Prepare for Ligting Audit in Australia
How to Prepare for a Lighting Audit or Upgrade in Australia
If you’re a business owner, facility manager, or property developer in Australia, preparing for a lighting audit or planning a lighting upgrade can feel overwhelming. Many clients aren’t sure how to assess their current lighting setup, what upgrades are necessary, or how to document compliance with Australian standards. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps to help you confidently prepare for a lighting audit or upgrade, saving you time, money, and stress.
Step 1: Understand Why a Lighting Audit Matters
A lighting audit is more than just a checklist—it’s a comprehensive review of your existing lighting system’s performance, safety, and compliance with Australian standards like AS/NZS 1158 (roadway lighting), AS/NZS 1680 (interior lighting), and AS/NZS 4282 (obtrusive lighting). The audit identifies areas where lighting levels may be insufficient, uneven, or causing glare, and highlights opportunities for energy savings through upgrades to LED or smart lighting controls.
Step 2: Assess Your Current Lighting
Start by documenting your current lighting setup. Note the types of fixtures, lamp wattages, and locations. Are there areas with low light or dark shadows? Are any lights on during daylight hours unnecessarily? This initial assessment helps identify problem spots and energy waste. Using a simple checklist—like those recommended by workplace safety authorities—can guide you through inspecting your lighting for hazards and inefficiencies.
Step 3: Engage a Qualified Lighting Consultant
Australian standards require lighting audits and upgrades to be conducted or verified by qualified professionals. A certified lighting designer or engineer will perform precise measurements using calibrated equipment to check illuminance, uniformity, and glare levels. They’ll also ensure your lighting meets workplace health and safety requirements and environmental regulations, such as controlling light spill to neighbours and wildlife.
Step 4: Plan Your Lighting Upgrade
Based on the audit findings, your lighting consultant will recommend upgrades tailored to your needs—whether it’s replacing outdated fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs, adding motion sensors or daylight harvesting controls, or redesigning layouts to improve uniformity and reduce glare. Planning upgrades in stages can help manage costs and minimise disruption.
Step 5: Document Compliance Thoroughly
Proper documentation is key for council approvals, workplace safety compliance, and future maintenance. Your lighting consultant should provide detailed reports, including lux level measurements, compliance certificates, and design plans referencing relevant Australian standards. Keeping these records handy will streamline any future audits or inspections.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Lighting Audit or Upgrade
Schedule audits during typical operating hours for accurate assessment of lighting conditions.
Clean light fittings and windows before the audit to ensure measurements reflect optimal performance.
Label light switches clearly to help auditors understand your lighting controls.
Consider energy audits alongside lighting audits to identify broader savings opportunities.
Conclusion
Preparing for a lighting audit or upgrade in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the process, assessing your current lighting, working with qualified experts, and documenting everything properly, you’ll ensure your project meets all Australian standards and workplace safety requirements. This not only improves safety and comfort but can also reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today for expert lighting audit and upgrade services tailored to your Australian business or facility.
