freezer / Weatherproof

Tough, sealed lighting built for cold rooms, washdowns, and wet or dusty conditions.

Emergency Lighting Requirements for Freezer & Cold Storage Facilities in Australia

Industrial freezers, cold rooms, and refrigerated warehouses have unique emergency lighting challenges due to extreme temperatures, condensation, and potential ice buildup. Compliance with Australian standards is critical for worker safety and operational continuity. 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 personnel access areas (aisles, walk-in freezers)
  • Corridors & exit paths (all evacuation routes)
  • Loading docks & processing areas
  • Stairwells & mezzanines (in cold storage facilities)

A. Illumination Levels

Area
Minimum Lux
Duration

Escape routes

0.2 lux

90 minutes

Exit doors & stairwells

1 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

  • Install above door frames: Prevents ice blockage
  • Use LED fixtures with cold-rated drivers
  • NH3 refrigeration plants: May require explosion-proof fixtures
  • New builds: Full compliance required
  • Existing buildings: Gradual upgrades during renovations
  • Major refurbishments: Must meet current standards
  • Fines & legal liability under WHS laws.
  • Hypothermia risks if lighting fails during evacuation
  • Invalidated insurance if improper cold-rated equipment is installed

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