It is a statutory requirement that emergency lighting is installed in all business premises. The legal requirements are such that:
Regulations on testing are covered by BS 5266 and this standard details the requirements for emergency lighting.
Those requirements state that emergency lighting systems should be periodically tested and inspected to ensure that all luminaries operate correctly in main power loss situations.
- The reasons for regular testing and maintenance of the emergency lighting systems are;
- To ensure compliance with the law
- To ensure compliance with the terms of your insurer
- To maintain a safe environment for your workers
- To ensure the minimisation of risk and subsequent injury or death
- To satisfy your moral responsibilities to your workforce
Routine inspections and tests
The following minimum inspections and tests must be completed at the following intervals recommend. The regulating authority may require specific tests.
Daily
Indicators of central power supply shall be visually inspected for correct operation.
NOTE:This is a visual inspection of indicators to identify that the system is in a ready condition and does not require a test of operation.
Monthly
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the short duration tests shall be recorded. For all other systems the tests shall be carried out as follows:
- Switch each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign to emergency mode so it uses the battery. This simulates a failure of the supply of the normal lighting and continue for a period sufficient to ensure that each lamp is illuminated.
At the end of this test period, the supply to the normal lighting should be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that the normal supply has been restored.
Annually
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the full rated duration test shall be recorded. For all other systems the following tests made:
- Each luminaire and internally illuminated sign shall be tested as per monthly test but for its full rated duration in accordance with the manufacturer’s information;
- The supply of the normal lighting shall be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that normal supply has been restored. The charging arrangements should be checked for proper functioning
- The supply to the emergency lighting system shall be checked for proper functioning
- The date of the test and its results shall be recorded in the system logbook
- For generating sets, refer to the requirements of ISO 8528-12
