Standards

The regulatory framework around emergency lighting.

The OHS Act, the Physical Agents Regulations (effective 5 September 2026), and the underlying SANS product and installation standards. The reference index that drives every GELS spec, every test certificate, and every compliance check on this site.

Run 5-step compliance check →Datasheets + certificates

The framework

Five reference points.

Physical Agents Regulations · OHS Act

Emergency lighting becomes mandatory for every qualifying workplace from 5 September 2026. Improvement notices, fines, and director liability follow non-compliance.

SANS 10114-2 · the 2-metre rule

A photoluminescent sign alone does not satisfy PAR. SANS 10114-2 requires an emergency luminaire positioned within 2 metres of every PL direction sign.

SANS 1186-1 only governs the layout, structure and colour of the sign itself. Pairing it with a SANS 1464-22 certified luminaire is what makes the directional signage legally compliant during a mains failure.

PL sign on its ownLayout-compliant but PAR non-compliant

PL sign + EM luminaire ≤ 2 mSANS 1186-1 + SANS 10114-2 satisfied

Department of Employment & Labour

Physical Agents Regulations

The Physical Agents Regulations (PAR) come into force on 5 September 2026 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Emergency lighting becomes mandatory for every qualifying workplace.

Effective 5 September 2026

Read brief →

SABS / SANS

SANS 1464-22

Luminaires — Particular requirements for emergency lighting. The South African product standard every emergency luminaire and exit sign must meet to be legally compliant.

Effective Current

Read brief →

SABS / SANS

SANS 10114-2

Interior lighting — Part 2: Emergency lighting. The South African design and installation standard for emergency lighting schemes.

Effective Current

Read brief →

Department of Employment & Labour

General Safety Regulations

The General Safety Regulations (GSR) under the OHS Act address evacuation, fire-safety equipment, and escape lighting. PAR extends these requirements with explicit emergency-lighting mandates.

Effective Current

Read brief →

Webber Wentzel (legal analysis)

Webber Wentzel briefing

Legal briefing on the enforcement of the Physical Agents Regulations under the OHS Act — penalties, director liability, and how recent amendments compare to the 1987 baseline.

Effective Current

Read brief →