Emergency Lighting

Commercial & Domestic Fire & security solutions for Kent

The UK’s First Low Voltage, Intelligent, LED Emergency Lighting System

Hochiki Europe, world leaders in fire detection manufacturing introduces a brand new concept to the UK market – an innovative new Emergency Lighting system, FIREscape®.

Metroline Security is hugely experienced in designing, installing, and maintaining emergency lights. As experienced health and safety professionals, you can be assured that we will provide you with the more accurate advice you on your obligations to ensure that the emergency lighting on your premises complies with BS5266.

What is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting is designed to ensure the safe movement of people in the event of the mains supply to normal lighting failing.

BS5266 recognises that, in addition to ensuring safe unobstructed means of escape from the premises at all times, an important function of emergency lighting is to make possible the immediate location and operation of fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment. An additional purpose is to minimise the chance of panic arising in enclosed spaces, such as lifts.

Routine Emergency Light Testing

A comprehensive periodic testing procedure would be:

Daily – visual check to ensure that emergency lighting systems are operating correctly and that indicators are working.
Monthly Test – Check all lighting for signs of damage or disrepair. Flick test all emergency lights to ensure that they operate in the event of mains electricity supply failure.
Annual Test – A full system inspection and a 3 hour duration test of the emergency lights should be performed by a ‘competent person’ (i.e. someone with the necessary skills, training and knowledge to perform emergency lighting maintenance and servicing).
Compliance with BS5266 should be considered and produced in the emergency lighting certification report.

Do I Need Emergency Lights?

Emergency lights are required where artificial lighting is installed
On escape routes
Open areas greater than 60 square metres
Areas of special risk
Near to stairs and adequate to shine direct light on all treads
At any change of direction
At any changes in floor level
Near to corridors and intersections
Near to fire fighting equipment
Near to first aid points
Outside each final exit point

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Under the provisions set out in the above legislation, it is the duty and responsibility of employers with more than 5 staff to annually carry out a risk assessment in relation to fire safety within their work/business premises. This is designed to ensure that:

Employers provide an unobstructed means of escape in case of emergency
Signs and notices are provided indicating emergency exit routes
Emergency lighting is provided to provide adequate illumination throughout the escape routes
A fire detection and alarm system is provided
Staff are adequately trained in relation to fire drills and escape procedures

Emergency Lights Within Higher Risk Premises

Some premises must be registered with the local authority and be inspected by the Fire Authority – nursing homes, residential care homes, children’s homes and independent schools fall within this category.

Both licensed (i.e. nightclubs, public houses and hotels) and registered premises must pass a fire inspection by the Fire Authority to ascertain that the premises comply with emergency lighting and fire prevention legislation.

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