When an emergency strikes at a school, every second counts. Whether it’s a fire, an intruder or an unexpected threat, your staff need to communicate clearly and act instantly — without hesitation.
That’s why CMG Fire & Safety recommends the Redback A 4595A Lockdown Warning Evacuation Controller to schools across Western Australia as part of a comprehensive emergency management program.
What Is the Redback A 4595A?
The Redback A 4595A is an Australian-made lockdown warning and evacuation controller designed specifically for schools and education facilities that require clear, reliable audible alerts during emergencies.
Developed and manufactured in Perth, WA by Altronics since 1974, it’s a trusted, locally-made solution backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty.
What Does It Do?
The A 4595A gives your school the ability to instantly trigger different alert tones for different emergency situations — so staff and students always know exactly what’s happening and what to do.
It supports four key alert conditions:
- Period bell — standard school bell functionality
- Standby — initial warning that a situation is developing
- Lockdown — immediate lockdown of the facility
- All clear — safe to resume normal activity
Each tone can be customised using MP3 files stored on an SD card — meaning you can use standard tones, pre-recorded voice announcements or any audio that suits your school’s needs.
Key Features
- Standby, lockdown and all clear tones with front panel controls
- Period bell functionality
- Connects directly to your existing school PA system
- Up to 16 remote wall plates across the school
- Up to 4 paging consoles for staff to trigger alerts from multiple locations
- Flip-up switch covers on all controls to prevent accidental triggering
- Fully customisable MP3 tones via SD card
- 24V DC operation — power supply included
- 1U 19″ rack mount for clean, secure installation
- 10-year Australian manufacturer warranty
- Made in Perth, WA since 1974
Learn more on our Evacuation Diagram Audit service page.
Why Schools Need This
Schools have a duty of care to protect students, staff and visitors. A lockdown situation — whether a security threat, a medical emergency or an environmental hazard — requires instant, clear communication across the entire facility.
The A 4595A ensures:
- Every zone of your school receives the alert simultaneously
- Staff can trigger lockdown from multiple locations — not just one central point
- Different tones prevent confusion — staff know immediately whether it’s a drill, a standby or a full lockdown
- The system integrates with your existing fire and evacuation setup
For schools already running the Redback A 4565 Alert/Evac Controller, the A 4595A connects directly to create a complete fire, evacuation and lockdown system in one.
CMG Fire & Safety — Training & Support
At CMG Fire & Safety, we don’t just recommend equipment — we make sure your team knows how to use it.
We provide professional training on the Redback A 4595A for schools across Western Australia, covering:
- How and when to activate each alert condition
- Warden roles and responsibilities during lockdown
- Integration with your broader Emergency Management Plan
- Practice drills and staff confidence building
Already have an A 4595A installed? We can provide training for your existing system.
Considering purchasing one? We can advise on the right setup for your school’s size and layout, coordinate installation and deliver full staff training as part of your emergency management program.
7. What size and placement rules apply?
Diagrams should be large enough to read from 1–2 metres away (typically A2 or A3). Place them at each main exit, stairwell landings and at reception or lunchrooms. AS 3745‑2010 specifies placement height (1.4–1.6 metres above floor) for optimal visibility.
8. What happens if I don’t comply?
Non‑compliance can lead to improvement notices or fines from WorkSafe WA, and increased liability in the event of an incident. Outdated or missing diagrams also slow evacuation, raising risk of injury or worse. Regular audits protect both people and your business.
Next Steps
Is your school prepared for a lockdown emergency?
Contact CMG Fire & Safety today to discuss the Redback A 4595A and how it fits into your school’s Emergency Management Plan.
