to operating under normal conditions.
Emergency Warning System Battery Capacity Records
The Yearly Service Record includes a dedicated battery capacity section.
The logbook provides fields for:
| Battery Measurement | Unit |
|---|---|
| Quiescent Current (IQ) | A |
| Alarm Current (IA) | A |
| Battery Capacity | Ah |
The applicable servicing activity includes measuring the quiescent and alarm currents and verifying that the installed battery meets the calculated required capacity.
Recording these values provides a historical reference for battery capacity assessment.
Emergency Warning System Battery Condition Records
A separate battery condition section provides fields for:
- Date Last Replaced
- Test Load Current – A
- Final Test Voltage – V
The source schedule includes battery discharge testing for applicable batteries more than two years old, with verification of their condition under the relevant battery-testing requirements.
These records allow battery replacement information and test measurements to be retained with the Emergency Warning System service history.
Emergency Warning System Audibility Testing
An Emergency Warning System must deliver warning signals that can be heard in the relevant areas of the building.
The Yearly Schedule includes testing to confirm that warning signals are distinctly audible in all applicable areas.
It also includes verification that emergency warning signals override non-emergency audible signals.
This is particularly relevant where the warning system shares speakers or audio equipment with other building communication functions.
The service record provides a place to document the result and identify any areas requiring further investigation or corrective action.
Emergency Warning System Interface Testing
Emergency Warning Systems may be connected to other fire protection or building systems.
The Yearly Service Schedule includes functional testing of applicable system interfaces.
The purpose is to verify that the connected systems respond as required when the relevant emergency signal is transmitted.
Interface test results can be recorded alongside other Yearly Emergency Warning System activities.
Building & Occupancy Survey
The Yearly Emergency Warning System Schedule also includes survey activities relating to changes in the building.
These include checking whether:
- Structural changes may affect evacuation zones
- Changes in occupancy may affect system performance
A building can change over time even when its warning equipment remains physically unchanged.
Recording relevant alterations helps identify conditions that may require further assessment of the installed system.
Yearly Emergency Intercom System Service Records
The logbook contains a separate Emergency Intercom System – Yearly Routine Service Schedule, based on Table 6.4.4.1 of AS 1851—2012.
This schedule focuses on the intercom equipment and communication functions used between the emergency control point and Warden Intercom Points.
It includes records for:
- Emergency Intercom Panel
- Visual indicators
- Alphanumeric displays
- Aural indicators
- Panel switches
- Keypad controls
- WIP circuit fault indication
- Reset function
- Warden indicators
- Warden Intercom Points
- WIP accessibility
- WIP identification
- Mechanical condition
- Battery enclosures
- Outgoing WIP calls
- Incoming WIP calls
- All-call function
- Stand-alone battery capacity
- Interfaced systems
- Battery discharge testing
- Structural changes
- Occupancy changes
- Evacuation-zone WIP provision
These activities are recorded separately from the Emergency Warning System service schedules.
Emergency Intercom Panel Inspection & Testing
The Yearly Service Record includes inspection of the Emergency Intercom Panel.
Applicable checks include:
- Panel visibility
- Accessibility
- Dust and contamination
- Identification and door labelling
The schedule also includes functional testing of:
- Visual indicators
- Alphanumeric displays
- Aural indicators
- Panel switches
- Keypad controls
- Reset functions
- Warden indicators and controls
These records document the condition and operation of the main intercom control equipment.
Warden Intercom Point (WIP) Inspection
Warden Intercom Points provide communication between wardens and the emergency control point.
The Yearly Emergency Intercom Schedule includes inspection of all applicable WIPs.
The record covers:
- Clear visibility
- Ready accessibility
- Correct door labelling where a WIP is concealed
- Mechanical damage
These inspections provide a documented history of the condition and accessibility of the installed Warden Intercom Points.
Incoming & Outgoing WIP Communication Testing
The Yearly Service Record includes functional communication testing in both directions.
Outgoing WIP Calls
A call is initiated from each Warden Intercom Point.
The test verifies:
- Correct WIP indication
- Clear communication with the intercom panel operator
Incoming WIP Calls
A call is initiated from the intercom panel to each WIP.
The test verifies:
- Correct indication
- Clear communication with the intercom panel operator
Recording both tests helps demonstrate that the applicable two-way communication functions have been checked.
Emergency Intercom All-Call Testing
The Yearly Emergency Intercom Schedule includes testing of the all-call address function.
The logbook provides for verification that:
- The visual indicator for all WIP phones activates
- The address can be heard at all WIP phones
This test checks the system’s ability to communicate with multiple Warden Intercom Points through the all-call function.
WIP Circuit Fault Testing
The Yearly Service Schedule includes simulation of a WIP circuit fault.
The test verifies that the fault is correctly indicated at the Emergency Intercom Panel.
This provides a documented check of the system’s ability to identify relevant communication-circuit faults.
