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Emergency Lighting Requirements for Commercial Facilities in Australia

Commercial buildings (offices, retail, hospitality, etc.) must comply with strict emergency lighting standards to ensure safe evacuation during power failures or emergencies. 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
  • State-specific fire safety regulations (e.g., NSW Fire Safety Schedule)

Mandatory in:

  • Office buildings (Open-plan areas, corridors, stairwells)
  • Retail stores & shopping centres (Public access areas)
  • Hotels & hospitality venues (Guest corridors, function rooms)
  • Commercial kitchens & high-risk areas
  • 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-plan offices

0.2 lux

90 minutes

B. Exit Signage

  • Green & white 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
  • Escape Routes: Illuminate corridors, stairs, and exits
  • Stairwells: : Require illumination on every landing
  • Open-plan Areas: : Uniform coverage (avoid dark spots)
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
  • Offices: Open-plan layouts require even coverage
  • Retail: Vandal-resistant fittings in public areas
  • Hospitality: Low-glare lighting in guest areas
  • Stairwells & Carpark: Microwave sensor products recommended for reduced energy consumption
  • 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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