FAQs
Emergency Lighting Testing in Western Australia
Emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs help people safely evacuate a building if the mains power fails. They illuminate escape routes, corridors, stairwells and exits, helping reduce the risk of injury, confusion or people becoming trapped in darkness.
Maintaining emergency lighting is an important part of building safety and protecting employees, customers, contractors and visitors.
Yes. Emergency lighting systems must be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements of Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293 and relevant building and workplace safety obligations.
Regular testing helps confirm that emergency lights and illuminated exit signs operate correctly when required.
Emergency lighting requires routine inspection and testing at prescribed intervals. This includes a periodic discharge test to verify that the battery backup can operate the lighting for the required duration.
Under AS/NZS 2293.2, a six-monthly service and 90-minute duration test is commonly specified. The applicable requirements should be confirmed for your building and installation.
A 90-minute duration test simulates a failure of the normal power supply to check whether the emergency lighting system can continue operating on battery power for at least the required period.
This helps identify batteries, lights or other components that may not perform as intended during an emergency.Inspections, testing and maintenance should be performed by a competent person with the appropriate knowledge, training and experience to carry out the work in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.
Using a competent service provider helps ensure that faults are identified, results are recorded and any necessary repairs are addressed.
Yes. Appropriate testing and maintenance records must be maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Records typically document inspection and test dates, results, identified faults, corrective actions and the person who carried out the work. Keeping these records up to date helps demonstrate that an appropriate maintenance program is in place.
Emergency lighting requirements depend on the building classification, design, use and applicable building regulations. Systems are commonly required in a range of commercial, industrial and public-access buildings, including:
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Commercial offices and retail premises: To illuminate escape routes, corridors and exits.
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Hospitality and entertainment venues: Including restaurants, pubs, hotels and function centres.
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Warehouses and manufacturing facilities: Where machinery, storage layouts and large internal spaces can create additional evacuation risks.
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Strata and multi-residential buildings: Including shared stairwells, common areas and underground car parks, where required.
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Building owners, managers and other responsible parties must ensure that applicable emergency lighting systems are properly maintained and that relevant safety obligations are met.
This includes arranging required inspections and testing, addressing identified faults and maintaining the appropriate records.
Any faults identified during testing should be investigated and rectified promptly. This may involve replacing batteries, repairing faulty fittings or addressing problems with the power supply or control equipment.
Until the fault is resolved, appropriate interim safety measures may be necessary to manage the risk to building occupants.
Yes. Up-to-date inspection reports, testing records and maintenance documentation can help demonstrate that emergency lighting is being appropriately maintained.
These records may also be required during building compliance reviews, workplace safety inspections or other relevant audits.
If you own, manage or operate a commercial or industrial premises, it is worth confirming whether emergency lighting is required and whether your existing system is being maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements.
The correct testing schedule depends on your building, installation and relevant standards.
Our team can help you understand your emergency lighting maintenance requirements and arrange appropriate inspection, testing and servicing for your premises.
Contact us today to discuss your emergency lighting requirements and help keep your building safe and prepared for an emergency.