When the lights go out and a building fills with smoke, clear emergency and exit signs are the difference between a safe evacuation and a tragedy. Australian workplaces must meet AS2293 — the standard covering Emergency Escape Lighting and Exit Signs — and the National Construction Code. This guide breaks down what every business needs to know.
What AS2293 Requires
AS2293 is published in three parts, but the parts most relevant to building owners and facility managers are:
- AS2293.1: System design, installation and operation
- AS2293.2: Inspection and maintenance
- AS2293.3: Emergency luminaires and exit signs (the product standard)
In practical terms, workplaces need illuminated or photoluminescent exit signs at every required exit, plus emergency lighting to keep escape paths visible for at least 90 minutes during a mains power failure.
Types of Emergency and Exit Signs
Illuminated Exit Signs
LED-powered signs with integrated battery backup. Connected to mains and switch automatically to battery on power failure. Standard across commercial buildings, offices, retail and hospitality. Must be tested monthly and load-tested every six months.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Charge under normal lighting and glow in the dark without electricity. No wiring, no batteries, no maintenance. Ideal for car parks, stairwells, warehouses and low-risk areas where mains-powered signs are impractical or costly.
Running Man Pictogram
The green "running man" pictogram has been the Australian and international standard since 2006. It replaces older text-only "Exit" signs and is understood regardless of language — critical for workplaces with diverse workforces and international visitors.
Directional Exit Signs
Running man with directional arrow — left, right, up or down. Used at corridor junctions, stairwell entries and anywhere the direction to the nearest exit isn't immediately obvious.
Placement Rules Under AS2293
- Every required exit: An exit sign must be provided at or above every required exit door.
- Direction indication: Directional signs must be installed wherever the path of travel is not directly visible to the exit.
- Maximum viewing distance: Signs are sized according to the "viewing distance" — generally 12, 18 or 27 metres depending on pictogram size.
- Mounting height: Above the door or at corridor ceiling height, typically 2.0-2.4 m.
- Continuous visibility: From any point along the escape route, occupants must be able to see at least one exit sign at all times.
Testing and Maintenance
AS2293.2 sets out a maintenance schedule that building owners are legally required to follow:
- Monthly: Brief function test of each illuminated sign
- 6-monthly: Full 90-minute discharge test to verify battery endurance
- Annually: Complete system inspection and log entry by a competent person
- Record keeping: Maintain a log book of all tests, failures and replacements — critical evidence in the event of an incident or insurance claim
Photoluminescent signs require minimal maintenance — typically just visual inspection and occasional cleaning to maintain charge response.
Complementary Emergency Signs
Exit signs work alongside other green emergency signs under AS1319:
- Emergency assembly point signs — mark the external muster point for evacuation
- Emergency evacuation plan signs — floor plans showing exits, routes and assembly points
- Emergency equipment signs — location of fire extinguishers, defibrillators, eyewash stations
- Emergency stop and shutdown signs — machinery emergency stop locations
Upgrade Your Emergency Signage
Browse AS2293-compliant exit signs, photoluminescent signage and emergency evacuation signs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance only. AS2293 and related emergency lighting requirements may vary with building classification, state and territory regulations, and the National Construction Code. Always consult a licensed electrician, building surveyor or your local regulatory authority for your specific circumstances.
