Emergency and Exit Lighting Maintenance
Wed, 30 July 2008, 08:24 amDon Allen8 posts in thread
Emergency and Exit Lighting Maintenance
Wed, 30 July 2008, 08:24 amFor WA theatres information : maintenance of Emergency and Exit Lighting
From Guidelines on the Application of the Health (Public Buildings)Regulations 1992 http://www.population.health.wa.gov.au/environmental/resources/Public%20Buildings%20Guidelines%20Final.pdf
Page 63 Appendix 5 - Typical Emergency Lighting / Exit Sign Log Sheet
Page 64 Emergency Lighting / Exit Signs Inspection and Maintenance
The following information has been extracted from AS 2293.2 and pertains to single point units.
Fittings that fail to operate satisfactorily must be either repaired or replaced.
Six-Monthly Procedures
1. Ensure that the normal supply has not been interrupted for at least 16 hours prior to conducting a discharge test.
2. For fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still operate.
Discharge test
3. Operate the emergency luminaires and exit signs from their battery supply by simulating failure of the monitored supply. The luminaires and exit signs shall remain illuminated for not less than 2 hours when batteries are new and no less than 90 minutes at subsequent tests.
Test may be extended until the automatic battery cut-off device terminates lamp operation.
(Only recommended for qualified operators)
4. Restore the emergency luminaires and exit signs to normal condition and check that the battery charger operation indicator functions correctly.
Twelve-Monthly Procedures
5. Carry out all the checks listed 1 – 4 above.
6. Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces of emergency luminaires and exit signs.
7. Visually check to ensure that the emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area.
Battery Replacement
Whenever the batteries of emergency luminaires and exit signs are replaced for any reason, such replacements shall be made in accordance with the following:
(a) Where more than one cell is utilised, the complete battery pack shall be replaced.
(b) Replacement batteries shall be of the same type and ampere-hour capacity.
(c) A 2 hour discharge test shall be conducted.
Cleaning Of Emergency Luminaires And Exit Signs
NOTE: The information in Table B1 has been based on recommendations for the maintenance of interior lighting systems in Section 12 of AS 1680.1.
As the above is for Central Systems and most theatres will have Single Point Systems I have provided the following.
AS/NZS 2293.2:1995
Australian/New Zealand
Standard Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the periodic inspection and maintenance procedures which are necessary to ensure that emergency evacuation lighting systems will be in a state of readiness for operation at all times. It applies to central and single-point emergency lighting systems, as defined in AS/NZS 2293.1.
1.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.4.1 Maintenance of the installation Emergency evacuation lighting systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the relevant procedures specified in this Standard. The inspection and maintenance procedures shall be carried out only by persons having qualifications and experience suitable for the work on which they are engaged.
NOTE: Section 7 of AS/NZS 2293.1 specifies the provision of an operating and maintenance manual to assist in conducting the inspection and maintenance checks required by this Standard. It requires that the information listed in Appendix A of this Standard be included in the manual for
the guidance of maintenance personnel.
1.4.2 Maintenance records A logbook in a durable hard-bound cover, or an alternative system approved by the regulatory authority, shall be provided for the recording of maintenance information. The following details shall be entered:
(a) All details which are required to be logged in accordance with Section 2 or Section 3,as appropriate.
S E C T I O N 3
I N S P E C T I O N A N D M A I N T E N A N C E P R O C E D U R E S F O R S I N G L E - P O I N T S Y S T E M S
3.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES The procedures described in Clauses 3.2 and 3.3 shall be carried out at intervals of not greater than those specified. Groups of self-contained emergency luminaires and exit signs may be tested on a rotational basis, provided that the maintenance intervals for the individual luminaires or exit signs do not exceed those specified.
Any emergency luminaire or exit sign which fails to operate satisfactorily shall be either repaired or replaced. Where battery replacement is necessary, the requirements of Clause 3.4 shall apply. Details of any corrective actions taken shall be recorded in accordance with
Clause 1.4.2.
NOTE: With reference to the discharge test of Clause 3.2, it should be noted that for part of the test period the building may be without emergency lighting. This risk is considered acceptable, except where the regulatory authority deems otherwise. When selecting a time for the discharge test, consideration should be given to the nature of the occupancy of the building in order to minimize the risk, e.g. conducting the test discharge at a time that will permit recharging of the battery when the building is unoccupied.
