Emergency & Exit Lighting requirements explained

It is crucial that property owners and facility managers understand their legal obligations in relation to the provision and maintenance of emergency and exit lighting, as a failure to do so can result in liability in the event of an accident or evacuation. In the following we outline the regulations around emergency and exit lighting in Australia.

What is emergency and exit lighting?

Emergency and exit lighting is a system of luminaires, including green exit signs, designed to protect the safety of occupants of a building in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation. There are two types of emergency and exit lighting – maintained and non-maintained.

Maintained emergency lighting luminaires are continuously active, including in the event of a power cut. During regular operation, the luminaires take power from the mains supply; in the event of an emergency, they take power from a back-up battery.

Non-maintained emergency luminaires are designed specifically for emergency use, coming on in the event of a mains power failure to ensure that all emergency exits and escape routes are clearly lit. Non-maintained emergency lighting is not active on a day-to-day basis.

Whether you install a maintained or non-maintained system is very much dependent on the type and size of your building and on the lighting system currently in place. For example, if an exit is only used in the event of an emergency, then a non-maintained system is appropriate; however, if the entire lighting system is being replaced in a large area of a building, it makes sense to install maintained emergency lighting, as there are less components to test and maintain.

Do I need to install emergency & exit lighting in my building?

The regulations governing the requirement to have an emergency and exit lighting system in your building can be found in Sections E4.2 and E4.5 of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which is found in Volumes 1 & 2 of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Firstly, you need to know what classification your building falls under, as some buildings will never require emergency and exit lighting, while others will always require it. For a detailed explanation of building classes, have a look at this useful guide from the Australian Building Codes Board.

Secondly, the size of a building within a class will determine whether you need emergency and exit lighting. Any building that is over 300m² requires emergency and exit lighting, with the location of the lighting determined by each room’s access to an exit with adequate light in the case of an emergency.

Section E4.2 of the BCA sets out in detail those areas in a building that require emergency and exit lighting. It is not a straightforward section, so it is imperative that you consult with professionals to properly understand the emergency and exit lighting requirements for your building.

How do I comply with the emergency and exit lighting maintenance schedule?

Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Australian Standard 2293 cover the design, installation, maintenance and product requirements of emergency lighting in commercial and public buildings. Business owners and facility managers are responsible for ensuring that their emergency lighting systems comply with AS 2293; non-compliance can result in a penalty and, more significantly, injury to occupants.

Under Part 2 of AS 2293, inspection and testing of emergency and exit lighting has to be carried out every 6 and 12 months. This involves checking that the system is working properly, that batteries are updated, and that the lumen output is sufficient. Compliance requires a 90-minute discharge test of the battery every 6 months. For more detailed information on the maintenance and testing requirements, you’ll find a detailed technical guide here.

Inspection and testing of your emergency and exit luminaires must be undertaken and logged by a suitably accredited electrician. To ensure your building is compliant with AS 2293, give Caslec a call on 1300 659 273. Our highly skilled technicians can inspect and test your emergency lighting system, and provide any repairs or updates that are needed.