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1) THERE ARE 4 VARIANTS OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING

We need to recognise that Emergency lighting is deployed to provide a minimum illumination value as outlined in AS2293 when the mains power of a premises fails. Design and luminaire distribution play a key role in ensuring ongoing system compliance during an emergency event.

 

Below is a summary of the five types of emergency lighting typically available on the Australian Market  and unfortunately the differing types are often be confused.

 

So let us clarify the options for you.

 

NON-MAINTAINED

This luminaire type is usually switched off (unilluminated)  but if the mains powers fail, it will switch on automatically in a mains failure event. The batteries within the luminaires are cycle charged periodically to ensure sufficient support power is maintained. The most common luminaire type within this category is emergency exit signs. They are commonly deployed in commercial offices and factories where egress pathways are clearly identified.

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MAINTAINED

A maintained luminaire is designed to work with the fitting permanently on delivering constant illumination. If mains power is interrupted, the maintained luminaire will operate to deliver a lower light output level in line with AS2293 lux standards. This style of emergency fitting is usually found in Corridors & Access Ways, Commercial Walkways, Shopping Centres, Carparks and Stairwells.

 

WIRELESS & DALI EMERGENCY

DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. Both Dali and Wireless systems delivers a testing and control system that offers enhanced flexibility and reliability. This system allows greater control and detailed monitoring and reporting of emergency lighting were ever and when ever the site requires it..

 

How? Because Wireless & DALI lighting has the ability to communicate with its private LAN control network. Devices that communicate with the same communication protocol can exchange information that enables the system to commence testing and anaylise system components.

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Each networked luminaire typically has onboard memory that stores all relevant information about the device, including performance data.

 

CENTRAL BATTERY

The oldest of the offerings the central battery bank for emergency lighting network is situated at one central point of the building  and distributes power to all relevant luminaires in the event of a power failure. The system is designed to support both maintained or non-maintained fitting types. All emergency luminaires are configured with an LED  Status Indicator light, which demonstrates t the battery is under charge while there is a mains power is on. In the event of mains power failure, the indicator light will switch off and the lamp will be illuminated by the battery support power.

 

 

2) WHERE EMERGENCY LIGHTING SHOULD BE INSTALLED

Emergency lighting is designed to ensure safe evacuation of a building, reduce panic and confusion and safely manage high-risk tasks in the event of a mains power failure. As a result, emergency lighting can be split into three sections: escape routes, open areas and high-risk task.

 

The lighting design in these specific specified areas improves the function and has purpose whether that’s to guide, direct or provide light to complete important tasks.

 

ESCAPE ROUTES

Emergency exits and escape routes should be provided with signs. They should be illuminated to indicate CLEARLY the route of escape to a point of safety. In compliance with Australian Building Standards Illuminated signs should be located at all final exits and also at locations where people may be uncertain about the route to safety.

 

Every change of direction leading to an escape door needs to be illuminated. An escape lighting luminaire should be placed near each exit door and anywhere where it is necessary to emphasize potential danger or safety equipment.

 

Escape route passages indicated by the green man and a directional arrow are created in line with AS2293 Design Regulations. These arrows will need to point the way to the closest fire exit. Fire exit arrows for Left and Right are self-explanatory, but when do you use the up or down arrow?

 

The Up arrow is for when you have to continue along your route, towards another fire exit sign. It can also be used for final exits. Unless there is a step-down or ramp immediately outside.

 

The down arrow should be used when you have to continue along your route, towards another fire exit sign. If after an exit sign there is a staircase leading down immediately after your sign, then the down arrow is required.

 

Emergency luminaires should be stationed near the following:

 

• Each exit door intended to be used in an emergency

• Stairs so that each flight of stairs receives direct light

• Change in level

• Mandatory emergency exits and safety signs

• Change of direction

• Intersection of corridors

• Outside and near to each final exit

• First aid post

• Fire fighting equipment

• Fire alarm call points

 

OPEN AREAS

Areas with an escape route passing through them, or hazards identified by the building risk assessment all require emergency lighting. These areas are usually offices, washrooms, receptions and conference suites.

