Essential Information on Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting activates when the normal power supply is interrupted, ensuring visibility and safety in the event of power loss. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all business properties. Whether due to a fire or power outage, emergency lighting is crucial for keeping staff and customers calm and guiding them safely out of the building. The system should operate automatically, providing sufficient brightness for evacuation and illuminating fire safety equipment.
While new buildings often have emergency lighting installed during construction, businesses must ensure ongoing compliance with BS 5266. This involves regular testing, scheduled maintenance, and keeping accurate records.
Key Regulations for Emergency Lighting (BS 5266)
UK law mandates that all businesses, including schools, hospitals, offices, factories, and entertainment venues, must have emergency lighting. It should illuminate specific areas, such as firefighting equipment and escape routes, to ensure safety during an emergency. The lighting must operate for at least one hour for immediate evacuation scenarios or three to four hours in situations where immediate evacuation is not possible, such as in hotels. The lights must recharge within 24 hours.
According to BS 5266, employers are responsible for ensuring the safe operation of emergency lighting. This duty involves regular risk assessments and maintenance to create a safe workplace.
Where to Install Emergency Lighting
Businesses must provide adequate emergency lighting for all escape routes and critical areas, such as:
- Common areas and escape routes: Corridors, hallways, stairways (top and bottom), steps, and ramps.
- Fire and first aid points: Emergency lighting should clearly mark fire alarms, extinguishers, and first aid stations.
- Exit doors: Both internal and external exits should be well-lit.
- Other areas: Including escalators, lifts, toilets (especially disabled facilities), high-risk areas (e.g., chemical handling stations), and open spaces over 60 square metres.
Choosing the Right Emergency Lighting for Your Business
Every business needs emergency lighting suited to its building’s design. High-ceilinged buildings may require high-output lights, while outdoor spaces might need weatherproof options. The type of emergency lighting depends on whether occupants can leave the building immediately or need more time to evacuate.
Types of Emergency Lighting Systems
- Self-Contained (Single Point):
- Advantages: Easy installation, lower hardware costs, minimal maintenance.
- Disadvantages: Testing is more time-consuming, battery life may be limited to 2-4 years, and performance can be affected by varying environmental conditions.
- Central Battery Source:
- Advantages: Batteries can last 5-25 years, testing and maintenance are centralised, and the system is environmentally stable.
- Disadvantages: Localised power failure may not activate lighting, high installation costs, and batteries must be stored in a ventilated room.
Testing and Maintaining Emergency Lights
Emergency lights must undergo regular testing and maintenance. Each light should have a unique location identifier, and records must be kept of tests, defects, and remedial actions. Testing involves using a secure device key (“fish key”) to confirm that lights activate and function properly.
Frequency of Testing
- Monthly tests: Ensure emergency lights function correctly without causing damage to system components.
- Annual tests: Perform a full three-hour duration test to verify that the lights remain operational. If they fail, maintenance or replacement is required.
