Retail

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Emergency Lighting Requirements for Retail Facilities in Australia

Emergency lighting in retail environments (shopping centers, supermarkets, stores, etc.) is critical for ensuring safe evacuation of customers and staff during power failures or emergencies. Compliance with Australian standards is mandatory to meet safety regulations and reduce liability risks. Below is an overview of the requirements under Australian regulations.

1. Governing Standards & Regulations

Commercial emergency lighting must comply with:

  • National Construction Code (NCC) – Volume 1 (Building Code of Australia, BCA)
  • AS/NZS 2293.1:2018 – Emergency lighting & exit signs
  • AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) – Electrical safety
  • AS 1319:1994 – Safety signs

Mandatory in:

  • All customer exit paths (aisles, corridors, fire exits)
  • Shopping malls & large retail spaces (open areas)
  • Stairwells, escalators & lifts (part of evacuation routes)
  • Back-of-house areas (staff corridors, stockrooms, loading docks)
  • Disabled access routes (DDA compliance)

A. Illumination Levels

Area
Minimum Lux
Duration

Escape routes

0.2 lux

90 minutes

Exit doors & stairwells

1 lux

90 minutes

Open retail spaces

0.2 lux

90 minutes

B. Exit Signage

  • Black & green pictograms (AS 2293.1 compliant)
  • Mounted 2-2.7m high, unobstructed
  • Directional arrows where exits aren’t visible
  • Required at all final exits and stairwell entries
  • Temperature rating: -40°C to 0°C operation
  • IP65+ rated: Dust/ice/condensation protection
  • Stainless steel or polycarbonate housing: Corrosion resistance
Test
Action

6-Monthly

90-minute test as per AS 2293.2

Annually

90-minute test and additional testing as per AS 2293.2

Documentation

Logbook - Required for audits

Critical: Severe batteries capacity loss at temperature below 0°C – recommended to use freezer application products

  • Shopping centres: Coordination with building management for integrated systems.
  • High-turnover stores: Frequent checks due to display changes obstructing signs.
  • 24/7 retail (e.g., petrol stations): Maintained lighting critical for night-time safety.
  • Use vandal-resistant fittings in public areas.
  • Avoid placing merchandise in front of exit signs.
  • New builds: Full compliance required
  • Existing buildings: Gradual upgrades during renovations
  • Major refurbishments: Must meet current standards
  • Fines & legal liability under WHS laws.
  • Increased injury risk during evacuations.
  • Invalidated insurance in case of incidents.

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