What does AS 2293.2 require for emergency lighting inspections?

AS 2293.2 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings, Part 2: Inspection and maintenance) requires monthly simulation tests (mains failure simulation to confirm all fittings operate on battery), six-monthly discharge tests (90-minute battery duration test for individual units), and annual comprehensive inspections including full duration tests and illumination level measurements. The standard also requires a logbook of all inspections, tests, faults and repairs to be maintained and available for inspection.

Who can perform emergency lighting inspections in Australia?

Emergency lighting inspections should be performed by a competent person with knowledge of AS 2293.2 requirements. In many states and territories, the six-monthly and annual testing must be performed by a licensed electrician or a fire protection practitioner accredited under the relevant state fire safety legislation. Monthly visual inspections may be performed by trained building maintenance staff. Check your state or territory requirements for specific licensing mandates.

How often should emergency lighting batteries be tested?

Emergency lighting batteries should be tested monthly (brief simulation test to confirm operation), six-monthly (full rated-duration discharge test, typically 90 minutes) and annually (comprehensive test with illumination measurements). Batteries that fail a discharge test must be replaced promptly. Most emergency lighting batteries have a design life of 4 to 5 years and should be replaced proactively before they reach end of life.

What is the difference between AS 2293.1 and AS 2293.2?

AS 2293.1 covers the design, installation and commissioning requirements for emergency escape lighting and exit signs, including illumination levels, spacing, exit sign types and escape route coverage. AS 2293.2 covers the ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of those installed systems. AS 2293.1 tells you what to install and where. AS 2293.2 tells you how to keep it working reliably over its lifetime. Both are referenced in the National Construction Code (BCA/NCC).

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Free emergency lighting inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers exit signs, emergency luminaires, battery tests and AS 2293 compliance. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-04-20

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 20 April 2026

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What is a emergency lighting inspection checklist?

An emergency lighting inspection checklist is a structured document used to verify that emergency lighting and exit sign systems in a building are maintained in reliable working condition and comply with AS 2293.2 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings, Part 2: Inspection and maintenance). Emergency lighting systems are essential life safety systems that provide illumination along escape routes and at exits when the normal power supply fails, enabling safe evacuation during emergencies.

This checklist covers visual inspection of emergency luminaires (condition, mounting, cleanliness, lamp operation), exit signs (visibility, illumination, correct directional arrows, pictogram compliance), battery systems (central battery or individual unit batteries), functional discharge testing (simulated mains failure tests), duration testing (full rated-duration tests, typically 90 minutes), and record-keeping requirements. In Australia, the Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC) mandates emergency lighting in most commercial, industrial and public buildings. AS 2293.2 specifies the inspection and testing frequencies and methods. Building owners and facility managers are legally required to maintain emergency lighting systems and keep inspection records available for the authority having jurisdiction. A standardised checklist ensures consistent inspections aligned with AS 2293.2 requirements.

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Benefits of using this emergency lighting inspection checklist

AS 2293.2 compliance: document inspections and tests at the frequencies specified in the standard (monthly, six-monthly, annually) with auditable records.
Life safety assurance: systematic inspections confirm emergency luminaires and exit signs will function during a power failure, protecting building occupants.
Battery reliability: scheduled discharge and duration tests identify failing batteries before they leave escape routes unlit during an actual emergency.
BCA/NCC compliance: documented maintenance records demonstrate the building owner has met their obligations under the National Construction Code.
Insurance and audit readiness: completed inspection checklists satisfy insurer requirements and provide evidence during fire safety audits and building inspections.
Reduced liability: regular documented testing demonstrates duty of care and reduces the risk of negligence claims following an emergency.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise emergency lighting checklists in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Schedule fire extinguisher, hydrant and alarm inspections with automatic reminders.
Track emergency evacuation drill records and corrective actions per site.
Maintain a digital fire safety register that satisfies insurer and regulator audits.

