Emergency lighting is a system of lights that automatically activates when there is a power loss. The system is designed to help you and your employees navigate out of the building in the case of an emergency. The lights are usually installed in stairwells, exits, and in areas where there is a risk of people becoming trapped.
There are different regulations for emergency lighting installations that must be adhered to, called Australian Standards. To understand the rules and how to comply with them, we recommend that you contact the local building regulator. They will be able to give you the necessary advice and guidelines concerning the installation of emergency lighting and exit signs.
Today, let’s look into how your emergency lighting meets Australian standards. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are the Australian Standards for Emergency Lighting?
The Australian Authorities have a set of standards for all types of emergency lighting.
In the case of emergency exit lighting, the standards are:
AS/NZS 3000.1.10—Fire Protection Engineering
This is the standard for emergency lighting and emergency exit signs. It requires that the exit signs be of adequate lighting to ensure the ability to identify an exit at all times.
AS/NZS 3000.2.27—Safety in Confined Spaces
This is the standard for emergency lighting and emergency exit and escape facilities. This standard requires that the exits and escape facilities be of adequate lighting to ensure the ability to identify an exit or escape facility at all times.
AS/NZS 3000.3.22—Doors, Windows and Fixed Access Covers
This is the standard for emergency lighting and emergency exit and escape facilities. This standard requires that the exits, escape facilities, and doors or windows with fixed access covers be of adequate lighting to ensure the ability to identify an exit, escape facility, or door or window at all times.
AS/NZS 8005.1.8—Outdoor Warning Lighting
This is the standard for outdoor warning lighting. This standard requires that the external light sources be of adequate brightness to ensure the ability to identify an external light source at all times.
AS/NZS 8005.2.8—Interior Warning Lighting
This is the standard for emergency lighting and emergency exit and escape facilities. This standard requires that the interior exit, escape, and inter-storey facilities are of adequate lighting to ensure the ability to identify an exit or escape facility at all times.
How Can You Maintain Your Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting must be tested regularly to check that they are working at its best. The Australian Authorities recommend that they be tested once a month and that a skilled electrician do the testing.
The light sources, wires, and bulbs must be tested to ensure that they are working correctly. If you detect any irregularities, you’ll need to contact a professional to conduct the necessary repairs.
As we can see, there are many regulations and standards you’ll need to abide by when it comes to emergency lighting. While some standards are similar, they are not precisely the same. You must know precisely what the regulations are.
The Bottom Line
To help you comply with the regulations, you can obtain the necessary Emergency Lighting Regulations. Remember to contact your local building regulator and build an emergency lighting system that adheres to Australian standards.
If you are looking for reliable alarm system installations, we can help you. Established in 2001, JesEmi Data and Communications is your trusted specialist for industrial and commercial data, security alarms, access control, CCTV, PA systems, people counters, analytic devices, money chutes, multiple TV display installs, and more across Australia. Contact us today to learn more and get started!
