In the event of a fire, power outage or emergency evacuation, each and every second counts. That’s why emergency exit and safety lighting is more than just nice to have, it’s a legal and lifesaving requirement for commercial properties across Western Australia.
If you own, manage or lease a commercial space, understanding your compliance obligations in regard to emergency exit and safety lighting is critical. At Gorey Electrical, we help businesses stay safe, up to standard and confidently compliant with the relevant workplace safety regulations in Western Australia.
Why Emergency Lighting Is Critical In Commercial Environments
Emergency and exit lighting plays an important role in guiding occupants safely out of a building during an emergency. In smoke-filled or pitch-black conditions, clearly illuminated pathways and exit signs are often the only thing preventing panic, injury or in the worst cases, the loss of life.
In commercial settings such as warehouses, shops, offices or hospitality venues, the risk of injury from limited visibility is multiplied, due to the potential number of occupants in the space. Exit and emergency lighting ensures escape routes are visible and accessible, even when power is lost.
In Western Australia, this isn’t optional. Emergency lighting systems are a legal requirement under national fire safety standards and state-based workplace safety regulations. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal, financial and reputational consequences.
The Legal Requirements For Emergency Exit Lighting
Understanding the relevant rules and regulations around emergency lighting helps to ensure you remain compliant, safeguard the lives of your people and protect your business. In Western Australia, commercial building compliance is governed by a robust set of safety codes designed to ensure exit routes are clearly illuminated in the case of an emergency. Whether you own a commercial property, work as a property manager or are a tenant, it’s your responsibility to stay up to date with the latest safety standards.
Understanding Western Australia’s Compliance Framework
In WA, emergency and exit lighting systems must comply with a range of interrelated codes and safety standards:
- The National Construction Code (NCC), previously known as the Building Code of Australia, outlines the general legal framework.
- The AS / NZS 2293 series (Parts 1, 2 and 3) provide detailed technical standards for emergency lighting system design, installation, maintenance and performance.
- The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 reinforces the duty of care to provide a safe working environment, which includes safe egress in emergencies.
- WorkSafe WAÂ also enforces general compliance under workplace safety regulations.
Together, these regulations and codes mandate that all commercial buildings, and any premises accessible to the public, must have an effective emergency lighting and signage system in place.
Where Emergency Lighting Must Be Installed
Emergency lighting isn’t just for large venues. It is a requirement in all commercial premises where safe exit could be compromised during a power failure. Key locations include:
- Exit doors and escape paths
- Stairways and corridors
- Fire-fighting equipment zones (e.g. extinguishers, hose reels)
- Lifts and escalator areas (if used in emergencies)
- Assembly areas and open space
In addition, illuminated exit signs must be installed above designated exits and must remain visible at all times, even during power loss, by operating on a backup battery system.
Who Is Responsible For Compliance?
In many commercial properties, compliance responsibilities are shared. Typically, building owners are responsible for the infrastructure, while tenants ensure emergency systems are maintained and functioning throughout their occupancy.
If you’re leasing a commercial facility, your lease agreement may specify who is responsible for testing and maintenance. Regardless of how the arrangement is set up, both parties are liable if emergency lighting fails during an incident. That’s why clear roles, regular inspections and accurate recordkeeping are essential.
How To Properly Maintain Your Exit & Safety Lights
Even the best emergency lighting systems won’t perform in a crisis if not well maintained. This highlights the importance of regular testing, inspections and servicing. Emergency lights and illuminated exit signs rely on functional batteries and clear visibility to meet fire safety standards. Skipping maintenance not only places your people at risk, but it can also result in regulatory penalties. Here’s how you can stay compliant through proper upkeep and scheduled maintenance.
Mandatory Testing & Inspection Requirements
Per AS / NZS 2293.2, all emergency and exit lighting systems in Western Australia must be tested every six months by a qualified professional. This testing includes:
- A 90 minute discharge test to simulate power failure
- Battery and lamp performance checks
- Visual inspection for physical damage or obstruction
- Functionality of exit signage
A detailed logbook must be kept on-site, recording each test and any corrective actions taken. This log may be requested by auditors, insurance providers or regulatory bodies such as WorkSafe WA.