3.2 SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES
3.2.1 General The procedures specified in Clauses 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 shall be carried out at intervals of not more than six months.
NOTES:
1 A check should be made to ensure that no interruption to the normal supply has taken place for a period of at least 16 h prior to conducting a discharge test.
2 For emergency luminaires and exit signs with tubular fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still operate.
3.2.2 Discharge test
3.2.2.1 Where manual discharge test facilities are provided Where manual discharge test facilities are provided, the following procedures shall be carried out:
(a) Operate the emergency luminaires and exit signs from their battery supply by simulating failure of the monitored supply. The luminaires and exit signs shall remain illuminated for not less than the required in-service duration.
NOTE: Provision may be made for continuance of the discharge test beyond the required duration, e.g. until operation is terminated by the automatic battery cut-off device.
(b) Restore the emergency luminaires and exit signs to normal condition and check that the battery charger operation indicator functions correctly.
3.2.2.2 Automatic discharge test facilities Where the emergency luminaires or exit signs are provided with facilities for automatic discharge testing, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of each unit either by means of the indicator at each unit, where
self-contained facilities are provided, or by means of the relevant controller or indicator panel where centralized testing facilities are provided.
Those units which failed the previous discharge test shall be either repaired and restored to normal condition, or replaced.
NOTE: A discharge test may also be carried out at any time using the manual initiation facility, where provided in accordance with Section 4 of AS/NZS 2293.1.
3.2.3 Additional check for indirect lighting systems For indirect lighting systems, carry out the following:
(a) Check that the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have reflectances of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.
(b) Check that emergency luminaires of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving through the designated area.
3.3 TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES The following procedures shall be carried out at intervals of not more than 12 months:
(a) Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 3.2.
(b) Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces of emergency luminaires and exit signs.
NOTE: Appendix B gives guidance on appropriate cleaning materials and their use.
(c) A visual check shall be made to ensure that the emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area
(see requirements for the arrangement and control of single-point systems in Section 2 of AS/NZS 2293.1.)
NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the discharge test of
Clause 3.2.2.
3.4 BATTERY REPLACEMENT Whenever the batteries of emergency luminaires and exit signs are replaced for any reason, such replacements shall be made in accordance with the following:
(a) Where more than one cell is utilized, the complete battery pack shall be replaced.
(b) Replacement batteries shall be of the same type and ampere-hour capacity.
(c) A discharge test shall be conducted in accordance with Clause 3.2.2 except that the test shall be continued for 1.33 times the required in-service duration.
Hope that helps clarify things.
Don AllenWed, 30 July 2008, 08:24 am
For WA theatres information : maintenance of Emergency and Exit Lighting
From Guidelines on the Application of the Health (Public Buildings)Regulations 1992 http://www.population.health.wa.gov.au/environmental/resources/Public%20Buildings%20Guidelines%20Final.pdf
Page 63 Appendix 5 - Typical Emergency Lighting / Exit Sign Log Sheet
Page 64 Emergency Lighting / Exit Signs Inspection and Maintenance
The following information has been extracted from AS 2293.2 and pertains to single point units.
Fittings that fail to operate satisfactorily must be either repaired or replaced.
Six-Monthly Procedures
1. Ensure that the normal supply has not been interrupted for at least 16 hours prior to conducting a discharge test.
2. For fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still operate.
Discharge test
3. Operate the emergency luminaires and exit signs from their battery supply by simulating failure of the monitored supply. The luminaires and exit signs shall remain illuminated for not less than 2 hours when batteries are new and no less than 90 minutes at subsequent tests.
Test may be extended until the automatic battery cut-off device terminates lamp operation.
(Only recommended for qualified operators)
4. Restore the emergency luminaires and exit signs to normal condition and check that the battery charger operation indicator functions correctly.
Twelve-Monthly Procedures
5. Carry out all the checks listed 1 – 4 above.
6. Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces of emergency luminaires and exit signs.
7. Visually check to ensure that the emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area.
Battery Replacement
Whenever the batteries of emergency luminaires and exit signs are replaced for any reason, such replacements shall be made in accordance with the following:
(a) Where more than one cell is utilised, the complete battery pack shall be replaced.
