Emergency Lighting
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Article 14: Part 2-Line (g) states that emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs; and Line (h) emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.
Emergency Lighting Requirements:
Emergency lighting must be provided to aid the evacuation of a building in the event of an emergency. All exits that are used in an emergency must have an emergency exit sign that is clearly visible in the event that normal lights fail, and all escape routes leading to an emergency exit must be illuminated with directional signs to indicate the dedicated route to the emergency exit.
Emergency lighting systems must cover:
- Each exit door (internal and externally)
- Changes in floor level
- Changes in direction
- Stairs
- Manual call points for fire alarms
- First Aid equipment
- Firefighting equipment
- Escape routes
- Corridor intersections
- Windowless room and toilets that exceed 8m²
- Distribution equipment for power and lighting
Emergency Lighting Testing and Maintenance:
BS5266-1, section 12 recommends:
- A functional test of the system should be completed once a month. The functional check simulates normal lighting failure and proves the operation of the emergency lighting system.
- An annual test of the system whereby the emergency lighting system is activated and a full discharge of the batteries is completed.
NOTE: FOLLOWING AN ANNUAL TEST AND THE FULL DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERIES. THE EMERGENCY LUMINARES WILL TAKE A PERIOD OF TIME TO RECHARGE AND WILL NOT BE UPTO THE REQUIRED OPERATING STANDARD UNTIL SUFFICIENTLY CHARGED.
How long does emergency lighting need to stay on for?
- 3 hours in buildings where evacuation is not immediate (hotels, care homes, houses in multiple occupancy, and so on).
- 1 hour in buildings where evacuation can be completed safely and quickly.
If your system requires a service, contact Tidyco via email; electrical@tidyco.co.uk or via telephone; 01332 851300. Alternatively, complete this form below.
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