A Review of Australian Emergency and Exit Lighting Standards

11 February 2021

To maintain the safety of occupants and other people, authorities have come up with numerous standards and regulations that can guide property owners and other professionals in planning, designing, and constructing properties. One provision that authorities have come up with is the proper installation and maintenance of emergency and exit lighting.

Basic Principles of Emergency and Exit Lighting

Both emergency and exit lighting features lighting units and green exit signs that can guide occupants of a building whenever there are emergencies. These lighting fixtures have been known to be truly helpful in saving lives and minimising casualties as proven by different events throughout history.

To date, there are two types of emergency and exit lighting units that can be used in properties. The first type of emergency and exit lights is the maintained emergency lighting luminaire. This type of lighting luminaire is known to be active all the time, even in the middle of a power interruption. During a normal day, a maintained emergency lighting luminaire draws power from the main electric supply. Once an emergency occurs, this type of lighting luminaire will then take power from their back-up battery.

Another type of emergency and exit lighting units is the non-maintained lighting luminaire. A non-maintained lighting luminaire does not run all the time. However, it is designed to run and provide lighting whenever the main power supply cuts out. It ensures that all emergency exits and escape routes will be visible and are clearly lit, eliminating the need for other lighting sources.

Emergency lights must be installed around a building at regular intervals so they can illuminate all the paths that will lead to the exit points of a property. Exit signs, alternatively, must be installed directly above exit doors, at the top of staircases, and at any places that directs people towards the egress path. 

Primary Emergency and Exit Lighting Standards

Here in Australia, the primary standards for emergency evacuation lighting in buildings and properties are indicated under AS 2293.1-2005, AS 2293.2:1995, and AS 2293.3-2005. The AS 2293.1-2005 involves all the things that must be followed in designing, installing, and operating emergency and exit lighting. The AS 2293.2:1995, alternatively, focuses solely on the inspection and maintenance of emergency lighting units. Ultimately, the AS 2293.3-2005 is intended for all the things that revolve around emergency escape luminaires and exit signs.

Emergency and exit lighting units must be installed on buildings that are occupied primarily by employees, customers, or the public. Some of the places where these lighting units must be installed, inspected, and maintained all the time include offices, shopping centres, car parks, sporting venues, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, industrial facilities, warehouses, and multi-residential buildings.

Property owners and managers must all comply with parts 1, 2, and 3 of AS 2293 to ensure the safety of all building occupants. Non-compliance with the said standards can result in a penalty. It can also cause injury to occupants and other people that are inside the property in case of emergencies.

To acquire services regarding emergency and exit lighting, just contact us at Light-On Electrical. We have a well-rounded team of knowledgeable individuals that have extensive experience and technical expertise in their line of work. We can deliver quality work on time and within your budget.

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