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When Does a Building Require Emergency Lighting

By 21 July 2021June 6th, 2022No Comments

Emergency and exit lighting are part of a comprehensive fire protection system. Although they do not extinguish or contain fire like other fire equipment, they are as important in maintaining the building safety.

They not only provide work continuity during power interruptions, but most importantly, they illuminate the route of egress during emergency evacuations.

The Standards Australia Committee has prepared a set of standards to provide all those associated with the design, construction, installation, certification, and maintenance of a building the requirements and guidance for emergency escape lighting and exit signage schemes. AS 2293 specifies the installation and maintenance requirements for emergency lighting and exit signs.

Does your building require emergency lighting? When are emergency lights and exit signs required to be installed? The answer may vary according to different factors. Read on to know more about emergency lighting compliance.

Floor Area

An establishment with a floor area of 300m2 or more

Class of Building

Every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor are more than 300m2

Age of Building

Whether the building was built before or after 1 July 1994

Reconstructed or Renovated

If changes were made in the building

Australian Standards provides the requirements to comply with regulations for emergency lighting and exit signs.

Exit Signs Installation Requirement

  • Mounted or installed where it is clearly visible to occupants approaching the exit
  • Installed on, above or near to each door providing direct escape from a storey to an enclosed or external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and on, above or near a door to an external access balcony leading to a required exit
  • Positioned above or adjacent to each door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of discharge to a road or open space
  • Installed at any door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey required to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with section E4.2 of the building code which sets out requirements for emergency lighting

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting should be designed and installed in accordance with AS 2293.1. Emergency lighting is required in any room that does not have adequate natural light. 

Emergency lights have internal batteries that serve as their back-up when the main power supply is interrupted or out. These include illuminated emergency exit signs and emergency escape lighting.

Furthermore, like any other fire protection equipment, emergency exit lighting must undergo regular maintenance inspection to guarantee that they will work in time of need.

For more information, contact FCF Fire & Electrical. We offer a wide range of fire protection services including supply, installation and inspection.

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