How often should emergency and exit lighting be tested?

What is the difference between exit signs and emergency lights?

Exit signage helps identify the way out. Emergency lighting helps people move along the escape route when the normal supply fails. WorkSafe Queensland explains that emergency lighting and evacuation signage need backup capability.

For a property manager, the practical point is that everyday appearance and emergency performance are different checks. A fitting may look normal while a battery or another component needs attention. Equally, visible damage should be reported rather than left until a scheduled test.

Sources: WorkSafe Queensland — workplace lighting

Which standard and test duration apply?

Do not assume that the newest published standard automatically governs every existing building. Queensland Development Code MP 6.1 names particular maintenance standards in its acceptable solution, and an approved alternative or performance solution may set different requirements.

Testing needs to check backup operation for the duration required by the applicable system and building requirements. A universal test-duration claim is not a substitute for confirming those requirements. Ask the provider to explain the planned test and allow for access, preparation, inspection and recording as well as the discharge period.

Sources: Queensland Development Code MP 6.1 — maintenance of fire safety installations · QFD — occupation and maintenance of performance solutions

How can you prepare for a service visit?

A little coordination helps avoid missed fittings and repeat visits. Before arranging testing, identify the person responsible for the site and gather the most recent records. If there are several tenants, make sure access to each relevant area is considered.

• Provide the equipment register or a list of known fittings and locations.
• Share previous inspection results, defects and completed repair records.
• Identify locked areas, restricted access and required escorts.
• Discuss operating hours, occupants and any potential disruption with the provider.
• Tell the technician about changed layouts, damaged signs or recent electrical work.

What happens if a fitting fails?

A failed fitting needs a clear next step: identify its location, understand the defect, discuss the corrective work and record the outcome. Ask whether repairs are included in the visit or require a separate approval. An inspection record is not proof that every reported defect has been rectified.

QFD permits electronic logbooks for this maintenance. Whatever the format, make the records accessible to the people managing the building and preserve continuity when the managing agent or contractor changes.

Sources: QFD — Fire Safety Management Tool and Advisory Notes (items 15–18)

What can site staff check between inspections?

Report visibly damaged fittings, missing covers, unreadable signs or signage hidden by stock and displays. Keep escape routes clear and let the maintenance contact know about layout changes. These observations support the service programme; they do not replace qualified testing.

Do not isolate circuits, open fittings or change batteries as a DIY maintenance exercise. Use personnel appropriately licensed or qualified for the work involved; electrical repair and replacement have their own licensing requirements.

Sources: QFD — Fire Safety Management Tool and Advisory Notes (items 15–18) · Electrical Safety Office — don’t DIY electrical work

How do you plan the next inspection?

Start with the last completed inspection and the site’s maintenance requirements, then agree the next visit and access arrangements. Record who will monitor due dates and who can authorise corrective work. If the history is missing, ask for a review rather than inventing a new date from the label alone.

Where a property also needs fire-equipment or electrical maintenance, discuss coordinating visits. The goal is a workable programme for the actual building, not simply another reminder in the calendar.