EMERGENCY LIGHTINGANDEXITSIGNS

Emergency lighting and exit signs are an Essential Safety Measure and are designed to assist occupants of a building in safe evacuation in the event of a potentially dangerous situation as safely as possible.

All commercial buildings and any building over 300sq metres are likely to have emergency lighting and exit signs installed. To ensure the emergency lights and exit signs function as designed in the event of a fire, power outage or other emergency and to fulfill your obligations under the Australian Standard AS22931.1 emergency lights and exit signs require periodic testing and maintenance.

 

Who’s obligation is it?

As with all Essential Safety Measures testing and maintenance is the responsibility of the building owner or occupier as per the State Regulations.

 

What testing and maintenance is required?

The Australian Standards 2293.2 sets out the periodic maintenance testing requirements for emergency lighting and exit sign systems. The standard requires a 6 monthly and an annual test to be conducted.

 

Consequences of lack of testing and maintenance

Without periodic testing and maintenance a failure point in your emergency lighting and exit sign system may not be evident until the event of an emergency such as a fire, power outage or other evacuation emergency.

Failure of these systems in an emergency could have significant consequences to life, property and compliance. Failure of emergency lights and exit signs could:

• impede the ability of occupants safe evacuation of a building resulting in increased risk of trauma, injury or death
• impede emergency response teams effectiveness in assisting evacuation, finding the source of the incident and minimising property damage

As it is a legislative requirement to maintain these systems, failing to do so is a breach of the Australian Standards 2293.2 with potential penalties ranging from $10,000 for individuals to $100,000 for companies and possible jail sentences.

 

How Stokes Safety Fire & Electrical can help

Stokes Safety in conjunction with Stokes Safety Fire & Electrical can provide you end to end services to assist in the testing and maintenance of your emergency lighting and exit sign systems.

We can:

• Conduct an audit of your systems during our Essential Safety Measures Audit
• Whilst on site for this audit we can also conduct Emergency Light and Exit Sign Testing and maintenance as per the standard
• Give advice and information to assist you to achieve compliance.

 

Stokes Safety Fire and Electrical is managed and staffed by qualified A-grade electricians. Our qualifications and experience ensures the highest quality of knowledge to be of assistance for all of your electrical needs.

 

Maintenance Obligations

Maintenance to the Emergency Light and Exit Sign system should be carried out six monthly and annually by persons having appropriate qualifications and experience applicable to conduct this type of work.

At the completion of any inspection, any defects in the system should be rectified as soon as practical.