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What to include in a emergency lighting inspection checklist

This emergency lighting inspection checklist covers 10 key areas:

Building details: building name, address, floor or zone, number of emergency luminaires, number of exit signs.
Inspector details: name, licence or qualification number, company, inspection date, inspection type (monthly/six-monthly/annual).
Emergency luminaires: visual condition, mounting security, cleanliness, lamp operation on battery, illumination level on escape route.
Exit signs: visibility from required distance, illumination (internally lit or photoluminescent), correct pictogram (running man to AS 2293.1), directional arrows correct for the escape route.
Battery system: battery type (central or individual), battery condition, charge indicator, electrolyte level (if applicable), battery age and replacement date.
Monthly simulation test: simulate mains failure, confirm all emergency luminaires and exit signs switch to battery, record any failures.
Six-monthly discharge test: 90-minute discharge test for individual battery units or as specified for central battery systems, record results per fitting.
Annual duration test: full rated-duration test (typically 90 minutes), measure illumination levels on escape routes against AS 2293.1 requirements.
Defect register: fitting ID or location, defect description, corrective action, target completion date, responsible person.
Sign-off: inspector and building owner or facility manager.

How to use this emergency lighting inspection checklist

Record building and inspection details: note the building name floor or zone inspection date and type (monthly six-monthly or annual) plus the inspector name and qualifications
Visually inspect all emergency luminaires and exit signs: walk the escape routes and check every emergency luminaire for condition mounting cleanliness and lamp function then check every exit sign for visibility correct pictogram directional arrows and illumination
Perform the simulation or discharge test: for monthly tests simulate mains failure and confirm all fittings switch to battery for six-monthly tests conduct a 90-minute discharge test and record which fittings pass or fail
Inspect battery systems: check battery charge indicators condition and age for individual units or inspect the central battery system including charger electrolyte and ventilation
Record defects and corrective actions: log every failed or defective fitting in the defect register with its location and the required corrective action assign a responsible person and target date
Sign off and file the record: sign and date the completed checklist file it with the building emergency lighting logbook and ensure records are available for the authority having jurisdiction

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How often should you complete this checklist?

AS 2293.2 specifies three inspection tiers for emergency lighting systems. Monthly: a brief visual inspection and simulation test where mains power is interrupted to confirm all emergency luminaires and exit signs switch to battery operation. Six-monthly: a discharge test where battery-operated fittings are run on battery for their rated duration (typically 90 minutes) to confirm battery capacity. Annually: a comprehensive inspection covering all components, a full duration test, and illumination level measurements on escape routes against AS 2293.1 requirements.

Some jurisdictions and fire safety regulations may require more frequent inspections. The building essential safety measures (ESM) or annual fire safety statement may also dictate inspection schedules. In MapTrack you can schedule each inspection tier per building or zone and receive alerts when tests are due ensuring no fitting is missed and records are always current.

Frequently asked questions

What does AS 2293.2 require for emergency lighting inspections?: AS 2293.2 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings, Part 2: Inspection and maintenance) requires monthly simulation tests (mains failure simulation to confirm all fittings operate on battery), six-monthly discharge tests (90-minute battery duration test for individual units), and annual comprehensive inspections including full duration tests and illumination level measurements. The standard also requires a logbook of all inspections, tests, faults and repairs to be maintained and available for inspection.
Who can perform emergency lighting inspections in Australia?: Emergency lighting inspections should be performed by a competent person with knowledge of AS 2293.2 requirements. In many states and territories, the six-monthly and annual testing must be performed by a licensed electrician or a fire protection practitioner accredited under the relevant state fire safety legislation. Monthly visual inspections may be performed by trained building maintenance staff. Check your state or territory requirements for specific licensing mandates.
How often should emergency lighting batteries be tested?: Emergency lighting batteries should be tested monthly (brief simulation test to confirm operation), six-monthly (full rated-duration discharge test, typically 90 minutes) and annually (comprehensive test with illumination measurements). Batteries that fail a discharge test must be replaced promptly. Most emergency lighting batteries have a design life of 4 to 5 years and should be replaced proactively before they reach end of life.
What is the difference between AS 2293.1 and AS 2293.2?: AS 2293.1 covers the design, installation and commissioning requirements for emergency escape lighting and exit signs, including illumination levels, spacing, exit sign types and escape route coverage. AS 2293.2 covers the ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of those installed systems. AS 2293.1 tells you what to install and where. AS 2293.2 tells you how to keep it working reliably over its lifetime. Both are referenced in the National Construction Code (BCA/NCC).

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