In Australia, commercial buildings must possess fire safety fixtures. These fixtures must show a clear escape route for patrons inside these buildings. The statute is defined under the Australian Building Code, Section E, Part E4. These requirements apply to Emergency Exit Lights and their proper placement inside the buildings.

Building Codes and Regulations for Emergency Exits

Under these regulations, all commercial property owners must install at least one exit sign for all class 6 buildings. However, if the property measures over one-hundred meters square, the property owner may be required to install additional exit signs throughout the building. These signs must be visible at all time for the patrons and at a correct height to ensure visibility from all angles of the establishment.

Where Should They Be Installed?

Exit Signs should be installed at the beginning of all paths that lead to exterior spaces such as fire escapes and entryways of the building. If the property has multiple levels, the exit signs must be installed at a visible distance from the path leading to the exterior. It should show the patrons where to turn to read stairways that lead outside. According to the legal requirements, the owner must install at least one sign per floor to maintain fire safety compliance.

Why are Emergency Exits Important?

The emergency exit signs present the patrons with access to escape routes. These signs should flow along the fire safety escape plan. They should work correctly to designate the correct path. The commercial property owner must ensure that the signs are positioned at least every three hundred feet. They should be high enough to see from a distance. They should be well illuminated and operate through alternative power sources. This could prevent the signs from failing to light the path during a real fire emergency.


What Are Maintenance Services Required for These Fixtures?

The commercial property owner must review the exit signs to determine if they are working correctly. They should conduct tests to ensure that they won’t fail during an emergency. The owner should have them tested for electrical shorts and hazards that could prevent them from remaining illuminated. They should also repair any damage that could occur due to uncontrollable circumstances. They need to hire an electrical contractor to test the lights properly. Contact FCF Fire and Electrical for a free quote to carry out this work.

What is Photoluminescent Technology?

Photoluminescent technology allows the exit lights to remain illuminated without the use of power. They could prove more useful for some commercial businesses. They reduce the cost of maintaining fire safety standards inside the property. They could prove more useful in emergency circumstances as they won’t shut down with the electricity. Occupants of the building could escape a fire more effectively with these installations.


Are There Additional Spaces Where Signs are Needed?

The owner must install the signs in enclosed stairways and passageways. They need exit signs around exterior stairways that enable patrons how to leave the building quickly. They also need signs around balconies in which an immediate exit isn’t possible. The signs show patrons how to reach the exterior spaces if a fire occurs. They should be placed on any door that leads to the exterior of the property. They are needed in these areas especially if there aren’t any other informative signs directing patrons in these areas.

Exit Lights are required in all commercial buildings that are considered class 6 properties. The owner must include at least one sign for a one-story building that is less than one hundred meters square. They need additional signs if the property has multiple floors or exceeds the standard dimensions. Commercial property owners who need assistance in becoming fire safety compliant should contact FCF Fire and Electrical today.