Duty of care
Emergency escape-route lighting: the 9-point check
As a caring and responsible employer, we should all be aware of the new legislation that becomes law on 6 September 2026. Putting the safety of our clients and employees first is simply the right thing to do — and it confirms our reputation as an informed, action-driven business.
So here is a plain-language overview of what it means for emergency lighting and escape routes, and the role they play in getting people out of a building safely. We’ve laid it out as a simple picture-by-picture checklist.
Follow the nine points below and tick off your building against each one.
Your building
0 of 9 checkpoints covered
Tick each point your building already has in place.
This is the same nine-point check a Department of Labour inspector works through. Tick off what your building already has — you’ll see any gaps instantly.
Emergency escape-route lighting is mandatory under the OHS Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and the Physical Agents Regulations 2024, Section II, Clause 5. Escape-route lighting must comply with SANS 10114-2 and SANS 1464-22 — covering light sources, minimum lighting levels and design. “Near” means within 2 metres horizontally.
The products behind the check
Every checkpoint, met with a SANS 1464-22 certified fitting.
Exit signs, anti-panic bulkheads and conversion kits — the certified hardware that turns this checklist into a compliant building. We can advise on the technical and legal detail wherever you need it.