(b) Replacement batteries shall be of the same type and ampere-hour capacity.
(c) A 2 hour discharge test shall be conducted.
Cleaning Of Emergency Luminaires And Exit Signs
NOTE: The information in Table B1 has been based on recommendations for the maintenance of interior lighting systems in Section 12 of AS 1680.1.
As the above is for Central Systems and most theatres will have Single Point Systems I have provided the following.
AS/NZS 2293.2:1995
Australian/New Zealand
Standard Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the periodic inspection and maintenance procedures which are necessary to ensure that emergency evacuation lighting systems will be in a state of readiness for operation at all times. It applies to central and single-point emergency lighting systems, as defined in AS/NZS 2293.1.
1.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.4.1 Maintenance of the installation Emergency evacuation lighting systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the relevant procedures specified in this Standard. The inspection and maintenance procedures shall be carried out only by persons having qualifications and experience suitable for the work on which they are engaged.
NOTE: Section 7 of AS/NZS 2293.1 specifies the provision of an operating and maintenance manual to assist in conducting the inspection and maintenance checks required by this Standard. It requires that the information listed in Appendix A of this Standard be included in the manual for
the guidance of maintenance personnel.
1.4.2 Maintenance records A logbook in a durable hard-bound cover, or an alternative system approved by the regulatory authority, shall be provided for the recording of maintenance information. The following details shall be entered:
(a) All details which are required to be logged in accordance with Section 2 or Section 3,as appropriate.
S E C T I O N 3
I N S P E C T I O N A N D M A I N T E N A N C E P R O C E D U R E S F O R S I N G L E - P O I N T S Y S T E M S
3.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES The procedures described in Clauses 3.2 and 3.3 shall be carried out at intervals of not greater than those specified. Groups of self-contained emergency luminaires and exit signs may be tested on a rotational basis, provided that the maintenance intervals for the individual luminaires or exit signs do not exceed those specified.
Any emergency luminaire or exit sign which fails to operate satisfactorily shall be either repaired or replaced. Where battery replacement is necessary, the requirements of Clause 3.4 shall apply. Details of any corrective actions taken shall be recorded in accordance with
Clause 1.4.2.
NOTE: With reference to the discharge test of Clause 3.2, it should be noted that for part of the test period the building may be without emergency lighting. This risk is considered acceptable, except where the regulatory authority deems otherwise. When selecting a time for the discharge test, consideration should be given to the nature of the occupancy of the building in order to minimize the risk, e.g. conducting the test discharge at a time that will permit recharging of the battery when the building is unoccupied.
3.2 SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES
3.2.1 General The procedures specified in Clauses 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 shall be carried out at intervals of not more than six months.
NOTES:
1 A check should be made to ensure that no interruption to the normal supply has taken place for a period of at least 16 h prior to conducting a discharge test.
2 For emergency luminaires and exit signs with tubular fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still operate.
3.2.2 Discharge test
3.2.2.1 Where manual discharge test facilities are provided Where manual discharge test facilities are provided, the following procedures shall be carried out:
(a) Operate the emergency luminaires and exit signs from their battery supply by simulating failure of the monitored supply. The luminaires and exit signs shall remain illuminated for not less than the required in-service duration.
NOTE: Provision may be made for continuance of the discharge test beyond the required duration, e.g. until operation is terminated by the automatic battery cut-off device.
(b) Restore the emergency luminaires and exit signs to normal condition and check that the battery charger operation indicator functions correctly.
3.2.2.2 Automatic discharge test facilities Where the emergency luminaires or exit signs are provided with facilities for automatic discharge testing, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of each unit either by means of the indicator at each unit, where
self-contained facilities are provided, or by means of the relevant controller or indicator panel where centralized testing facilities are provided.
Those units which failed the previous discharge test shall be either repaired and restored to normal condition, or replaced.
NOTE: A discharge test may also be carried out at any time using the manual initiation facility, where provided in accordance with Section 4 of AS/NZS 2293.1.
3.2.3 Additional check for indirect lighting systems For indirect lighting systems, carry out the following:
(a) Check that the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have reflectances of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.
