Exit Light Testing: A Complete Guide to Compliance and Safety for Aquatic and Leisure Facilities

In any public or commercial facility, especially aquatic centres and leisure facilities, exit and emergency lighting systems are a lifeline during emergencies. At Rest Assurance, we specialise in exit light testing across Melbourne, Victoria, and Adelaide, ensuring your facility is fully compliant with Australian Standards and ready to guide occupants safely in any crisis.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about exit light testing, including what it involves, legal requirements, how it’s performed, common issues, and why Rest Assurance is the trusted provider for aquatic and leisure facilities.

What Is Exit Light Testing?

Exit lights, often referred to as emergency lighting, are crucial safety installations designed to illuminate exit paths and guide occupants to safety during power outages, fires, or other emergencies.

Exit light testing ensures that these systems:

• Illuminate correctly during an emergency.
• Remain operational for the required discharge duration (usually 90 minutes or more).
• Comply with the legal and safety standards, primarily AS/NZS 2293:2018.

Failure of exit and emergency lighting during a crisis can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including injury, panic, and fatalities. That’s why Australian law mandates rigorous testing and maintenance of these systems.

Why Exit Light Testing Is Critical for Aquatic and Leisure Facilities

Aquatic centres and leisure facilities are high-traffic environments, often hosting children, families, and vulnerable individuals. Unique challenges include:

• Slippery Surfaces: Quick, safe evacuation is vital where floors are often wet.
• Complex Layouts: Facilities with pools, saunas, and large recreation areas require clearly marked exits.
• High Occupancy: Busy peak periods increase the risk during emergencies.

Comprehensive exit light testing reduces these risks, ensuring that even in complete darkness, every individual can exit safely.

Legal and Compliance Requirements: AS/NZS 2293 Explained

The AS/NZS 2293:2018 standard sets the benchmark for the design, installation, maintenance, and testing of emergency lighting and exit signs in Australia. Key compliance points include:

• Regular Testing: A 90-minute discharge test must be performed at six-month intervals.
• Logbook Requirements: Each facility must maintain an up-to-date logbook of test results, rectifications, and maintenance.
• Immediate Rectifications: Any faulty exit lights must be promptly repaired or replaced.

In addition to AS/NZS 2293, compliance must be maintained with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws, which place the onus on the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)—typically facility managers or owners.

How Exit Light Testing Is Performed

Rest Assurance follows a proven process to ensure thorough testing and full compliance:

1. Visual Inspection:
   • Check for damage, dirt, or obstructions.
   • Verify that signage remains legible and properly oriented.
2. Discharge Test:
   • Simulate a mains power failure.
   • Confirm that all exit and emergency lights remain illuminated for the full 90-minute duration.
3. Functionality Check:
   • Inspect charging systems and indicators to confirm proper operation post-test.
4. Logbook Update:
   • Record all findings, including PASS/FAIL outcomes.
   • Note any corrective actions taken or required.
5. Tagging:
   • Apply a visible compliance tag with test dates and technician details.

Common Exit Light Failures & How We Resolve Them

Some typical issues uncovered during testing include:

• Dead Batteries: The most common failure, where backup batteries cannot sustain illumination for 90 minutes.
• Damaged Fixtures: Physical wear-and-tear or environmental damage, especially in humid poolside areas.
• Wiring Faults: Corrosion or loose connections causing failure during power cuts.
• Non-compliant Signage: Illegible signs or outdated designs not meeting current standards.

Our technicians don’t just test—we diagnose and help rectify issues swiftly to maintain continuous compliance and safety.

The Role of Testing and Tagging in Exit Light Safety

Although exit light testing is governed by AS/NZS 2293, it often complements broader electrical safety measures under AS/NZS 3760:2010, including:

• Testing and Tagging: Regular inspection and testing of portable appliances.
• Insulation Resistance Testing: Ensures wiring integrity.
• Earth Resistance Testing: Validates effective grounding.
• Leakage Current Testing: Detects dangerous current leaks.

A fully integrated approach keeps your facility safe on all electrical fronts.

Why Aquatic & Leisure Facilities Trust Rest Assurance

Rest Assurance specialises in aquatic and leisure environments—areas where standard electrical compliance providers may fall short due to unique challenges such as:

• Wet Environments: Increased risk of electrical faults and corrosion.
• High Public Traffic: Amplified need for operational reliability.
• Complex Facility Layouts: Require precise, expert navigation during testing.

We offer:

• Certified Expertise: All work carried out by accredited technicians.
• Advanced Equipment: We use cutting-edge testing gear for accuracy.
• Detailed Reporting: Transparent, audit-ready reports every time.
• Prompt Rectifications: We resolve non-compliances fast, minimising downtime.

How Often Should You Test Exit Lights?

To stay compliant:

• Six-Monthly: Mandatory 90-minute discharge tests.
• Annually: Full system inspection and maintenance.
• Post-Installation: Testing before commissioning any new system or after significant repairs.

FAQs About Exit Light Testing

Q: Do exit lights need to be on 24/7?
A: Yes, exit lights must remain illuminated whenever the premises are occupied.

Q: What happens if my exit lights fail a test?
A: Faulty units must be immediately repaired or replaced to restore compliance.

Q: Can I conduct exit light testing myself?
A: Only qualified personnel with the appropriate training and tools should perform testing.

Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance?
A: Penalties range from legal fines to closure orders, plus significant liability risks in the event of an incident.

Integrating Exit Light Testing into Your Compliance Program

Exit light testing is one piece of a holistic safety puzzle. Rest Assurance offers bundled services to ensure total compliance:

• RCD Testing: Vital in wet environments to prevent electrocution.
• Thermal Imaging: Early fault detection via infrared scanning.
• Microwave Testing: Ensures kitchen safety.
• Three Phase Testing: For larger, industrial-grade equipment.

This integrated approach maximises safety and simplifies compliance management.

Why Exit Light Testing Is Not a DIY Task

It’s tempting to see exit light testing as a simple check, but compliance and safety demand professional expertise:

• Legal Requirements: Tests must be documented and performed by trained personnel.
• Technical Precision: Verifying backup battery performance, charging systems, and control gear needs precision.
• Risk Management: A missed fault could cost lives and lead to severe legal repercussions.

Partnering with Rest Assurance eliminates guesswork and ensures watertight compliance.

Conclusion: Ensure Exit Light Compliance with Rest Assurance

Exit light testing is a legal requirement and a critical safety measure for aquatic and leisure facilities. Rest Assurance offers expert testing, fast rectifications, and transparent reporting to keep your facility safe and compliant, ensuring peace of mind for you and your patrons.

Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your next exit light compliance test.
Phone: +61 1300 801 596 | Email: [email protected]
Proudly serving Melbourne, Victoria, and Adelaide with trusted electrical safety compliance solutions.