When a fire breaks out in a building, one thing that can be easily compromised is the power supply. A fire can be a cause for panic itself, but when there is a lack of light during this emergency, it can make things much worse. That’s why having reliable emergency lighting can make all the difference for the safety of occupants in the event of a fire.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through what emergency lighting is and why it’s important in any building, along with the different types of emergency lighting you might encounter. We’ll also take a look at the legal requirements regarding this essential part of your infrastructure.
What is emergency lighting?
Emergency lighting is a crucial component of any building’s safety system. It consists of lights that are designed to activate automatically in the event of a power cut within your building. It provides illumination to help guide people to safety in an emergency situation, like a fire for example.
With these systems in place, it helps to prevent panic and facilitate an orderly and safe evacuation. Without adequate lighting, people may panic or become disorientated, putting themselves in danger. A total blackout could also lead to injuries when people can’t see their way through a building, particularly where any stairs or steps are involved, or where people are unfamiliar with the building layout.
As well as mitigating panic and enhancing the safety of building occupants, emergency lighting is also a key element for emergency service responders. In the event of a fire, and there is a power outage, emergency lighting can help firefighters navigate your building, allowing them to tackle the fire much more quickly and effectively.
What are the different types of emergency lighting?
Depending on the type of building and the type of industry you operate in, there may be a combination of different types of emergency lighting recommended for you. Here are some of the most common types found in the UK:
- Escape route lighting – this provides lighting for an exit route out of your building. Emergency exits and fire escapes should also be illuminated to help people find the best escape route.
- Open-area lighting – these are for large, open-plan areas where people might panic if the room suddenly went dark. This type of lighting allows anyone in these areas to see their surroundings without injuring themselves as they look for the nearest escape route.
- High-risk task area lighting – this type is slightly more specialist, since it’s positioned in areas where there is dangerous equipment, machinery, or substances in use. By illuminating these areas when there is a sudden loss of power, employees can safely stop their work and shut down anything they were working on before exiting the building.
- Standby lighting – this is a simpler form of lighting and is a general backup for when your building loses power but you need to carry on working.
What are the UK emergency lighting regulations?
In the UK, emergency lighting regulations are outlined in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Applying to businesses and commercial premises, the regulations outline the requirements for a building’s escape and evacuation paths. The specific wording for Article 14 (H) of the order is as follows:
“emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.”
This means that it’s vital for building’s to ensure their emergency exits are illuminated by lights that can remain on in the event of a power failure. There’s also more guidance on the luminous requirements for escape lighting in the British Standard BS EN 1838.
As well as the above regulations, the British Standard BS 5266 specifies the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting in commercial buildings to guarantee that occupants can safely evacuate the building during an emergency.
Compliance with these regulations is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in various settings, such as commercial buildings, residential complexes, and public facilities. By understanding and adhering to these UK emergency lighting regulations, building owners can create a secure environment and effectively respond to unforeseen circumstances.
Where do I need to place emergency lighting in my building?
Rarely are two buildings the same. You may have different requirements across a portfolio of properties, but it’s important to strategically place emergency lights in areas where people need to navigate their way to an escape route in the case of power outages.
Here are some of the key areas where you’ll typically need emergency lighting in a commercial premises:
- By exit doors
- By escape routes
- Where corridors intersect
- Above external escape routes
- Above the final exit door
- On each flight of stairs in a stairwell
- Where there is a change in the floor level
- By lifts
- By fire alarm call points
- By fire safety equipment
- In any windowless rooms and toilets larger than 8m²
Want to learn more about emergency lighting?
Emergency lighting in any building, including residential and non-residential buildings, is a crucial component of any fire safety plan. These systems should be installed and maintained regularly by experienced specialists, like TVF Fire Protection, to ensure they’re effective and working optimally when needed.
At TVF Fire Protection, we provide a huge range of fire safety services and products, including the installation and maintenance of emergency lighting, to businesses across High Wycombe, Watford, Slough and the surrounding areas. Our team of qualified professionals have what it takes to protect lives and help keep you legally compliant.
If you’d like to learn more about emergency lighting and how we can help your premises, contact us today to discuss your needs in more detail.
Emergency lighting FAQs
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
It’s vital that emergency lighting systems are regularly inspected and tested. The frequency recommendation is usually:
- Every month – this should consist of a quick functional test to ensure that the lights turn on properly.
- Annually – a full-duration test to ensure that the lights stay on for a specified time. This should be conducted by a qualified professional.
Are there legal consequences for not having proper emergency lighting?
Yes there can be legal consequences for not having proper and reliable emergency lighting installed in a building. Failure to comply with UK emergency lighting regulations can result in fines, legal action, and increased liability in case of an accident.
How long should emergency lighting stay on?
Emergency lighting is typically required to stay on for a minimum of 90 minutes to ensure safe evacuation. However, the duration may vary based on local regulations and building codes. You can speak to one of our experts for more guidance on this.