Emergency Intercom Battery Capacity Records
Where a stand-alone Emergency Intercom System is installed, the logbook provides dedicated battery capacity fields.
| Battery Measurement | Unit |
|---|---|
| Quiescent Current | A |
| Alarm Current | A |
| Battery Capacity | Ah |
| Nominal Capacity | Ah |
The applicable service activity includes measuring the relevant currents and verifying that the installed battery meets the calculated required capacity.
These records provide a reference for ongoing battery assessment.
Emergency Intercom Battery Condition Records
The Yearly Schedule also includes battery condition testing for applicable stand-alone intercom systems.
The logbook provides fields for:
- Date Last Replaced
- Battery Capacity – Ah
The source schedule includes battery discharge testing for applicable batteries more than two years old, with reference to the relevant Appendix F requirements.
Battery condition results can be retained within the dedicated Emergency Intercom System record.
Emergency Intercom Building Survey
The Yearly Emergency Intercom Schedule includes survey activities to identify building changes that may affect the system.
These include:
- Structural changes affecting zones
- Occupancy changes affecting audibility of the warden call signal
- Checking evacuation zones for the required Warden Intercom Point provision
The source schedule includes checking that at least one WIP is installed in each evacuation zone where required.
These records help document whether changes to the building may affect emergency intercom coverage or operation.
Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System Service Records
The logbook includes a dedicated Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System service section.
This schedule contains three important measurement categories:
- Speech Intelligibility
- Sound Pressure Level
- Speaker-Circuit Impedance
The applicable Monthly and Yearly Emergency Warning System activities must also be completed as required.
The Five-Yearly measurements provide additional performance records beyond the routine monthly and yearly checks.
Speech Intelligibility Test Records
Speech intelligibility is particularly important where voice messages form part of the building’s emergency warning arrangements.
The Five-Yearly Service Record provides dedicated fields for:
| Record Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Test location |
| Reference CIS | Reference value |
| Recorded CIS | Measured result |
The records are intended for areas where speech intelligibility is required.
They allow measured results to be documented and compared with the relevant reference values.
Sound Pressure Level Records
The Five-Yearly Schedule includes Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurements.
The source schedule identifies measurement from at least one reference point for each amplifier used.
The logbook provides fields for:
| Record Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Reference point |
| Reference SPL | dBA |
| Measured SPL | dBA |
These records provide a historical reference for comparing sound pressure levels during subsequent servicing.
Emergency Warning Speaker-Circuit Impedance Records
The Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System service page includes a dedicated speaker-circuit impedance table.
Fields include:
Circuit | Required Impedance | Measured Impedance
The logbook provides space for eight speaker circuits.
The source schedule identifies checks relating to changes in impedance from previous measurements and the rated output applicable to the amplifier.
These results can be documented within the dedicated Five-Yearly record.
Defects, Corrective Actions & Completed Repairs
Each service page provides fields for:
Item No. | Defect Type | Results / Comments | Corrective Action | Completed Repairs
These fields allow technicians to document:
- The relevant service item
- The defect identified
- Inspection observations
- Test results
- Corrective action required
- Completed repairs
A separate Notes section provides additional space for:
- Associated Logbook Sheet ID / Report No.
- Activity Performed
- Further defect records
- Corrective-action information
This helps connect the original service finding with subsequent repair or rectification work.
Site, Technician & Service Provider Records
The service records include fields for:
- Site Name
- Site Address / Location
- Site ID
- Work Order Number
- Service Provider
- Service Date
- Technician Name
- Licence Number
- Client Name
- Technician Signature
- Client Signature
The logbook uses three-part NCR service records.
| Copy | Recipient |
|---|---|
| White | Owner / Occupier / Agent |
| Yellow | Service Provider |
| Red | Book Copy |
This provides a practical format for distributing and retaining routine service documentation.
Why Use a Dedicated Emergency Warning & Intercom Logbook?
Emergency Warning and Emergency Intercom Systems require different inspections, tests and measurements.
A dedicated record provides suitable fields for the relevant equipment rather than relying entirely on a generic maintenance checklist.
The Emergency Warning System records include:
- Warning panel inspections
- Alarm signal testing
- Emergency call-point testing
- Visual Warning Device testing
- Circuit fault testing
- Battery capacity and condition
- Audibility
- Interface testing
- Building surveys
- Speech intelligibility
- Sound pressure levels
- Speaker-circuit impedance
The Emergency Intercom System records include:
- Intercom panel inspections
- WIP condition and accessibility
- Incoming communication tests
- Outgoing communication tests
- All-call operation
- WIP circuit faults
- Battery records
- System interfaces
- Building and occupancy surveys
Combining these records in one purpose-designed logbook provides an organised service history for both systems.
Who Is This Logbook Designed For?
The Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook is intended for professional use by:
- Fire protection contractors
- Emergency warning system technicians
- Emergency intercom technicians
- Building managers
- Facility managers
- Property maintenance teams
- Service providers responsible for emergency communication systems
Applicable servicing should be carried out by suitably competent personnel and appropriately licensed persons where required.
