What to Know about Emergency and Exit Lighting in Australia

Emergency and exit lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of occupants in a building, particularly during emergencies such as fires, power outages, and natural disasters. In Australia, strict regulations and standards govern the installation and maintenance of these essential systems.

Today, we will cover everything you need to know about emergency and exit lighting in Australia, from the relevant regulations to the types of lights and best practices for maintenance:

Regulations and Standards

In Australia, emergency and exit lighting systems must adhere to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, which sets out the minimum requirements for designing, installing, and operating emergency escape lighting and exit signs in buildings. This standard ensures that building occupants can safely and efficiently evacuate the premises during an emergency.

Building owners and managers must also comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and state-based regulations, such as the Victorian Building Regulations 2018, which outline specific requirements for emergency and exit lighting installations in new and existing buildings.

Types of Emergency and Exit Lighting

Emergency and exit lighting can be broadly classified into two categories: emergency escape lighting and exit signs.

1. Emergency Escape Lighting

This type of lighting provides illumination for the safe movement of people towards exit routes during an emergency. There are three types of emergency escape lighting:

• Emergency Evacuation Lighting: These lights are designed to provide a clear and unobstructed path to the nearest exit. They are typically installed along corridors, stairwells, and other escape routes.
• Emergency Panorama Lighting: These lights are used to illuminate open areas, such as offices or warehouses, to ensure that occupants can safely reach exit routes.
• Emergency Safety Lighting: This lighting is used to illuminate essential safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, during an emergency.

2. Exit Signs

These signs are used to indicate the direction of the nearest exit clearly. Australian regulations require green exit signs to display the internationally recognised "running man" symbol. They must be visible from all relevant locations within the building and be illuminated at all times when the building is occupied.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure that emergency and exit lighting systems remain functional and effective at all times. AS/NZS 2293.2:2019 outlines the specific maintenance and testing requirements for these systems.

In general, emergency and exit lighting systems must be inspected and tested every six months, with a more comprehensive inspection and test conducted annually. During these tests, the lighting system should be checked for any defects or damage, and the emergency lighting should be tested for the required duration (usually 90 minutes).

With that said, building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that their emergency and exit lighting systems are adequately maintained and tested. It is recommended to engage a qualified professional to conduct these tests and provide a written report to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Australian Standards and regulations.

Conclusion

Emergency and exit lighting is a critical component of building safety in Australia. By understanding the relevant regulations and standards and ensuring that your building's emergency and exit lighting systems are appropriately designed, installed, and maintained, you can help protect the safety of building occupants and ensure compliance with Australian laws!

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