No matter the size of your building it is the responsibility of the building owner, management and tenants to ensure the emergency lighting is in good condition and working properly this means they should be checked and serviced every 6 months. this is a crucial part of maintaining any building. Exit signs are used in combination with emergency lighting to provide light in times of emergency such as power failure, fire or other serious incidents
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The Australian Standards AS 2293 Exit and Emergency lights are required to undergo a 90 minute discharge test every 6 months. On top of this regulations now state that as well as common areas each tenancy must now have an emergency test switch unit installed. All testing must be undertaken by a licensed technician and a log book maintained by said technician.
DOES YOUR OFFICE COMPLY WITH AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS?
What you need to know about the Australian Standards and how the effect you.
Emergency Lighting in Office Spaces
Do your enclosed spaces have emergency lights?
All enclosed spaces in your building must have emergency lights.
Will the lights work when there’s a blackout?
Emergency Lighting must work during a blackout 6 monthly testing and maintenance will ensure you comply
Is your building open to the general public?
All business that are open to members of the general public, including employees and tenants need to have emergency lighting.
Building and Office Emergency Lighting
Does your building stairwells have emergency lights?
All building stairwells must have Emergency lights. Make sure you have adequate Emergency lighting installed throughout your stairwells.
Are your Emergency lights powered independently?
All emergency lighting, need to be powered so they still work in the event of a power failure.
Do your lighting show a clear path out?
To be effective, your safety lights need to show the way from any spot through to the exits in your building.
NUMBER OF EXITS IN AN OFFICE
Are there at least two exits on each floor of your building?
As a general rule of thumb, you need to have at least two exits on each floor of a building. This is dependent on the size of the floors and number of residents/tenants.
Are your exits free from obstruction and do have a clear path?
Exits must always be free from obstruction and have a clear path so residents can leave in a quick and timely manner in case of an emergency.
Are there signs notifying tenants there should be no obstruction?
All exits should be clearly marked by signs warning people not to obstruct the doors.
EXIT SIGN COMPLIANCE
Are exit signs in your building lit all the time?
Exit signs must be illuminated 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Do all your emergency exits have an exit sign?
All your emergency exits need to be clearly marked by an illuminated exit sign.
What should your exit sign look like
In 2005 the Australian Standard was brought into line with the international standard whereby the exit was depicted by a running man (see picture below.
What happens if our premises does not comply with Emergency Standards
It is your responsibility through the building essential services to ensure that your emergency lighting is in working order and compliant. If you are found to be non compliant by an inspector it can lead to hefty fines on a weekly basis until the situation is rectified.