One of the most important factors to consider when selecting exit and emergency lighting is their ability to meet the Australian Standard AS 4282, which sets out minimum performance standards for exit and emergency lighting, including that they must have a visibility of at least 10 m from the point at which the light is required to be visible at night for a period of no less than 90 s. Exit and emergency lights are designed to help you exit a building in an emergency situation. Check this blog for more info about exit and emergency lighting.
Buildings may need to be equipped with emergency lighting and exit signs. Buildings need continuous illumination at exits and openings, access routes should be marked out and escape pathways in the event that power is lost.
Exit paths must lead directly outdoors to a street or public open space without intersecting any other area. Emergency lighting and power is required: in bathrooms and toilet areas; in all exits, passageways and stairwells; in rooms containing hazardous materials that pose a risk to the health or safety of building occupants, (for example kitchens); in rooms where people might be sleeping (such as meeting rooms, classrooms, lecture theatres).
Exit and emergency light must meet the requirements of AS 1657, which is a standard that applies to all buildings. The purpose of exit and emergency lighting is to provide a means of exit in the event of an emergency that would prevent harm or loss of life.
Exit and emergency lighting have many requirements. They must be able to provide illumination for at least 30 minutes during a power outage, they must have a battery back-up system and they must be tested every six months by a qualified person.The exit signs should also be clearly visible from 50 metres away in daylight conditions. The sign must be illuminated at all times except when it’s not required, such as during the day or when there’s adequate natural light available
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that the lights they have installed meet or exceed the Australian Standard. If you are planning on installing your own exit and emergency lighting, I would urge you to install it to the standards required as set out in AS3786-1997. As exit and emergency lights need to be easy to find in an emergency, consider buying a light which will stand out from its surroundings.
