Emergency Exit Light Maintenance Checklist for Industrial, Retail & Office Facilities

Emergency exit lights are one of the most critical yet frequently overlooked safety systems in commercial buildings. During a power outage, fire, or emergency evacuation, these lights guide occupants to safety, often under high-stress conditions were visibility and clarity matter most. 

For industrial sites, retail spaces, and office facilities, poorly maintained exit lighting doesn’t just pose a safety risk; it can lead to compliance failures, insurance issues, and serious liability exposure. 

This comprehensive checklist breaks down what emergency exit light maintenance should include, how requirements differ across facility types, and why proactive testing and upkeep are essential for business continuity. 

Why Emergency Exit Light Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable 

Emergency exit lights are designed to operate when normal power fails. However, without regular inspection and testing, batteries degrade, luminaires accumulate dust, and fittings fail silently, only becoming apparent during an actual emergency. 

Australian standards, particularly AS/NZS 2293.2, require routine inspection and performance testing. But compliance alone isn’t the end goal. The real objective is ensuring clear, visible, and reliable escape paths for every occupant, every time. 

Emergency Exit Light Maintenance Checklist (All Facilities) 

1. Visual Inspection of All Exit Lights

Every Emergency Light Testing and maintenance cycle should begin with a visual check. Confirm that: 

• Exit signs are illuminated under normal power 
• Legends are clearly visible and unobstructed 
• No fittings are cracked, damaged, or vandalise 
• Any faded, flickering, or partially lit sign is already a red flag.

2. Cleaning of Exit Luminaires and Diffusers

Dust, grease, insects, and airborne particles reduce light output significantly, especially in industrial and retail environments. 

Cleaning ensures: 

• Maximum visibility during emergencies 
• Accurate illumination levels 
• Compliance with performance standards 
• Unclean exit lights may technically “work” but still fail their purpose when visibility is compromised. 

3. Battery Condition and Charging Status

Exit lights rely on internal batteries that degrade over time. Maintenance must verify: 

• Batteries are charging correctly 
• Indicator LEDs show normal operation 
• No swelling, leakage, or corrosion is present 
• Batteries that cannot sustain operation for the required duration must be replaced immediately. 

4. 90-Minute Discharge Test

The most critical test is confirming that each exit light remains illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes on battery power. 

This simulates a real emergency scenario and ensures: 

• Battery capacity meets standards 
• Internal circuitry functions correctly 
• The fitting can support safe evacuation 
• Failure during this test means the unit is non-compliant. 

5. Location and Coverage Assessment

Exit lighting must be correctly positioned to illuminate: 

• Exit doors 
• Corridors 
• Stairwells 
• Changes in direction 
• Fire equipment locations 

Emergency Lighting Maintenance should confirm lights still align with current building layouts, especially after renovations or space reconfiguration. 

6. Testing Frequency and Scheduling

Emergency exit lights must be tested at least every six months, with records maintained on site. High-risk environments may benefit from more frequent checks to prevent failures between inspections. 

7. Digital Reporting and Documentation

A proper maintenance process includes: 

• Detailed inspection reports 
• Identification of failed or non-compliant fittings 
• Clear records of corrective actions taken 
• Visual evidence where applicable 
• Accurate documentation protects businesses during audits, insurance reviews, and safety investigations. 

Facility-Specific Considerations 

Industrial Facilities 

Factories and warehouses face higher exposure to dust, vibration, heat, and moisture. Maintenance should pay special attention to: 

• Heavy contamination of fittings 
• Accelerated battery degradation 
• Physical damage from machinery or forklifts 
• Industrial environments demand robust, frequent inspections. 

Retail Facilities 

In retail spaces, exit lighting must remain visible despite signage, shelving, and seasonal displays. Maintenance checks should ensure: 

• Exit signs are not obscured 
• Lighting remains bright despite dust and foot traffic 
• Public safety standards are always upheld 
• High occupancy means zero tolerance for failure. 

Office Facilities 

Office environments may appear low risk but often experience unnoticed failures due to complacency. Exit light testing and maintenance should focus on: 

• Battery ageing in rarely tested systems 
• Exit light coverage after office reconfigurations 
• Consistent documentation across multiple floors 

The Risks of Poor Exit Light Maintenance 

Failing to maintain emergency exit lighting can result in: 

• Delayed or unsafe evacuations 
• Regulatory non-compliance 
• Increased liability exposure 
• Insurance claim complications 
• Reputational damage following incidents 

Most importantly, it puts lives at risk, something no business can afford.

Quick FAQs

Choose Voltec’s Expert Solutions 

Emergency exit light maintenance is not a “tick-the-box” task, it’s a critical safety function that demands expertise, consistency, and attention to detail. 

At Voltec Maintenance, we deliver professional emergencylight testingand maintenance designed for industrial, retail, and office environments. Our expert Electrician Townsville team goes beyond basic testing, providing thorough inspections, compliant performance testing, cleaning, and detailed reporting that supports both safety and compliance. 

Choose Voltec’s expert solutions to ensure your emergency exit lighting performs exactly as required, when it matters most.