Emergency Lighting
Emergency Lighting Duration
BS 5266-1 states that emergency light fittings should be able to operate for 3 hours following a mains power failure.
1 hour is also permissible, but only if the building will be evacuated immediately in the event of a power failure and not re-occupied till the batteries have been fully recharged
Emergency lighting is a range of backup lights that willoperate fully automatically in the event of a power failure.
It provides sufficient illumination to enable all occupants of a building to evacuate the premises safely during a blackout.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order: The responsible person may be the employer, the building owner or the occupier.
- The responsible person must carry out a full risk assessment.
- Responsibility includes the provision and ongoing maintenance of the ‘appropriate’ fire fighting and fire detection equipment.
- The building must always be safe. If occupants are to remain on site during a supply failure, they require suitable protection.
- Failure to comply is an offence and can result in a fine or imprisonment
- If the building has five or more occupants, a written fire risk assessment is required.
- Compliance to BS 5266-1:2016 (Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises) is required.
- Fire and rescue services remain the enforcing authority.