Emergency exit lighting is a crucial part of any building's safety system. In the event of a fire, power outage, or other emergency, these lights guide occupants to safety, even when the mains power fails. But did you know that your emergency lighting setup might be eligible for less frequent inspections, saving you both time and money?
What Is Emergency Exit Lighting?
Emergency exit lighting provides automatic illumination in escape routes like hallways, stairwells, and exit doors during a power failure. These systems include:
• Illuminated exit signs
• Emergency luminaires (lights)
• Backup power sources (batteries or central units)
They are not optional. Emergency exit lighting is a legal requirement for many New Zealand buildings, enforced under the NZ Building Code to ensure safe evacuation in emergencies.
Here's What Many Building Owners Don't Realise
Did you know that if your system has been upgraded to a single point system where each emergency light has its own backup battery, you are only required to complete 6 monthly inspections of the lights?
If your routine inspection frequency is still monthly, it’s very likely your compliance company has not updated your compliance schedule to reflect the upgrade. Fire Security Services can update your compliance schedule with a Form 11 issued to your local territorial authority/council and decrease your routine inspection frequency -saving you time and money!
This is a quick win for building owners and facility managers who want to stay compliant while reducing unnecessary site visits and inspection costs.
Stay Compliant and Prepared
Regardless of the type of system in place, emergency lighting must be regularly tested to ensure it works when needed. A failure during an emergency could lead to serious safety risks and non-compliance penalties. Standard testing includes:
• Functional tests (monthly or six-monthly, depending on your system)
• Full-duration battery tests (annually)
• Repairs or replacements of failed lights
Why Work with Fire Security Services?
We don’t just check the lights - we make sure your compliance schedule reflects the actual system you have in place.
If your building has moved to a modern, efficient emergency lighting system, we’ll help you take advantage of reduced inspection requirements, with all the proper documentation and Form 11 submission taken care of.
Can You Just Check the Emergency Lights Yourself?
A building’s compliance schedule sets out the inspection, maintenance, and reporting (IMR) procedures for each specified system. For emergency lighting, it typically requires inspection by an Independent Qualified Person (IQP). While some passive systems allow for owner inspections (usually daily visual checks), emergency exit lighting is not one of them due to the technical nature of this system and its role in life safety.
Ready to Review Your Emergency Lighting Setup?
Don’t miss the opportunity to simplify your compliance process. If you’re unsure whether your building qualifies for six-monthly inspections or if your compliance schedule needs updating, we can help.
Learn more about Emergency Exit Lighting
Or contact our team to book a review or inspection.