Having correctly installed and maintained emergency lighting systems in your premises is a vital part of preparation for an adverse event. Failing to follow and uphold the safety guidelines can result in a fine, or even imprisonment, particularly if this failure results in an injury. In this article we will discuss the legislation surrounding emergency lighting and the types of emergency lighting and accessories available. This should enable you to make the best possible decisions with regards to protecting your premises.

Who Requires Emergency Lighting?

Any and all premises with an emergency exit which requires illumination should be fitted with appropriate emergency lighting in the event of a lighting failure (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005). All commercial premises should contain at least one fire exit, and preferably more than one. Therefore almost every designated responsible person has a duty to provide emergency lighting in this area. This applies to both commercial and higher occupancy residential buildings, which also require appropriate fire exits. British Standards BS5266-1 also indicates that the responsible person for applicable buildings should also be able to demonstrate that the fire safety system is adequate to protect its’ inhabitants. Premises which are of particular concern are care homes, hotels, schools, nightclubs, cinemas and retail premises. Anywhere where there are likely to be large numbers of people who may not be familiar with the layout of the building in the event of an emergency presents a serious safety risk- which can be ameliorated with correct, well-maintained signage and lighting.

What Kinds Of Emergency Lighting Are There?

At the Fire Protection Shop we provide a variety of LED emergency lighting to suit your safety needs. LED lighting is preferable for emergency lighting because it is longer-lasting, environmentally friendly and a higher quality light than traditional fluorescent bulbs. Whilst the initial purchase costs are higher than equivalent fluorescent models, the reduction in energy bills and long-lifespan makes maintenance of these cheap and simple, thus they are vastly more cost-effective in the long run.

We offer a selection of both maintained and non-maintained emergency downli​ghting which can serve a multitude of purposes including as open-area lighting. This is sometimes referred to as anti-panic lighting and can be very helpful in guiding building occupants calmly towards an exit.

We also have a wide selection of bulkhead lighting. Bulkhead lighting, also known as escape route lighting allows for illumination of the most efficient route to safety. These are usually installed in the ceiling and help to illuminate potential obstacles. The image below is of a motion-activated circular LED round bulkhead, which provides an energy-efficient way to illuminate any hazards, emergency equipment such as first aid kits or fire extinguishers, and the pathway to the emergency exit.

Finally, we have a large variety of ceiling- and wall-mounted LED directional emergency exit signage to suit any building layout. These are particularly important for insurance purposes and are reasonably priced with excellent visibility.

All these and more can be found on our emergency lighting and accessories page here. For further information or to speak to one of our dedicated advisors please contact us on 0800 316 1469.

Where Should Emergency Lighting Be Placed?

The legal requirements surrounding emergency lighting are regularly updated and altered. It is therefore advisable to check that your lighting meets the requirements regularly and make any changes needed. Examples of some of the requirements at this time are described below.

• Sufficient lighting and signage should be provided to enable a safe exit in the event of mains power supply failure.

• Emergency lighting should be provided within 2m of each exit door, each hazard or obstacle, any fire extinguishers and alarm panels, first aid equipment and electrical distribution boards. Where necessary extra lighting may need to be provided to meet minimum lighting levels.

• All emergency exits and escape routes should be indicated with clearly laid out illuminated signage. There should be no possibility of confusion.

• Where a direct exit is not an option, illuminated directional signs should be used to indicate the direction of travel, including signage to indicate each change in direction.

Conclusion

Emergency lighting is subject to several laws and regulations, though the exact specifics are subject to change and therefore emergency lighting should be assessed regularly for compliance. There has been more than one high profile case resulting in both fines and imprisonment for failing to adhere to these guidelines. There are several different types of emergency lighting available, particularly to aid in evacuation and in the location of emergency exits and safety equipment. These requirements are particularly stringent for large buildings, and buildings with a high rate of residential occupancy such as a care home or a hospital. Emergency lighting should be provided to create a clear pathway to each emergency exit, complete with clear directional signs where necessary. The lighting should be tested regularly and spare parts for consumables kept on hand allowing for immediate replacement. Installing the correct emergency lighting saves lives by providing a clear route to safety even under the worst conditions.

Emergency lighting should be maintained and tested regularly and spare parts for consumable items should be kept on-site. Testing should ideally be carried out by qualified individuals, with a basic function test carried out at regular intervals and a full simulation test carried out annually. Backup battery life should be monitored, particularly in premises where occupants will be sleeping overnight such as care homes and residential facilities where a longer battery life for emergency lighting is required than for standard premises.

Here at the Fire Protection Shop we are proud to not only supply emergency lighting and accessories, but also install and test the products. Where necessary we can design and implement a bespoke safety system for your premises and provide maintenance for your peace of mind. To arrange these services, or to book a site survey, please consult with our advisors on 0800 316 1469