General Information on Emergency Lighting

The purpose of emergency lighting testing is to ensure that emergency lights remain fully functional (for the specified duration) during mains electrical failure and that all lighting and exit signs are up to date with current legislation and are adequate for the purpose intended.

BS5266 recommends that emergency lighting systems be regularly serviced by ‘competant’ persons, these being persons with the necessary knowledge, skills and training to undertake emergency lighting servicing procedures.

Implementation of a periodic system of inspection and testing ensures that emergency lighting systems remain reliable at all times and that in the event of an emergency or power failure, the emergency lighting operates, ensuring that people can safely evacuate the building.

If you have 5 or more employees, you are required by law (under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order) to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. We offer a tailored risk assessment service to to help employers fulfil their statutory obligations under the Order.

Routine Testing should be carried out:

• Daily – visual check to ensure that emergency lighting systems are operating correctly and that indicators are working. This will be carried out by the ‘responsible person’ delegated to the task by the organisation/business. Any faults should be logged and corrected asap.
• Monthly – Check all luminaires for signs of damage or disrepair. Briefly test all emergency lights to ensure that they operate in the event of mains electricity supply failure. This will usually be carried out by the ‘responsible person’. Any faults should be logged and corrected asap.
• Annually – A full system inspection and duration test of the emergency lights should be performed by a ‘competent person‘ , this being a person with the necessary skills, training and knowledge to perform emergency lighting maintenance and servicing. Compliance with BS5266 should be considered and produced in the emergency lighting certification report. Any faults should be rectified. Essential Electrical engineers are qualified and experienced in the routine inspection and testing of emergency lighting systems.

Where are Emergency Lights Required?

• Emergency lights are required where artificial lighting is installed
• On escape routes
• Open areas greater than 60 square metres
• Areas of special risk
• Near to stairs and adequate to shine direct light on all treads
• At any change of direction
• At any changes in floor level
• Near to corridors and intersections
• Near to fire fighting equipment
• Near to first aid points
• Outside each final exit point

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Under the provisions set out in the above legislation, it is the duty and responsibility of employers (as a ‘responsible person’) to annually carry out a risk assessment in relation to fire safety within their work/business premises. The order applies to all employers who employ 5 or more staff. The Regulatory Reform Order is a lengthy and complex statutory instrument, its main objectives are to ensure that:

• employers provide an unobstructed means of escape in case of emergency
• signs and notices are provided indicating emergency exit routes
• emergency lighting is provided to provide adequate illumination throughout the escape routes
• a fire detection and alarm system is provided
• staff are adequately trained in relation to fire drills and escape procedures

Additional Requirements for Higher Risk Premises

Certain premises require a licence from the local authority – such premises include theatres and cinemas, sports arenas and places of public entertainment eg. night clubs, pubs, gambling establishments, music halls etc.

Some premises must be registered with the local authority and be inspected by the Fire Authority – nursing homes, residential care homes, children’s homes and independant schools fall within this category.

Both licensed and registered premises must pass a fire inspection by the Fire Authority to ascertain that the premises comply with emergency lighting and fire prevention legislation.

BS5266 recommends a test procedure, the main points of which are shown below.

DAILY  – Check indicator light and that all maintained luminaries are operating.

MONTHLY - An operational test for a short period (a maximum of one quarter or the rated duration).

SIX MONTHLY - Test for at least one hour for 3 hour rated systems.

THREE YEARLY - Test for full duration.

SUBSEQUENTLY - For self contained systems test yearly for the full duration.

During each test, the lights should be checked for correct operation. After testing, the supply should be restored and then checked to ensure the system is charging correctly.

Note: To comply with the proposed European regulations, the tests should be monthly and annually, i.e. a full discharge.