Emergency Lighting Systems

Background. Why carry out testing?

In an emergency, such as smoke or fire, emergency lighting is crucial if normal lighting fails and unfamiliar surroundings will only exacerbate the problem. If people are to move safely out of a danger area the hazards and directions must be clearly visible, so any emergency lighting must be sufficiently bright, correctly positioned and illuminated for a sufficient length of time that the building occupants can be evacuated safely. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005, employers of more than five staff must ensure that such adequate emergency lighting is provided along escape routes.

Maintenance by Global's policy for the testing and inspection of emergency lighting fulfils the requirements of BS 5266-1:2011, Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises.

Maintenance by Global Emergency Lighting Services

Tests to emergency lighting should be undertaken at frequent intervals; to fulfil the legal requirements we can supply a qualified engineer to inspect and test, providing the correct certification. Dependant on size we recommend that tests are undertaken at least annually, if not every six-months.

We are also able to train any on-site personnel, who are considered to be sufficiently competent, in the procedures needed to carry out daily and monthly testing, to minimise your costs.

During the tests we may:

• Test and inspect each emergency lighting installation for compliance;
• Do a full visual inspection of the system;
• Check self-contained luminaries, internally illuminated signs and central battery systems;
• Ensure the normal supply to indicator lamps or devices has been restored following the test;
• Confirm that the back-up battery can support the system for a continuous period of 1 hour.

On completion of the above tests an inspection certificate will be issued showing any deviations and subsequent recommended actions with the Log Book updated accordingly. Our unique "Log-Book Portal" provides you with a personal asset list for each premises documenting any maintenance plans in relation to your emergency lighting systems.

Additional Services from Maintenance by Global

As well as maintenance and 24/7 emergency cover for your emergency lighting system, Maintenance by Global's experienced engineers can undertake extensions and modifications to existing systems where there is a change in usage or premises, and update or improve systems to ensure full compliance and safety.

Relevant Publications and Standards

BS 5266-1:2011 Emergency lighting. – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005.