What London building managers need to know.
A straightforward overview of why emergency lighting is provided, why it needs testing and which standards are commonly relevant.
Fire Safety Order 2005.
For premises within scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity if normal lighting fails.
Fire-safety systems and equipment should also be subject to an appropriate system of maintenance and kept in efficient working order and good repair where required by the Order.
Current reference points.
The applicable design, installation, operation, maintenance and testing requirements can involve several standards depending on the system.
Emergency lighting of premises
UK code of practice covering emergency lighting of premises, including recommendations and guidance for design, installation and operation.
Emergency escape lighting systems
Covers installation, verification, operation, maintenance documentation and testing requirements for emergency escape lighting systems.
Emergency lighting for buildings
Addresses lighting-performance requirements for emergency escape and standby lighting in applicable buildings.
Testing should be planned and recorded.
Government fire-safety guidance expects emergency lighting to be checked and faults recorded. Routine monthly function testing and periodic full-duration testing are widely used as part of an emergency-lighting maintenance regime.
- Keep test and maintenance records
- Act on reported faults
- Ensure escape routes and exits remain appropriately illuminated
- Use competent assistance where the task requires it