AS2293 Explained

Exit Sign Mounting Height

Ensuring the proper installation of emergency lighting is crucial for the safety and compliance of any building. One critical aspect is the correct mounting height for exit signs, as outlined in Australian Standard AS 2293.1. This post guides facility managers, maintenance staff, and fire contractors through the essential requirements and best practices for mounting exit signs.

AS/NZS 2293.1 Mounting Height Guidelines

AS/NZS 2293.1, Section 5.8.1 specifies that:

Exit signs shall be mounted not less than 2m and not more than 2.7m above floor level, or immediately above the doorway if the doorway is higher than 2.7m, unless variations to these heights are specifically permitted by the relevant regulatory authority.

This requirement ensures that exit signs are clearly visible along exit routes, making exit doors easy to locate and identify.

The mounting height of exit signs significantly impacts their visibility and effectiveness during an evacuation. Proper placement ensures that signs are within the field of view of occupants, facilitating quick and efficient evacuations. Incorrect mounting can lead to reduced visibility, potentially causing confusion and delays during emergencies, and leaving your building in a state of non-compliance.

Considerations for Adjustments

In some situations, adhering strictly to the standard mounting height may not be practical or even possible. Factors such as building layout, ceiling height, and the presence of obstacles may require adjustments. It is always important to check with the local council to see what can be arranged. In such cases, it’s essential to consider:

Increased Sign Size: If signs need to be mounted outside the standard height range, consider using larger signs to ensure they remain visible.
Field of View: Ensure exit signs remain in the line of sight of occupants along the evacuation path, even if mounted above or below the standard height.

Legal Implications and Repercussions

Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation is not just best practice — it's a legal requirement.

In Victoria and Western Australia, breaches of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) laws are treated as indictable offenses. Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties and fines, which can vary depending on the number of affected lights and the severity of the breach.

Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, including:

Indictable Offenses: Breaches can be prosecuted as serious criminal offenses, leading to severe legal consequences for building owners and managers.
Hefty Penalties: Fines can be substantial, potentially running into millions of dollars, depending on the number of non-compliant lights and the degree of negligence.
Liability in Emergencies: In the event of an emergency, non-compliant exit lighting can result in delayed evacuations, increased risk of injury, and potential liability for any harm caused to occupants.

Ensuring that exit signs are mounted at the correct height is crucial not only for the safety of building occupants but also for maintaining legal compliance and avoiding these severe repercussions.

Elumen

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