Is your building or office up to date with all its safety standards? Is your emergency and exit lighting visibly marked to facilitate an evacuation plan in case of emergency?
To help build your knowledge of what is required when installing or testing emergency and exit lighting we will explain some of the crucial steps as best we can …
When it comes to emergency lights you must have them installed in all enclosed spaces and if your building is open to the public, they must operate when an electrical failure happens or in case of an emergency. These lights are designed to produce enough light in an emergency situation so that you can still see where the closest and safest escape routes are.
Exit signs must be illuminated at all times. They must be installed above every emergency exit door without exception, and along the emergency exit path point in the direction of the nearest safest exit. They are to be visible to everyone who is in the building/office at all times. The number of exit signs is a minimum of two, however each building/office is different. One of our expert technicians can visit your site and go through the exact number required – as it depends on the size of the building, surface area of each level, number of occupants and number of available emergency exit paths.
Maintenance and testing are essential in keep your emergency and exit lighting system up to code. The Australian standard states that all exit and emergency lights installed should be tested every six months and stays illuminated for no less than 90mins during the test period. This will show you that the fittings are operating as intended.
On the twelve-monthly maintenance check diffuses and any reflective surfaces are to be cleaned. Before, during and after the testing procedure the fittings are to be visually inspected for any aging or damage. If any fittings fail during this time they are to be recorded in the maintenance book and be replaced ASAP.
Testing of emergency and exit lighting is necessary as owners of businesses and buildings are required to guarantee as best they can the safety of their employers or occupants. Faulty emergency and exit lighting can have huge ramifications in an emergency situation – this is why testing is mandatory to ensure they are in perfect working order.
EcoEnergy currently undertake maintenance and testing of emergency and exit lighting for several commercial and government buildings throughout Western Australia. Give us a call today to speak to one of our team members about how we can ensure your building or office are safe and meet regulations.
