Importance of Emergency Exit Light Testing

In the event of a fire or power outage, do you know where to go? Emergency exit lights play a very vital role in all business establishments. When a fire starts, panic can often set in. Having a clear, illuminated path can save seconds during an emergency. In a smoky hallway where the visibility of a door may be obscured, an exit sign can guide you through the building and outside to safety. Emergency lights are most effective when used in conjunction with a planned evacuation procedure. Make sure your team members know where your safe meeting point is, as well as the safest exit route to that point.

Emergency lighting can and will save lives, which is why it’s so important for business owners to find a quality provider of emergency exit light testing. Our team can inspect and test your emergency lighting system and maintain safety in your building.

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How often should I get emergency exit light testing done?

Emergency and exit lights are essential, therefore, they require regular inspection, testing and maintenance. According to the AS2293.2 standard for emergency lighting testing & inspection, all emergency lights and exit signs need to be inspected at 6-monthly intervals. Failure to comply may lead to varying degrees of penalty. During the inspection, a trained professional must test the lamps and replace any defective lights. Each device will also undergo a discharge test, where a technician will turn the battery charger off and simulate a power outage for a duration of 90 minutes. The test will continue until every emergency light or exit sign is tested.

Should your exit and emergency lighting system be on the same circuit as your General Lighting circuit, for the Discharge Test to be completed in accordance with Australian Standards, the building lighting will also be switched off for a period of no less than 90 minutes. Depending on your location and the time the test is being conducted, this then plunges your facility in to darkness which is not ideal!

Have you heard about the new QBCC Fire Protection Framework? Read our blog.

Where should exit and emergency lighting be installed?

Emergency lighting layouts need to be designed by a certified provider. The design provided needs to comply with AS2293. Our licensed electricians will provide guidance on all installation requirements. Exit signs need to be clearly visible to the occupants of a building and illuminated at all times. They will be installed directly above exit doors, at the top of staircases and at any change of direction along the way to directing people along the escape route to a final exit or evacuation point.

There are many types of exit signs and emergency lights on the market, each type is targeted to a specific application within a building environment. The type of light, building shape and ceiling height will determine where they are required to be installed.

Contact us today for a free quote & determination of Exit Light Facility.

Reasons to ensure your emergency light testing is up to date:

1. Safety always comes first. Regular testing of your emergency light systems will provide peace of mind that the workplace is safe for you and your staff. When power is disrupted, buildings can become dangerously dark, making it difficult to navigate during an emergency without suitable emergency lighting in place.
2. Ensuring your building is compliant. Having your emergency exit light testing up to date shows that you understand the importance of remaining compliant and your responsibilities as set out by Australian Standards AS/NZS 2293.2:1995.
3. Reduced Liability. If your emergency exit light fixtures are not operating correctly, accidents, injuries or property damage could occur during a power outage or an emergency.
4. Improved Performance. When emergency light fixtures are not tested regularly or maintained properly, they can perform poorly in an emergency. Weak batteries can reduce the operating time of the fixture or lead to abnormally dim illumination during use. Old lamps can prevent the fixture from providing sufficient light and can also drain the battery quicker than normal. Performing maintenance on the system ensures that both the batteries and lamps are performing to their best and will operate for the required amount of time should an emergency occur.
5. Save System Life. Regular emergency exit light testing of each fixture can help spot damaged emergency light batteries or lamps before a more severe fault occurs. This can prolong the life of the fixture and can reduce future repair costs to the emergency light system.

Want more information on fire testing? Contact us today.

Why Choose Voltec Maintenance for Emergency Exit Light Maintenance?

In Australia, there is a standard for emergency evacuation lighting in buildings. At Voltec Maintenance, we adhere to emergency exit light standards for inspection and maintenance AS/NZS 2293.2:1995, which dictates the following testing procedures and intervals:

• All emergency lights and exit signs must be expected at least once every 6 months
• 6 monthly inspections include lamp tests and replacements as well as a 90-minute discharge test
• Inspection & cleaning of fittings and reflective surfaces must occur every 12 months

Our team will test and inspect exit and emergency lights according to strict Australian requirements. After we have completed our tests, we will provide you with electronic copies of test data and also retain copies if required as evidence of compliance.

When you choose Voltec Maintenance to test your emergency and exit lighting system, we set a routine maintenance program for you. We also provide reminders for your next testing appointment, to help you to stay compliant.

To learn about our other services, such as fire testing, test and tag and RCD testing, contact us today!