Emergency lighting systems are critical in workplace safety as they provide a path to safety for staff and building occupants in case of evacuation.
To meet Australian Standards for emergency lighting, and for a building to adhere to the National Construction Code of Australia, a working emergency evacuation and lighting system must be fitted on every storey with a floor space of 300m2 or greater.
Emergency lighting testing is also required by law every 6 months to ensure the system is fault-free.
Fire Safe ANZ supply, install and test all emergency evacuation lighting systems according to the three relevant Australian Standards.
An Emergency Lighting Systems Meets Australian Standards If:
Emergency lighting systems in Australia will only meet the required standard if they have all the required components, in reliable working order.
What does this mean for you as a building owner or tenant?
Maintaining a safe and compliant emergency lighting system requires an accredited installer and service provider to check all the technical components are functioning and reliable as per the details of the relevant Australian Standards.
There are 3 Australian Standards for emergency lighting systems:
- Part 1: System design, installation and operation
- Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
- Part 3: Emergency luminaires and exit signs
A compliant system requires the following:
- Separated lighting circuit to ensure evacuation lights work in a power outage
- Timed test facility where the lights pass a 90-minute illumination test
- An adequate amount of exit and emergency lights, which will depend on the evacuation route, exit locations and maximum occupancy
Exit lights must be installed on all doors that allow for direct exits, showing all stairways, passageways or ramps to all levels and out of the building.
Emergency lighting systems must also be visible above fire-isolated stairways, ramps and passageways, regular passageways and hallways on the evacuation route. Australian Standards for emergency lighting may also require additional lighting depending on the specifics of your building.
Frequently encountered faults
Emergency lighting systems can be easily overlooked by people who are not directly responsible for their upkeep. However, designated Fire Safety Wardens should be regularly monitoring evacuation lighting for signs of fault:
- Spent globes or fluorescent tubes
- Damaged fittings (hit by ladders)
- Mixed or undedicated lighting circuits (will require an electrician)
- Spent or dying batteries
- Infrequent testing (must be every 6 months)
Emergency Lighting Testing
Australian Standards for emergency lighting dictate that exit and emergency lights must be tested every 6 months. During the test, the light must remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes after the main power supply has been switched off.
This ensures the battery is charged and functioning correctly.
Fire Safe ANZ provide qualified electricians to test and, if required, replace all exit and emergency lighting. We can also upgrade entire buildings systems to comply with the required standards.
Our expertise covers all types of emergency lighting systems, whether they were installed by our team or not.
Why use Fire Safe ANZ To Test And Maintain Emergency Lighting In Australia
Fire Safe ANZ have nearly 20 years of experience specializing in delivering fire safety packages to businesses, commercial developments and large property developments across Australia and New Zealand.
Our international capabilities, managed by a local head office in Northern Sydney, means we look after clients in almost every industry from real estate, aged care and health facilities to government, retail, and recreation facilities.
For truly expert advice and service guaranteed to meet Australian Standards for emergency lighting and fire protection, contact the team at Fire Safe ANZ for a free on-site consultation.