(b) Check that emergency luminaires of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving through the designated area.
3.3 TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES The following procedures shall be carried out at intervals of not more than 12 months:
(a) Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 3.2.
(b) Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces of emergency luminaires and exit signs.
NOTE: Appendix B gives guidance on appropriate cleaning materials and their use.
(c) A visual check shall be made to ensure that the emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area
(see requirements for the arrangement and control of single-point systems in Section 2 of AS/NZS 2293.1.)
NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the discharge test of
Clause 3.2.2.
3.4 BATTERY REPLACEMENT Whenever the batteries of emergency luminaires and exit signs are replaced for any reason, such replacements shall be made in accordance with the following:
(a) Where more than one cell is utilized, the complete battery pack shall be replaced.
(b) Replacement batteries shall be of the same type and ampere-hour capacity.
(c) A discharge test shall be conducted in accordance with Clause 3.2.2 except that the test shall be continued for 1.33 times the required in-service duration.
Hope that helps clarify things.
JoeMcWed, 30 July 2008, 05:47 pm
I wonder if anyone
I wonder if anyone really thinks about the reflectiveness of surfaces, such as walls & ceilings. Especially in theatre venues, where the objective is to paint them either black or another dark colour?
3.2.3 Additional check for indirect lighting systems For indirect lighting systems, carry out the following:
(a) Check that the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have reflectances of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.
(b) Check that emergency luminaires of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving through the designated area.
Also if they have emergency lighting for not only the auditorium, but also the stage & other areas backstage or FOH?
As most occupants can see the illumed Exit signs, but i doubt they would notice any emergency lighting.
in my time I have never know of any punter, actually requesting to see a log book - except for me! Where upon all I got was a shrug & not much else. I wonder what a FOH Manager would do or how they would react to a similar request. Especially if the punter demanded their money back, because the venue could not comply?
Or what would happen in the case of an Emergency, possibly a Fire - what would the House or Stage Manager do?
Just a thought!
NaWed, 30 July 2008, 06:01 pm
I have seen one venue in
I have seen one venue in particular where the emergency signing never lit up, the backstage area had no lighting at all (except for a fluoro, which suffice to say, did not help), and the only way to find your way off the stage was to hope you didn't walk into a wall.
It's a wonder no one was hurt - I actually had an argument with the director because I wanted to use a dim blue wash during black outs, because I was concerned for the safety of the actors (one was quite elderly, and 'doddery' - she kept forgetting where the wings were, let alone avoiding the tabs themselves). The director couldn't understand why her aesthetics should take a back seat to safety. In the end, I won the argument; but only because she did the whole director thing of forgetting her own directions after putting her foot down.
Moppet eyes now on sale at
Puppets in Melbourne
Don AllenWed, 30 July 2008, 08:23 pm
Backstage lighting is often
Backstage lighting is often sadly neglected. It deserves the same attention to design and detail because it needs to be functional so cast and crew can see where they are going but it should not light up the set or produce distracting spill of unwanted light that would detract from a lighting design.
Backstage lighting needs to be directional so it lights the surface the people are walking on. It needs to be controllable in beam width and shape and needs to be placed in the correct location so that it only illuminates te area that needs illuminating.
Steps need a tight beam on them, an application led lighting now excells in. Walkways need narrow beams, usually rectangular for overlapping coverage of walkways and kept off wall surfaces.
You need safety guards around any bulbs so strings of festoon lighting is unsuitable as you don't want someone leaning a flat or ladder on it.
It is as much architectural lighting as any other discipline. You need to be concious of where the light beam is going as it usually bounces off the floor and into the set or acting area.
If you are using conventional light fitting such as bedlamps, work out where the reflection is going from the inside surfaces. For a more effective working light fiting paint the insides black.
So instead of one 40 watt blue bulb in the middle of the set, try about ten low watage blue led fitting arond the periphery of the stage. It is one of those occasions where the narrow beamwidth, low output, low heat and long life actually suits choosing the led for the task.