AS 1851—2012 Requirements in NSW
From 13 February 2026, NSW requires applicable essential fire safety measures in new and existing Class 1b and Class 2–9 buildings to be maintained in accordance with AS 1851—2012, subject to applicable alternative maintenance arrangements specified by a Performance Solution.
This does not mean every building within those classifications must contain an Emergency Warning System or Emergency Intercom System.
The relevant requirements apply where the system forms part of the building’s applicable essential fire safety measures.
Building owners should refer to their Fire Safety Schedule and other applicable fire safety documentation to identify the measures requiring maintenance.
NSW Government – Building fire safety requirements under AS 1851—2012
Keeping Emergency Warning & Intercom Service Records in NSW
Structured service records provide a history of the work performed on the installed systems.
Depending on the equipment, these records may include:
- Monthly EWS servicing
- Yearly EWS servicing
- Yearly EIS servicing
- Battery tests
- WIP communication tests
- System interface tests
- Five-Yearly acoustic measurements
- Defects
- Corrective actions
NSW places record-keeping responsibilities on building owners for applicable essential fire safety measures.
An organised logbook can help maintain the relevant service documentation in an accessible format.
NSW Government – Responsibilities of Building Owners under AS 1851—2012
About the AS 1851 Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook
The Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook is a dedicated hardcopy service record for Emergency Warning Systems and Emergency Intercom Systems.
Developed around the applicable requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6, it provides separate service schedules for the two systems.
Key Record Areas
| Record Section | Included Activities |
|---|---|
| Monthly Emergency Warning System | Panel inspections and warning signal tests |
| Yearly Emergency Warning System | Call points, warning devices, fault testing, batteries, audibility and interfaces |
| Yearly Emergency Intercom System | Panel testing, WIP inspection, incoming/outgoing calls, all-call and batteries |
| Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System | Speech intelligibility, SPL and speaker-circuit impedance |
| Battery Records | Capacity, condition and applicable test measurements |
| Defect Records | Findings, corrective actions and completed repairs |
The logbook provides a structured format for recording applicable inspection, testing, preventive maintenance and survey activities.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
Explore the Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook?
It is a dedicated record book for documenting applicable routine servicing of Emergency Warning Systems and Emergency Intercom Systems.
The product is developed around AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
What is the difference between EWS and EIS?
An Emergency Warning System delivers emergency warning signals to building occupants.
An Emergency Intercom System provides communication between the emergency control point and Warden Intercom Points.
The two systems have different service schedules within this logbook.
Which AS 1851 clauses apply?
Emergency Warning Systems are addressed under Clause 6.4.3.
Emergency Intercom Systems are addressed under Clause 6.4.4.
What service frequencies are included for Emergency Warning Systems?
The logbook provides Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System service records.
What service frequency is included for Emergency Intercom Systems?
The logbook provides a dedicated Yearly Emergency Intercom System service record.
Does the logbook include Warden Intercom Point testing?
Yes.
The Yearly Emergency Intercom Schedule includes WIP inspection, incoming calls, outgoing calls and all-call testing.
Does it include Emergency Warning System battery records?
Yes.
Fields are provided for quiescent current, alarm current, battery capacity, replacement date, test load current and final test voltage.
Does it include Emergency Intercom battery records?
Yes.
Dedicated battery capacity and condition fields are provided for applicable stand-alone Emergency Intercom Systems.
Does it include Speech Intelligibility testing?
Yes.
The Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System section includes Location, Reference CIS and Recorded CIS fields.
Does it include Sound Pressure Level measurements?
Yes.
The Five-Yearly section includes Reference SPL and Measured SPL fields in dBA.
Does the logbook include speaker-circuit impedance records?
Yes.
The Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System section includes Required Impedance and Measured Impedance fields for eight speaker circuits.
Does it include system interface testing?
Yes.
The Yearly Emergency Warning and Emergency Intercom schedules include applicable functional interface testing.
Can defects and corrective actions be recorded?
Yes.
Dedicated fields are provided for defects, results, comments, corrective actions and completed repairs.
Is this the same product as the combined Fire Detection & Emergency Warning Logbook?
No.
This product focuses on Emergency Warning and Emergency Intercom Systems.
For sites that also require Fire Detection & Alarm System records in the same book, Fire Factory Australia offers a separate Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook.
Does using this logbook guarantee compliance with AS 1851—2012?
No.
The logbook provides a structured format for documenting applicable service activities.
Compliance also depends on the installed system, approved design, work performed, personnel competency, test results, defects, corrective actions and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook provides dedicated service records for two important building emergency communication systems.
It combines Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly Emergency Warning System schedules with a separate Yearly Emergency Intercom System schedule.
With records for warning panel inspections, emergency call points, Warden Intercom Points, battery testing, communication functions, system interfaces, speech intelligibility, sound pressure levels and speaker-circuit impedance, the logbook provides an organised history of routine servicing.
One logbook. Two emergency communication systems.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
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