Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs
Australian standards require that testing of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs must be conducted every six months, and cleaning and maintenance of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs is required to be done annually.
It is generally the responsibility of the building owner to maintain and test Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs. However, if you are a tenant, you should check your lease to ensure this responsibility doesn’t sit with you.
If your premises has Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs, even if you are not responsible for their testing and maintenance, you are still responsible for ensuring the safety of people on your premises! As a tenant, you shouldn’t just expect the landlord to have this in hand.
Failing to undertake the required maintenance and testing can result in significant fines and even prison sentences.
What Does Routine Testing Involve?
Testing of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs must be conducted every six months, and cleaning and maintenance of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs annually.
Six monthly testings of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs include: –
- Check locations of all Emergency Lights and Exit Signs against previous records to identify any changes to premises layout.
- Perform a visual inspection and push-button test of all exit & emergency lights to ensure the correct functioning.
- The mains power to the Emergency Light and Exit Signs is switched off, a 90-minute battery discharge test is conducted. During the discharge test periodic inspection of all units is done to verify proper function and identify any batteries not lasting the required 90 minutes.
- Upon completion of the discharge test, the mains power is reinstated, and the Emergency Lights and Exit Signs are inspected to ensure recharging has begun.
- Inspection results are recorded in the report, and any required repairs are discussed, and further actions are agreed upon.
- Faulty globes and batteries are replaced as required.
- Cleaning of lights and diffusers is conducted as required.
Simply replacing batteries or luminaires may not resolve a fault, as the problem may be associated with faulty power converters or other issues. Consequently, often the most effective and economical solution is to replace the entire unit.
When these inspections are undertaken, Jez Test & Tag provides our clients with a comprehensive report that details the status of each device inspected and tested.
