In this post, we’ll provide the all-important answers when it comes to emergency situations and testing.
While most people understand that emergency lighting is essential in emergencies, many don’t know the specifics. Emergency lighting is designed to provide effective illumination in situations where the primary lighting fails. This helps to evacuate safely, prevents panic and enables emergency services to navigate the building.
The lighting can be subdivided into emergency escape lighting and standby lighting. Emergency escape lighting specifically guides people towards exits and is essential for protecting lives, while standby lighting can allow work or other activities to continue safely.
In the UK, emergency lighting is mandated by several regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which makes it a legal requirement for most businesses and public buildings. The guidance in BS 5266 helps ensure compliance with these regulations, providing detailed standards to keep everyone safe.
If you’re asking: ‘how long should emergency lights stay on?’, the first thing to consider is why your emergency lights need to stay on – namely, an emergency.
There might be a local power cut where mains lighting is out of use. A leak could automatically trigger a shutdown in your electrical system. Or a fire could burn through your cables. In these scenarios, emergency lights need to illuminate an exit route for anyone in the building, as well as signposting that route with visible, well-lit signals.
After the initial evacuation, emergency services may need to enter your building – in the case of a fire, for example. As a result, emergency lighting is typically required for longer than the evacuation time alone. Considering all of the above, emergency lighting should stay on for at least three hours without any mains power.
There are different types of emergency lighting systems designed to fulfil various needs during an emergency. Each type plays a specific role and contributes to a comprehensive safety solution.
This guides occupants towards exits. Installed in corridors, staircases and near exit doors, it helps people navigate the building even in low visibility.
Unlike emergency escape lighting, standby lighting enables normal activities to continue if there’s a power outage. It’s typically required in areas where work needs to be completed safely, even in a blackout.
This reduces panic in large open spaces, such as a warehouse or factory floor, and provides sufficient illumination for occupants to locate escape routes.
Found in places like laboratories or workshops, this lighting ensures visibility for safely shutting down processes or handling hazardous materials in an emergency.
Each type of lighting has its own duration requirements and maintenance needs, all of which contribute to a safer environment in an emergency.
The other situation where emergency lights need to stay on is for a test. Emergency lighting should be thoroughly inspected in line with BS 5266 at least once every year. That includes a full duration test to check that emergency lights can stay on as long as they would be required for an emergency.
As above, that means your emergency lights will need to stay on and be fully functional for three hours. During that time, a qualified and competent electrician will be able to inspect every component of your emergency lighting system, identify any issues, and provide or recommend the necessary repairs to keep it in full working order.
Beyond the annual full-duration test, there are other checks that should be performed periodically to maintain compliance. According to BS 5266, you should carry out monthly functional tests, which involve briefly switching on the emergency lights to check each unit works correctly. These tests should be kept brief to avoid draining batteries and causing potential system failures.
It’s also recommended to conduct a six-monthly partial duration test to further validate system readiness. This entails a test for a shorter duration than the full three-hour standard but still long enough to detect potential issues. Keeping a logbook with detailed records of all tests, issues found and repairs completed is also essential for meeting safety regulations.
By their very nature, emergency lights are only triggered when there is a problem with your mains power supply. In other words, they only come on when they’re needed. So how can you make sure your emergency lights are ready and prepared to stay on long enough when called upon?
The answer is with regular testing. As outlined above, an annual test is recommended as the best way to keep emergency lighting in full working order for complete peace of mind. In environments prone to power outages, leaks or fires, more frequent testing may also be required to keep everyone on the premises protected.
Emergency lighting technology continues to develop, with newer and more energy-efficient systems now available on the market. Modern LED emergency lights, for example, offer longer lifespans and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional options. In recent years, wireless and self-testing emergency lighting systems have also become popular, allowing businesses to monitor lighting performance and battery health remotely.
Businesses should regularly assess their emergency lighting needs and consult with professionals like Volta Compliance to explore the latest solutions. Upgrading to a more efficient system can improve energy savings, reduce maintenance costs and enhance overall safety, providing a significant return on investment in the long run.
The proud, accredited workforce at Volta Compliance is committed to providing a safe environment for businesses throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas. That includes professional emergency lighting testing to ensure your emergency routes and exit points are clearly illuminated when needed.
Choose Volta Compliance for emergency light testing to keep your business safe. We are trained to conduct all tests in compliance with BS 5266, meaning you can rest assured we’re following legal safety standards. We’ll identify any hidden issues that might not be obvious, such as battery depletion, to guarantee your emergency lights stay on should the worst ever happen.
To book in a test for your company, give us a call on 0113 436 0402 or email [email protected].
