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Emergency Lighting; Not Just For Aircrafts

Emergency Lighting; Not Just For Aircrafts

We all know how important emergency lights are for aircraft; they help in way finding during emergencies. But is it just the aircrafts that need emergency lighting? Well, if you are an Australian, you would already know about emergency lighting in buildings, especially business premises.

Building emergency lights systems are crucial in any workplace to ensure people’s safety in case of any emergency, as it helps them in the event of an emergency evacuation. However, is it compulsory for everyone to install emergency lighting in his/her commercial premises?

Quick Spark has compiled a complete guide for you in this regard.

Emergency Lighting Is Mandatory

To make it simple, emergency lighting is mandatory in Australia. But is it mandatory for everyone? Here is your answer.

As per the ruling of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), every “Class 6” building that has been constructed after July 1st, the year 1994 and is over 100m² must have emergency and exit lighting. As well as this, every Class 6 building must have at least one exit sign. According to the National Construction Code of Australia, every level with floor space of 300m2 or greater must have electrical exit signs and emergency lighting.

Furthermore, according to the standard, every building owner must ensure (after every six months) that the emergency lighting system is fault-free. The next question is, who will ensure that the system is working properly? Again, according to the Australian Standards, an accredited installer and service provider needs to check the system, and make sure it is working according to the standards.

Emergency lighting systems are covered by these three Australian standards:    

  • Part 1: System design, installation, and operation
  • Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
  • Part 3: Emergency lighting and exit signs

What Is A Compliant System According To The Standards?

A compliant system has:    

  1. A 90-minute illumination test.
  2. Separate lighting circuit to make sure that these emergency lightings will function in case of a power outage.
  3. Sufficient amount of emergency lights and exits, depending on the exit locations, emergency route, and maximum occupancy.

What Can Be The Frequent Faults In Emergency Lighting?

  • Broken or damaged fittings
  • Spent fluorescent tubes or globes
  • Dying or spent batteries
  • Undedicated or mixed lighting circuits
  • Infrequent testing

Checklist For Emergency Lighting Laws In Your Office

We have already discussed the regulations for emergency lighting on work premises. Here is another small checklist of standards you need to comply with in your office or business premises.

  • Exit and emergency lighting are mandatory if an exit door from a room does not open into a space having enough natural light.
  • Emergency lights are mandatory for the enclosed spaces in your office/building.
  • A fire-isolated passageway, fire-isolated ramp, and a fire-isolated stairway in a building must have emergency lighting.
  • Emergency lighting is mandatory for medical clinics, retail spaces, and all other premises that are open for the general public.

Emergency lighting is for our own safety. It is not a burden; in fact, it makes your employees feel safe and calm in case of any emergencies. If you are looking for a certified professional for any of the above-mentioned services, Quick Spark is here to help.

We, at Quick Spark, are leaders in commercial electrical solutions, offering premium quality electrical services for any type of commercial venue. You can always call us or visit our website for booking https://getquickspark.com.au/

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