How to Test Emergency Lighting in the UK & What checks should you do?
- by LightHub Team
-
What is the Purpose of Emergency Lighting?
The purpose of emergency lighting in the UK is to provide illumination in the event of a power outage or other emergency situation that results in a loss of lighting. Emergency lighting is typically installed in all commercial and semi-commercial premises, as well as in residential buildings, such as apartment buildings and hotels.
The main function of emergency lighting is to provide sufficient illumination to allow people to safely exit a building in an emergency situation, such as a fire or other natural disaster. Emergency lighting is designed to be highly visible and easy to follow, so that occupants of a building can quickly and safely evacuate.
In addition to providing illumination for safe evacuation, emergency lighting also helps emergency responders to locate and access critical areas of a building, such as stairwells, fire exits, and emergency equipment. This can be especially important in situations where there is low visibility or where the building layout is complex.
Is Emergency Lighting Mandatory in the UK?
Yes, emergency lighting is mandatory in the UK. The requirement for emergency lighting is set out in the Building Regulations 2010, which state that all new non-domestic buildings, as well as certain types of existing buildings, must be equipped with emergency lighting systems.
The specific requirements for emergency lighting in the UK are set out in a number of different regulations and standards, including BS 5266-1:2016 (Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises), the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The regulations and standards set out requirements for the location, design, and testing of emergency lighting systems. The aim is to ensure that emergency lighting is reliable, effective, and able to provide sufficient illumination in the event of an emergency.
How often should emergency lighting be tested in the UK?
Emergency lighting systems should be tested regularly in the UK to ensure that they are in good working order and able to provide adequate illumination in the event of an emergency.
An emergency log book is required to keep a record of all the testing, maintenance, and servicing carried out on an emergency lighting system. It is a legal requirement to keep an emergency log book for each building that has an emergency lighting system installed.
-
Emergency Monthly Testing
Also know as 'Flick Test'. A short functional test should be carried out every month to ensure that the emergency lighting system is working correctly.
The monthly functional test is a quick and simple check that can be carried out by the building owner or manager. The test involves switching off the mains power to the emergency lighting system and checking that the emergency lights come on and remain illuminated. If any faults or issues are identified during the monthly test, they should be addressed as soon as possible.
-
Emergency Annual Testing
A more comprehensive test of the emergency lighting system should be carried out at least once a year by a emergency professional. This involves testing the battery backup system and carrying out a full discharge test of the emergency lights to check that they remain illuminated for the required duration.
The emergency lights should be subjected to a full discharge test to ensure that they remain illuminated for the required duration, and any faulty or damaged lights should be repaired or replaced.
How do you Test Emergency Lighting?
There are different ways to test emergency lighting in the UK, depending on the type of emergency lighting system and the requirements of the relevant regulations and standards. However, the following is a general procedure for testing emergency lighting:
-
Emergency Monthly Testing
The monthly test is a functional test that checks that the emergency lighting system is working correctly. To carry out the monthly test, you should:
- Simulate a power failure by either an emergency key switch or by switching off the mains power to the emergency lighting.
- Observe that the emergency lighting comes on automatically.
- Check that the emergency lights remain illuminated for the required duration (usually 10 minutes or as required by the relevant regulations or standards).
- Record the results of the test in the emergency log book.
-
Annual Monthly Testing
The annual test is a more comprehensive test that checks the condition of the emergency lighting system and ensures that it is capable of providing adequate illumination in the event of an emergency. Please Note: A qualified emergency or fire safety professional should carry out this test.
- Carry out a visual inspection of all components of the emergency lighting system, including the battery backup system and the emergency lights themselves.
- Check the condition of the battery backup system and ensure that it is capable of supplying power to the emergency lights for the required duration.
- Carry out a full discharge test of the emergency lights to ensure that they remain illuminated for the required duration (usually 1-3 hours).
- Record the results of the test in the emergency log book.
It is important to note that the testing and maintenance of emergency lighting systems should be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform the tests safely and effectively. It is also important to keep accurate records of all testing and maintenance carried out on the emergency lighting system.
How long should Emergency Lighting stay on?
The duration that emergency lighting should stay on for depends on the relevant regulations and standards, as well as the specific requirements of the building and its occupants. However, the general requirement is that emergency lighting should remain illuminated for a minimum of 1 hour, but it may need to remain illuminated for up to 3 hours in certain circumstances.
The duration of emergency lighting is determined by the battery backup system, which is designed to provide power to the emergency lights in the event of a power failure. The battery backup system should be designed to provide sufficient power to the emergency lights for the required duration, and should be regularly tested and maintained to ensure that it is in good working order.
It is worth noting that the duration of emergency lighting may vary depending on the specific application. For example, in areas where there is a higher risk to the safety of occupants, such as escape routes, the emergency lighting may need to remain illuminated for a longer period of time. This should be determined through a risk assessment and in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards.
It is the responsibility of the building owner or manager to ensure that the emergency lighting system is designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards, and that it remains in good working order at all times.
What is a Emergency Check Sheet Log Book?
An Emergency Check Sheet Log Book is a record of all the tests and maintenance activities carried out on an emergency lighting system in a building. It is a legal requirement to keep an Emergency Check Sheet Log Book for each building that has an emergency lighting system installed in the UK.
The Emergency Check Sheet Log Book is used to document the testing and maintenance activities carried out on the emergency lighting system, including details of any repairs or replacements that have been made. It should contain the following information:
- Details of the emergency lighting system, including its location and date of installation.
- The name of the person or organization responsible for the maintenance and testing of the emergency lighting system.
- Records of all testing and maintenance carried out on the emergency lighting system, including dates, results, and any faults or issues identified.
- Details of any repairs or replacements carried out on the emergency lighting system, including dates and the nature of the work carried out.
- Any other relevant information, such as details of training provided to staff on the use of the emergency lighting system.
The Emergency Check Sheet Log Book should be kept up to date and readily available for inspection by the relevant authorities, such as the local fire authority or building control officer.
What is a Emergency Lighting Certificate?
An Emergency Lighting Certificate is a document that certifies that the emergency lighting system in a building has been installed, tested and commissioned in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards. The certificate is issued by a qualified electrician or contractor who has carried out the installation and testing of the emergency lighting system.
The Emergency Lighting Certificate includes the following information:
- Details of the building, including its location and intended use.
- Details of the emergency lighting system, including its location, components, and the type of system installed.
- Confirmation that the emergency lighting system has been installed in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards.
- Details of the testing and commissioning carried out on the emergency lighting system, including dates and the results of the tests.
- Confirmation that the emergency lighting system has been designed and installed to meet the specific requirements of the building and its occupants.
- The name and contact details of the qualified electrician or contractor who has issued the certificate.
The certificate should be kept on file and made readily available for inspection by the relevant authorities, such as the local fire authority or building control officer.
