Emergency Light Requirements
Emergency lighting is an extremely important part of any buildings health and safety procedure. Not only does emergency lighting help increase visibility during a power outage, it helps to reduce panic and guide people towards their nearest exit, during a potentially life threatening situation. Keeping emergency lights in full working order is essential to the safety and well being of people inside a building.
Types Of Emergency Lighting
An emergency lighting system contains multiple parts to work correctly, this includes different types of lighting:
- Emergency Escape Lighting
Providing lighting for those attempting to leave the building or who need to terminate potentially dangerous tasks before evacuating.
- Standby Lighting
Lighting that allows tasks to continue substantially uninterrupted. Standby lighting is not a legal requirement. Depending on the type of building this facility may or may not be required.
3. Exit Escape Route Lighting
Showing a clear exit for occupants inside a building is required in the UK. Occupants need to be able to effectively identify a means for escape.
4. Open Area Lighting
In some countries open area lighting is known as “Anti Panic Lighting”. These lights provide visibility for occupants during a power outage.
5. High Risk Task Area Lighting
Part of an emergency lighting system that provides visibility for those who are likely to be in a potentially dangerous situation or process.
Testing Intervals & Frequency
Testing frequency can differ between different types of buildings and occupancy. Testing ranges from daily to monthly user inspection of emergency light luminaries alongside an annual test called “the 3 hour test”. This involves simulation of a power outage for a continuous 3 hours. The emergency lighting must still be working at the end of this period. Any failures should be recorded and remedial work must be carried out immediately.
If you have any questions regarding your emergency lighting or the installation of emergency lights get in touch, we’re happy to help. Our expert electricians have vast experience dealing with different types of occupancy and customer needs. The full requirements for emergency lights can be found here – British Standards 5266:2005.