Which building require?

According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), there are specific circumstances where emergency exit lights and signs are mandatory:

• In any rooms that exceed 300m2

• If exit doors lead to areas that are poorly lit

• When it’s a fire-isolated exit, ramp or staircase

• If yours is a class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building

• In pathways that lead 

Even if your business doesn’t meet all of these criteria, we strongly suggest getting emergency exit signs installed anyway!

When we say emergency exit signs, we aren’t just talking about aisle lights, either – emergency exit signs are a broad category, and include a wide range of luminous signs.

All emergency and exit light must undergo 90-minute test of the battery every 6 months as stated under AS2293.2 Standard.

Situations may arise where the backup battery fails due to batteries becoming discharged. This happens when they do not hold a charge or do not receive a charge from the power converter. With any light failure, it is important to realise that simply replacing the backup battery may not resolve the fault.The light may in fact function again due to any charge/backup power in the newly installed battery. However, it may fail to recharge beyond that due to a faulty power converter.

Therefore, the most economical recommendation is to replace the complete unit.During any test, tubes in exit light fittings are replaced. Tubes or globes in emergency lights are replaced if the unit fails to illuminate. Any damage to the unit or diffuser constitutes an immediate fail, so the unit must be repaired or replaced.To ensure compliance and safety, all tests should be carried out by a professional testing service provider.

Records of all tests and the subsequent actions taken must be kept for compliance purposes. The burden of compliance can be lifted if you hire a professional maintenance contractor who can set a routine maintenance program and provide service reminders, so that you will always stay compliant.

Emergency luminaries are crucial in keeping your workplace safe. They help your workers and onsite visitors evacuate safely in the event of an emergency. Commercial emergency escape lighting and exit signage systems are governed by the law. As a business owner or a facility manager, understanding the legislation and the standards governing the systems can be a daunting task. After all, failure to comply could result in a penalty.

Standards provide a guideline and an assurance that goods and services are safe and reliable, protecting the end users.

In Australia, a set of standards covers the implementation and maintenance of emergency lighting in commercial premises. These standards are AS/NZS 2293 Parts 1, 2 and 3.