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Emergency Exit Signs and Lighting: Are Yours Up to Code?
Ronika • March 14, 2025
In an emergency, every second counts. The difference between a safe evacuation and a dangerous situation is having properly installed and maintained emergency exit signs and lighting that guide people to safety — without them, confusion and panic can turn deadly. Yet, many businesses overlook compliance with Australian fire safety standards until an incident forces them to take action.
As Sydney-based commercial electricians, Ronika ensures businesses meet their obligations under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards AS2293. But are your emergency exits and lighting up to code? Let’s find out.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Fire Exits?
Fire exits are legally required in all commercial buildings. The Building Code of Australia mandates that exits provide a safe, unobstructed path to the outside. Fire exits must:
- Be permanent fixtures that cannot be relocated.
- Be accessible at all times—locking a fire exit is illegal under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
- Lead directly outside to a public way, open space, or refuge area.
- Be clear of obstructions such as furniture or storage.
- Be clearly marked with illuminated signage that remains visible even in a power outage.
- Have a minimum width of 1 metre and a height of at least 2 metres to accommodate wheelchairs and stretchers.
- Be made from fire-resistant materials with a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating.
Open outward using a side-hinged door that does not obstruct passageways.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
In an emergency, panic can take over, and visibility may be compromised by smoke, darkness, or power failure. Emergency lighting and exit signs ensure that building occupants can find their way to safety.
- Prevents injuries: Poor visibility increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
- Aids quick evacuation: Bright, strategically placed lighting guides people to exits.
Ensures compliance: Business owners are legally responsible for safe evacuation routes.
Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting: What the Law Says
Under Australian Standard AS2293, emergency lighting and exit signs must remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes after a power failure. These systems are powered by 240V mains power but include battery backups to ensure continuous operation in an outage.
Testing Requirements
To stay compliant, businesses must conduct regular maintenance and testing:
- Every 6 months: A qualified technician must perform a 90-minute power drop test.
- Annually: Another 90-minute discharge test is required.
- Ongoing maintenance: Damaged or ineffective lights must be replaced immediately.
Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal action, or endanger lives in an emergency.
Types of Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting comes in different forms, each serving a specific purpose:
- Sustained – Contains two lamps, but only one operates at a time.
- Non-maintained – Remains off during normal conditions, turning on only during a power failure.
- Maintained – Always illuminated, whether powered by mains electricity or backup batteries.
Is Your Business Compliant?
Many businesses unknowingly fall short of compliance. Some common violations include:
- Blocked fire exits due to storage or poor layout.
- Burnt-out or non-functioning exit signs that are not tested regularly.
- Inadequate emergency lighting that does not meet the 90-minute illumination standard.
- Doors locked from the inside, preventing easy egress.
Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties, insurance issues, and legal liabilities, particularly if an incident occurs. Building owners and business operators are responsible for maintaining safe exit pathways and ensuring all emergency lighting functions properly.
If you’re unsure about your emergency exit compliance, it’s time for an inspection.
How Ronika Can Help
At Ronika, we specialise in fire exit sign and emergency lighting installation, testing, and maintenance to ensure your business remains compliant and safe. Our expert electricians provide:
- Installation of AS2293-compliant exit signs and emergency lights.
- Regular compliance testing.
- Emergency lighting system upgrades and repairs.
- Comprehensive fire safety audits to identify risks before they become issues.
Stay Compliant, Stay Safe
Fire safety is more than just ticking a box for compliance—it’s about protecting people. In an emergency, every second counts. A blocked fire exit, a burnt-out emergency sign, or failed lighting could mean the difference between a safe evacuation and a tragedy.
Don’t wait for a crisis to find out your emergency exits and lighting aren’t up to code. Lives depend on it.
Contact Ronika today for a compliance check and make sure your workplace meets Australian safety standards.
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