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Emergency Lighting

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In cases of emergencies that require occupants to evacuate facilities safely, exit and emergency lighting is a vital part of the life safety systems. We offer comprehensive site risk assessments and provide and recommend the correct locations for your lights. Furthermore, we update and implement your building’s evacuation plan and carry out the required six-month testing regimes. Note that Australia has an exhaustive/in-depth mandatory testing requirements in terms of emergency lighting systems.

Introduction

Emergency lighting refers to a lighting system that is provides illumination during emergencies or power outages. Emergency escape luminaires must be located within two metres of the approach side of each room access that demands an exit sign. Consequently, lights during emergencies play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of individuals in various settings. These may include buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems. Emergency and evacuation signs must have battery backup light fittings to anticipate power failures. Here are some key points to remember:

Purpose: The primary purpose of emergency lighting is to provide sufficient illumination when the regular power supply fails. It helps people to safely evacuate a building, navigate through dark areas, and locate emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other essential safety equipment.
Legal Requirements: Many countries and jurisdictions have specific regulations and standards governing these installations. These requirements may cover aspects such as minimum illumination levels, testing and maintenance procedures, placement of exit signs, and the use of photoluminescent materials. In Australia, for example, if you own a building open to the public, you must comply with the following standards that define requirements and guidelines for emergency lightings in buildings:- AS / NZS 2293.1:2018 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings – System design, installation and operation
– AS / NZS 2293.2:2019 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings – Routine service and maintenance
– AS / NZS 2293.3:2018 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings – Emergency luminaries and exit signs3. Testing and Maintenance: Regular testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems are essential to ensure their reliability. This includes periodic checks of battery performance, functionality of lights and exit signs, and proper operation of control systems. Routine inspections and record-keeping are typically a must to comply with relevant regulations.

Types of Emergency Lighting:

Escape Route Lighting: This type of lighting ensures clear visibility along escape routes, corridors, stairways, and aisles, enabling people to find their way out of a building quickly.
Open Area Lighting: It provides general illumination in open spaces, such as lobbies, assembly areas, and large rooms, allowing people to move safely and efficiently.
Standby Lighting: Standby lighting provides localized illumination for critical areas, such as control rooms, medical facilities, and emergency response centers. It ensures essential operations can continue during power disruptions.
High-Risk Task Area Lighting: This type of lighting is applicable in areas where specific tasks, such as machinery operation or hazardous material handling, need to be performed safely during an emergency.

Components of Emergency Lighting Systems:

Emergency Lights: These are self-contained lighting units that include batteries, light sources, and control circuits. They automatically activate when the main power supply fails.
Exit Signs: These signs are equipped with illuminated letters or pictograms that indicate the direction of emergency exits. They often incorporate backup batteries to ensure visibility during power outages.
Central Battery Systems: In larger installations, a central battery system may be used. It consists of a central control panel, batteries, and a network of emergency lights connected through dedicated circuits.

Conclusion

Emergency lighting is a critical component of emergency preparedness in various settings. By providing reliable illumination during power outages or emergencies, it enhances the safety and well-being of people, enabling them to respond effectively and evacuate if necessary. Hiring the services of professionals is one of the most common solutions to making sure you are protecting the well-being of individuals. Ask for a full electrical safety inspection report so you have access to the condition of the electrical systems in your home or office.

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