scope:

This Standard sets out the minimum requirements for electric lighting systems within publicly accessible areas of buildings so as to provide visual conditions that facilitate the safe movement of people in the normal use of the building. The Standard does not apply to the provision of the visual conditions necessary for the performance of specific work tasks.

NOTES:

1 Electric lighting alone, no matter how well designed, cannot provide visual conditions that will ensure safe movement. Other factors, such as the use of interior surface finishes of appropriate colour and reflectance, and the avoidance of excessive contrasts in brightness of surfaces in the field of view, e.g. windows and luminaires, can significantly enhance the visual environment for safe movement. For persons with impaired vision, additional special factors may be of importance for safe movement (see Appendix A).

2 General recommendations for the lighting and visual conditions necessary for the performance of work tasks are given in AS/NZS 1680.1. Recommendations appropriate to specific tasks or activities are set out in the AS/NZS 1680.2 series.

3 Attention is drawn to the AS(/NZS) 2293 series of Standards, which set out requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of emergency evacuation lighting for buildings.