Emergency Lighting Information | NECA

News & Views

15th June 2017

Emergency Lighting Information

NECA Queensland members have often contacted NECA to ask about “testing” of emergency lighting.

Some contractors’ clients insist that contractors need a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence to “test” emergency lighting as outlined in the link below:

http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Builders_Contractors/Fact%20Sheets/Scopes%20of%20Work/Emergency%20Lighting.pdf

This QBCC fact sheet can be very misleading as it suggests you do need this license to “test” as well as inspect and certify.

Phone calls NECA have made to the QBCC and Electrical Safety Office (ESO) confirm members only need an electrical mechanics license to “test” emergency lighting to AS3000. This is mentioned in the link above under Technical Qualification (b) (111) but it is far from clear as to whether the mechanics license on its own is sufficient or whether you need to use this licence to obtain a QBCC licence as well to conduct this test.

In practice the confusion arises when clients confuse the electrical test of the lighting to ensure it is electrically safe and complies to AS3000 with the “test, inspect and certify” function of the QBCC license holder which relates to the functionality of the emergency lighting system as required by fire regulations etc. including size of lighted signs, positioning, interface with fire detection system etc.

In summary members need to be aware that the word “test” in the electrical context is testing to AS3000 under the Electrical Safety Act which electricians are licensed to do.

Unfortunately there is no government publication that clearly defines this as this electrical testing is considered part of “electrical work” as is broadly defined by the Electrical Safety Act and therefore difficult to explain clearly to clients.

NECA is currently lobbying the ESO and the QBCC to clarify this in a joint publication. In the interim please contact Mick or Gavan at NECA for assistance in dealing with these enquiries on 07 32767950.

 

Please note: NECA recommends that Form 16 submissions expressly stipulate that members have installed the emergency and exit lighting in compliance to Drawing ABC dated the XX/XX/XX to ensure members are only stating that their work is installed, commissioned and tested in accordance of the wiring rules (AS3000) and the installation design was carried out by others.