Common Maintenance Oversights
Many businesses fall into the trap of assuming their exit lighting is working, until it isn’t. Some common oversights to avoid include:
- Batteries failing due to age
- Exit signs losing brightness or visibility
- Obstructed or missing signs following renovations
- Fixtures damaged by wear or weather
Without regular testing, these faults can go unnoticed until an emergency situation arises, when it’s far too late. Preventative maintenance is recommended to ensure you remain compliant and ethically responsible.
The Role of Licensed Electricians in Maintenance
Only a licensed electrical contractor can legally carry out emergency lighting inspections and repairs in Western Australia. Engaging qualified professionals, like the team at Gorey Electrical Service, ensures that:
- Your system is tested in accordance with AS / NZS 2293
- Your logbook is accurately maintained
- Any faults are promptly identified and fixed
Outsourcing to a qualified team also reduces liability and ensures your compliance efforts are backed by industry expertise.
Common Compliance Mistakes Businesses Make
Despite good intentions, many businesses fall short of compliance with the relevant emergency exit and safety lighting regulations. Oversights in installations, maintenance and documentation are more common than you might think, particularly when responsibilities between landlords and tenants are unclear. These mistakes affect safety, expose your business to potential fines, insurance issues or legal liability.
Failure To Maintain or Test Regularly
Failing to conduct testing biannually, or neglecting to document testing, is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes made by businesses in WA. Without proof of maintenance, you may be in breach of regulations, even if the system appears to be functioning as intended.
Improper Installation or Upgrades
Installing generic lighting or unpowered signs that don’t meet AS / NZS 2293 standards will not pass inspection. Likewise, DIY installations or using unlicensed contractors can void insurance and lead to fines.
Incorrect Assumptions About Responsibility
Tenants often assume building owners handle compliance, while landlords assume the opposite. This confusion frequently results in neglected systems. Always clarify responsibilities in lease agreements and ensure both parties understand their legal obligations.
Changes To Exit Paths Without Updating Lighting
Office fit-outs, renovations or changes to the layout of rooms can affect exit routes. If emergency lighting isn’t updated accordingly, occupants could be left without guidance in an emergency. Lighting design should be reassessed any time the building layout changes.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance is a tangible risk to life, property and your business’s future. If your emergency lighting system fails during a crisis, the consequences can be devastating. Injuries, property damage and reputational harm are just the beginning. In Western Australia, regulatory bodies take safety breaches extremely seriously, and penalties for non-compliance can be severe.
Safety Consequences in An Emergency
When lighting fails in an emergency, it causes panic. Poor visibility increases the risk of falls, injuries or being trapped. In a smoke filled environment, clearly illuminated exit signage can make all the difference between safety and tragedy.
Legal & Financial Penalties
Non-compliance with fire safety standards or workplace safety regulations can result in:
- Fines from WorkSafe WA
- Rejection of insurance claims
- Liability lawsuits following an incident
- Business closure orders in severe cases
Protecting lives and livelihoods starts with adequate compliance.
Partnering With A Licensed Electrician For Compliance
Compliance should be thought of as an ongoing responsibility, not just a one-time exercise. To ensure your emergency and exit lighting systems meet all requirements, you need the support of a licensed, experienced electrical contractor. At Gorey Electrical, we help WA businesses eliminate guesswork and maintain confidence in their compliance strategy. Here’s why working with professionals is not only essential, but also more efficient in the long run.
Why DIY or Ad-Hoc Fixes Aren’t Enough
Emergency lighting systems are governed by complex codes. Using untested backup systems, retail-grade lights or incomplete signage doesn’t meet the required legal standards. Only a licensed electrician can deliver certified testing, professional lighting installation and reliable documentation.
How Gorey Electrical Supports WA Businesses
With over 50 years of providing electrical services across the southern suburbs of Perth, Gorey Electrical helps local businesses stay safe and compliant. We offer:
- Scheduled testing and maintenance services
- Emergency lighting design and installation
- Compliance audits and reporting
- Logbook management
- A range of industry-standard commercial electrical services
Whether you’re operating an office, industrial site, retail store or hospitality venue, we provide prompt, professional and compliant electrical solutions.
Ensure Your Business is Safe & Compliant
If it’s been more than six months since your last emergency lighting test, or you’re unsure whether your system meets the current standards, it’s time to take action. Gorey Electrical Service is your trusted compliance partner for safety systems, emergency exit lighting and electrical inspections across Perth’s southern suburbs. From testing and reporting to upgrades and installations, we ensure your business meets its obligations under WA law.
To discuss your requirements or schedule an inspection, get in touch with our friendly service team today.