JoeMcThu, 31 July 2008, 01:24 pm
Show Mode work lighting I
Show Mode work lighting - I hate Festoon [party] incandescent lighting backstage. As Don posted it easily mechanical damaged, by the globe being busted, from being hit be a flat or a ladder leaned against it. Also besides glass being shattered, invariably the globe socket is left exposed & potentially dangerous. Similar to those lighting around dressing room mirrors, with a lot missing, just waiting for a curious twit to put their finger in the socket. Which happens from time to time, besides finding themselves sprawled across the floor, or at worst receiving a cardiac message like they may never had before &/or will ever again.
It is not difficult to cheaply ensure the behind scenes area is suitably safe for moving in the dark.
As Don suggested using low voltage lighting is cheap & easy to organise, instead of using bedside & desk lamp light spilling onto the stage & everywhere else. I worked in one regional venue & I'm sure this happened to others. When during the middle of a show the white work lights have stupidly been switched on. I was the SM & it took me about 15 minutes to eventually find a the light switch, next to the dressing rooms & switch it off. One of the dear luvvies couldn't see, so they switched it on!
So when I organised the rewiring of the Old Mill, I ensured this would happen by having a work & show mode change over switch operated from the Bio box, which the lighting operator had control of. So when the cue for beginners & to Go to Blue happened. the lighting techie switches to Show Mode, which cut out all the stage white work lights. So no idiot can switch white light on back stage. It is not that difficult to to do & at the time I managed to trade off some electrical work, for a Lighting wholesaler & got a heap of Bulk head fittings. Along with a lot of other electrical gear, which was I gave to the theatre.
Nowadays there is a myriad of low voltage gear cheaply available & easily installed, like LED & Electroluminesance Wire systems;-
http://www.elec2go.com.au/category51_1.htm
Anyhow with Emergency & Exit lighting I did a show years ago, in a country south west of the State town. During the first show a log truck knocked over a power pole, adjacent to the theatre & caused a black out. That is when I found there was no emergency at all in the theatre. Then all of a sudden nearly all the punters took out torches & shone them on the stage, allowing the show to carry on. Apparently it was quite normal for the audience to front up, with torch in hand & take their seats. The theatre being on a main Highway & logging truck route this happened quite often during performances. Which to me was quite disconcerting, but the committee were not phased what so ever, when I pointed out this situation was acceptable. The exit lights were a joke, which were wooden boxes mounted on the walls. With Exit cut out & red gel to illuminate the letters, run from a 12 volt car battery in the bio box. The battery was hitched up to a vehicle trickle charger, that plugged into a power point. Which only worked if someone remembered to switch it on?
But what got up my nose more was the attitude of the committee & membership. Even when I offered to install an Emergency & Exit lighting system, doing the electrical work for free if they bought the fittings. They said as the present system worked & they have never had any problems before. why should they spend money & waste resources, just to satisfy someone that has blew in town & only been here a short time? Which amazed me but what actually gob smacked completely, was when I spoke to the local Electrical Inspector & he said "You have to realise this is a country town & I have to live here!'. Being a JP at the time, he left me no option other than to contact the Electrical authority. I filled out the appropriate forms & affidavits, which brought about some further action, stiring up a hornets nest. fortunately I left town shortly after, for a job at regional performing arts centre, so missed all fun, but that's another story! I never found out if they have the emergency & Exit lighting fixed up. I hope they did & also have their Fly grid made safe, which was held together with fence wire & gaffer tape. I must go back there one day & have a look!
TaureanFri, 1 Aug 2008, 03:59 pm
Re-visiting the scene of old crimes
Maybe it would be a better idea if you sent someone else Joe... or better yet, take someone along with you. Speak to the TAP team and see if you can organise a "currently" registered sparkie to go with you..... I'll supply the Lockout tags ... *LAFFS*..
"Never approach a horse from the rear, a shark from the front or a fool from any direction."
JoeMcFri, 1 Aug 2008, 05:25 pm
HA Ha Ha taureen, good
HA Ha Ha taureen, good idea!
However it was all over 20 years ago & I think even with lockout tags, it would have made no difference, only aggravated the situation. Or I would have been sent to Coventry altogether! {Which would have been a nice trip.} The only thing that might have worked at the time. Was to have the Pole fuses removed & to shut them down. There again they would have only asked the punters to turn their torches on!
JoeMcSat, 2 Aug 2008, 12:29 am
I think it would more