If the lights went out in your workplace right now, would your exit signs and emergency lights actually work—or just glow faintly for a few minutes and die? Most business owners, principals and site managers don't find out until there's a power outage, an inspection… or an incident. That's why regular emergency and exit light testing is not just a box to tick—it's a critical part of your legal duty of care.
In this guide, we'll explain in plain English:
Emergency and exit lights are there for one moment: when normal power fails. They're designed to illuminate escape paths, highlight exits and stairwells, and run on backup power long enough for a safe evacuation. If they fail during an outage, injuries and panic become far more likely.
In Australia, emergency and exit lighting systems must be inspected and tested regularly. For NSW workplaces, this means:
Every 6 Months
Visual checks and operational testing
Every 6 Months
90-minute battery endurance test
As Needed
Failed units must be fixed or replaced immediately and re-tested
Emergency and exit lights must be tested at least every 6 months.
This schedule aligns with common industry practice and supports SafeWork NSW's requirement to ensure workplaces maintain "sufficient, reliable and effective lighting" to keep people safe during normal operation and emergencies.
SafeWork NSW highlights lighting as a key hazard area, noting that businesses must provide adequate, reliable and well-maintained lighting so workers can move safely, avoid hazards and navigate in an emergency.
While SafeWork NSW focuses on general workplace lighting, the same principles directly apply to emergency and exit lighting. If the main lights fail, your backup lighting and exit signage must be ready — which is why 6-monthly testing and proper logbook records are essential.
A link to the official guidance will be added in your Resource Library:
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/lightingRegular testing connects directly to WHS obligations, fire safety requirements, insurance conditions and duty of care. Missing tests can impact insurance claims, create liability risks and raise issues during audits or investigations.
A Liberty Test & Tag technician performs:
Identifying all lights, checking placement and damage
Conducting the 90-minute discharge test
Identifying and retesting failed fittings
Providing clear evidence of compliance
This documentation is crucial for audits, insurance and WHS record keeping.
Across Sydney, Western Sydney, Canberra and broader NSW regions, common issues include:
Batteries failing before 90 minutes
Fittings that don't switch to battery
Blocked or hidden exit signs
Damaged or outdated units
Missing or incomplete logbooks
The simplest way is to:
Set up recurring appointments to ensure you never miss a testing deadline
Combine exit lights, extinguishers, RCD testing, and Test & Tag into one visit
Work with technicians who understand your environment and compliance needs
If you're unsure when your emergency and exit lights were last tested, or if your logbook is empty, it's time to act.
Liberty Test & Tag helps workplaces across Sydney, Western Sydney, Canberra and regional NSW stay safe, audit-ready and compliant.
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