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.

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

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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

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SABS / SANS

SANS 10114-2

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

Effective Current

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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

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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

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