 

The design of emergency lighting can also present personal necessary requirements for specific areas. For example, in a showroom that uses general focus downlights, emergency lighting should also be designed to mirror this if a power shortage or emergency happens.

 

HIGH RISK TASK

In many emergency situations, workers or members of the public will just be able to stop what they’re doing, whether it’s using a computer, making a phone call or having a meeting, and evacuate the building.

 

However, some employees could be in the middle of a high-risk task such as working with machinery or dangerous substances. In these situations, the person involved must be able to see adequately to safely shut down the equipment.

 

Areas of high physical risk include plant control rooms and production lines. In these areas, there may not be a clear escape route and well-placed emergency lighting will be necessary for highlighting large obstacles or hazards.

 

When designing an emergency lighting system, make sure to take these areas into account as these workers will require more time during an emergency and the risk is higher.

 

 

 

 

 

3) BE AWARE OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING REGULATIONS

Being aware of the regulations concerned with emergency lighting design will help you when it comes to choosing the correct design and placement for your fixtures. Emergency lighting regulations are important because the proper use of emergency lighting will determine the safety of individuals during an emergency.

 

Whereas ‘normal’ everyday lighting does have a purpose and must be compliant with its own set of regulations, emergency lighting is also determined by how it assists people and improves difficult situations.

 

The following regulations are in accordance with AS2293 which is the Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises and AS2293 – a standard that specifies the guidelines for emergency escape lighting and standby lighting systems installed in premises or locations where such systems are required.

 

In Australia , the Fire Safety legislation requires emergency lighting to be provided in the following premises:

 

• Offices and shops

• Premises that provide care

• Community halls

• Pubs, clubs and restaurants

• Schools

• Tents and marquees

• Hotels and hostels

• Factories and warehouses

• Common areas in houses in multiple occupations

 

EXIT SIGNS

Illuminated Exit Signs may be either externally illuminated or internally illuminated to ensure they are clear and legible. Externally illuminated signs should be illuminated 5 lux minimum on any part.

 

The viewing distances specified in AS2293 outline that signs should preferably be clearly visible, face on to where people will be looking, not on the ceiling or at an oblique angle.

 

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4) RISK ASSESSMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL

The first priority is to establish the requirements for the particular installation, taking into account the building licensing requirements. It is important to undertake a site-specific risk assessment to ensure that all aspects of the requirements for emergency lighting within the building are catered for.

 

Emergency lighting assessments must be done in compliance with AS 2293 which supports the building licensing requirements. All installations and the information outlined below must be part of the emergency lighting design process.

• Examination of risk assessment

• Duration of the emergency lighting

• Identify fire alarm call points, fire fighting equipment and fire safety signs

• Determine the system required

• Means of isolation for testing and/or maintenance

• Identify the exit sign requirements

• Identify open areas larger 

• Escape routes, en-route exits, and final exits (interior & exterior)

• Areas with high-risk tasks (moving machinery – heat hazards etc.)

• Access areas eg. lifts, escalators, plant rooms

• Disabled toilets & toilets 

• Hours of occupation (sleeping risk e.g. hospital, hotel etc.)

Risk assessments and considerations like the above will help to determine the design of the emergency lighting you need for your premises.

 

 

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5) LIGHTING PROJECT DESIGN SERVICE

Our team of experienced lighting designers are always looking for ways that we can bring our clients’ projects to life. We analyse the project from design to installation and ensure nothing is overlooked. We want to make the process easy and seamless for you and that means staying compliant with the regulations we’ve already mentioned.

 

We are more than happy to come visit you at your site to discuss your requirements and take a look for ourselves.

 

We also offer a retro fit lighting service.  This enables our clients to reduce lead times and offer standard products with emergency or dimming capabilities. The service is also great when existing luminaires on-site require adapting.

 

Don’t take a risk when it comes to making sure you’re prepared for an emergency. Our emergency luminaries  are designed to be simple to install, stylish and discreet, making them a great addition to any premises. You can request a quote from us now.

 

Order your emergency lighting today by getting in touch with our amazing team on 0435881283 or simply email service@veracitycompliance.com.au

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