11 February 2024

 

Exit & Emergency lighting plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe evacuation of building occupants in the event of an emergency such as fires, power outages, and earthquakes. This article dives into the importance of these lighting systems, shedding light on why they are installed, the legal responsibilities associated with their maintenance, and how we can assist in keeping your premises safe.

According to WorkSafe Victoria’s alarming statistics for 2022, workplace fatalities reached a devastating toll of 61 lives lost. Having a working Exit & Emergency Lighting can minimise risk, save lives, and protect property or assets, highlighting the vital role these systems play in an emergency situation within a building.

Legal Compliance: Regular Inspections Every 6 Months

Australian safety standards mandate that all Exit & Emergency lights must undergo inspection and testing every six months to ensure they run for a minimum of 90 minutes on battery power. This simulation, mimicking a loss of power, is crucial for assessing the system’s reliability during an emergency. The results, defects, non-conformances, and maintenance history are meticulously recorded in a logbook, either in paper or digital format.

Critical Role in Fire Safety

Emergency & Exit lights are not just fixtures; they are indispensable components of fire safety. In times of crisis, they provide clear and illuminated pathways for occupants to evacuate a building swiftly and securely. Testing these systems is not just a good practice; it’s a legal responsibility that ensures the safety of everyone in the building.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Neglecting the testing and maintenance of Emergency & Exit lights can lead to severe consequences. In case of a failure, certified electricians should be promptly contacted to address the issues. The absence of functioning emergency lights during an evacuation can cause panic and stress among occupants, making it challenging for both occupants and emergency responders to navigate through the building safely.

Occupants may find themselves disoriented and unable to locate exits swiftly, increasing the risk of injuries and even fatalities. Additionally, in situations where visibility is compromised, the likelihood of accidents, such as tripping and falling, escalates. In worst-case scenarios, the inability to evacuate efficiently due to inadequate lighting may result in the loss of lives that could have otherwise been prevented.

This underscores the critical importance of regular inspections and testing of Emergency & Exit lights. Such proactive measures not only ensure compliance with safety regulations but also significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of emergency response plans.

When and Why are Emergency Lights Installed?

Emergency lights are strategically installed to guide occupants during both entry and exit from a building. They serve as wayfinding tools, illuminating a clear and safe passage, these lights are designed to provide visibility for at least 90 minutes after a power failure.

How do Emergency Lights Work?

Emergency lights come in two main types: maintained and non-maintained, both serving the common purpose of illuminating safe exit paths.

Maintained lighting are continuously in use, with one bulb/LED acting as a regular lamp and another as an emergency light source.

On the other hand, non-maintained systems only activate during emergencies or power failures, providing illumination automatically. These are typically used in buildings familiar to occupants.

With our comprehensive emergency lighting services, you can ensure that both maintained and non-maintained systems function seamlessly, contributing to the safety of your building occupants.

AmbaGuard’s Comprehensive Solutions

We understand the critical importance of Exit & Emergency lighting in ensuring the safety of building occupants. We can provide emergency lighting solutions. Regardless of whether your premises are a school, office, or commercial building, we offer a comprehensive Exit & Emergency Lighting service, guiding you through compliance with ease.

We are dedicated to offering businesses peace of mind, ensuring the safe evacuation of building occupants in the event of emergencies such as fires, power outages, or earthquakes. We are your reliable partner committed to enhancing the safety measures of your building while meeting regulatory requirements.

For inquiries or to schedule Exit & Emergency lighting services, contact us at admin@ambaguard.com.au or call us at 0407 877 482.