Exit + Emergency Lighting Checks
What is an Exist + Emergency Light Check?
An Exit and Emergency Lighting Check is a test to ensure that emergency exit signs and lights are functioning correctly and can provide illumination during a power outage or emergency. These checks are crucial for safety, helping to guide people to exits during emergencies and minimizing the risk of accidents or panic.
Why do I need an Exit + Emergency Lighting Check?
Exit and Emergency Lighting Checks are crucial for safety in commercial and multi residential buildings. They ensure that in the event of a power outage or other emergency, lights will illuminate exit routes, allowing occupants to safely evacuate a building. Regular testing, typically every six months, is mandated by Australian Standards (AS2293.2) to guarantee functionality and compliance.
Safety during emergencies - Exit and emergency lights guide people to safety during power outages, fires, or other incidents that disrupt normal lighting.
Compliance with regulations - Australian Standards (AS2293.2) mandate regular testing of emergency and exit lighting systems.
Maintaining functionality - Regular checks ensure that batteries, bulbs, and other components are working correctly and can sustain illumination for the required duration.
Preventing panic - Clear and functional exit routes help prevent panic during emergencies by providing a visible path for evacuation.
Meeting legal requirements - Failing to maintain emergency and exit lighting can result in legal penalties and liability in case of an incident.
Peace of mind - Regular testing provides assurance that the building's emergency lighting system is reliable and ready for use when needed.
Where + When Do I Need an Exit + Emergency Lighting Check?
All commercial buildings and multi-residential buildings require exit and emergency lighting and therefore need regular maintenance to ensure compliance.
Commercial Buildings - All commercial buildings, including those with Class 6 (retail) classifications over 100 square meters, are mandated to have emergency lighting and therefore regular Exit and Emergency Lighting Inspections. Exit and Emergency Lighting Checks must be completed every 6 months. Commercial Buildings that are required to have these inspections include:
Offices
Retail Spaces
Warehouses
Industrial Facilities
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitality Venues
Community and Recreation Buildings
Etc.
Residential Buildings - High-Occupancy Buildings as well as some other types of residential buildings may require emergency lighting and regular exit and emergency light testing depending on their size and layout. This includes:
Class 1b (small boarding houses, guesthouses)
Class 2 (apartment buildings)
Class 3 (hotels, motels, larger boarding houses)
Class 4 (a dwelling within another building)
Legislation Overview
In Victoria, exit and emergency lighting must be inspected and tested every six months to ensure they function correctly during a power outage. This includes a 90-minute discharge test to verify the battery's ability to power the lights for that duration. Regular maintenance and record-keeping are also essential to comply with regulations and ensure building safety.
Key Requirements and Regulations:
Frequency - Exit and emergency lights must be inspected and tested every six months.
Discharge Test - A 90-minute discharge test is required to simulate a power outage and ensure lights stay illuminated for the required duration.
Qualified Technician - Testing and maintenance must be carried out by a qualified technician.
Record Keeping - Results of the tests, any defects, and maintenance history must be recorded in a logbook (paper or digital).
Logbook - The logbook should be kept for seven years and made available to building inspectors or fire authorities upon request.
Compliance - Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, prosecution, and endangerment of building occupants.
Relevant Standards:
AS/NZS 2293.1 - This standard provides requirements for the design, installation, and commissioning of emergency lighting and exit signs in buildings.
AS/NZS 2293.2 - This standard outlines the minimum maintenance requirements for emergency and exit lighting systems.
Important Considerations:
Building Codes - Emergency and exit lighting is often mandated by building codes, particularly for commercial properties and buildings with a floor area exceeding 300 square meters.
Essential Safety Measures - Emergency lighting is considered an essential safety measure for buildings, and building owners are responsible for its proper maintenance.
LED Lighting - LED lighting is increasingly preferred for emergency and exit lighting due to its energy efficiency and longevity.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Fines - Infringement notices and fines can be issued for failing to maintain emergency and exit lighting systems.
Prosecution - In serious cases, building owners or managers may face prosecution for non-compliance.
Safety Risks - Inadequate emergency lighting can create unsafe conditions during an emergency, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities.
About Us
Adessa Electrical is your trusted, family-owned electrical contractor servicing all of South-East Melbourne. With over 15 years of industry experience, we specialize in electrical safety and offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure the safety and functionality of your home or business. We are fully licensed and insured, providing peace of mind with every job. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality electrical solutions with exceptional attention to detail.
Visual inspection - A visual inspection will be conducted to check for any visible damage to the lights or signs, ensuring they are clean and properly positioned.
Functionality Test - A power outage simulation will be performed to check emergency lighting illuminates correctly.
Battery Discharge Test - Backup batteries are tested to ensure they can sustain illumination for the specified 90min duration as per Australian standards.
Positioning and Compliance Check - Our electrician will ensure that there are the correct number of Exit and Emergency lights, the type meets current standards, and they are correctly positioned to meet legislative requirements.
Licensed Electrician - All Exit and Emergency Lighting Checks are conducted by an experienced and licensed electrician.
Compliance - All Exit and Emergency Lighting Check testing processes and results adhere to relevant Australian Standards.
Service Report - A comprehensive report is provided detailing the findings of the Exit and Emergency Lighting Check, documenting the results of the tests, including any defects or maintenance required.
Log-Book - The property maintenance log-book will be completed.
Reminders - Receive complimentary reminders when your property is due for its next Exit and Emergency Lighting Check so you never miss an inspection again.
Free Quotations - If faults are found during the Exit and Emergency Lighting Check, a free quotation can be provided by Adessa Electrical to rectify any issues.
Multi-Service Discounts - Receive discounted rates when you book in 2 or more of our Electrical Safety Services*
Multi-Property Discounts - Receive discounted rates when you book in 2 or more properties for our Electrical Safety Services*
Our Promise To You
Honesty + Integrity, Always
We will never fabricate issues just to fill a report. If your electrical work is flawless - fantastic!
You’ll get a report reflecting that. That’s our commitment to you.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, we make no guarantees or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information. Electrical standards, codes, and best practices may change over time and vary by location — it is the responsibility of the user to verify any information with the appropriate authorities or regulatory bodies.