subject: Emergency Exit Lights Requirements [print this page] All establishments are required by the Building Code of Australia, which forms part of the National Construction Code, to build fire exits in conspicuous areas and install emergency exit lights. This is also in conjunction with the Fire Code. Failure to do so can result to stiff fines and penalties, and even a jail term if the neglect will result to deaths and injuries to the tenants or customers.
Testing requirement
The building code also requires employers to test and tag the emergency and exit lights after every six months. The results should also be recorded in a logbook, notebook or computer that can be accessed by technicians and safety monitors according to the Australian Standards 2293.2:1995.
This is to ensure that the lighting system is working 100% and will not falter during emergency situations. You can call licensed electrical contractors for the Emergency Light Testing so you will have an idea how much the whole process will cost you.
Where to install lighting system?
According to the building code, the exit lights should be installed in:
-Passageways or hallways that is part of the path of travel to an exit
-Rooms with a floor area of more than 100 square meters has no access to road or corridor
-Rooms with a floor area of more than 300 square meters
-Fire-isolated stairways, passageways and ramps
-Sole-occupancy units in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building but only if the floor area is more than 300 square meters
-passageways, hallways, corridors that connect to a treatment area or a ward
For the full details of the requirements, ask your electrical contractor or download a copy of the building code from your state website. The code also provides the need to regularly inspect, test and maintain the safety measures. This includes electrical testing equipment for the emergency and exit lights.
Contact professional test and tag contractors
The law also prohibits you from conducting the test and tagging process on your own. You cant even contact a licensed electrician to test your equipment. Only those who attended trainings according to Australian Standard 2293.2 are allowed to test and tag your emergency exit lights. These legitimate contractors will conduct on-site testing to make sure your bulbs and fluorescent lights are working. The best ones can even make assessment just using the visual test although they use the proper equipment to check your system.
