Emergency lighting should automatically form part of any fire risk assessment, but there are some circumstances under which it may not be required on your premises. Chiefly these consist of situations such as a small office of half a dozen people with easy access to a fire escape, or perhaps a small farm building with a few occupants who can move outside easily.
You may also not need emergency lighting if you have “borrowed” lighting – for example, street lights outside the building throwing light through the windows. However, be aware that if there is a general power failure the street lighting may also go out.
Don’t panic Mr Mainwaring…
Emergency lighting falls under two headings and is governed by BS5266. The overall objective of emergency lighting is to permit safe escape from a building or other location in the event of the mains lighting going down. The two points of concern are the escape route lighting and open area lighting (otherwise known as anti-panic lighting).
The objective of escape route lighting is to provide for a means of escape from a location or building by providing suitable visual conditions and enabling appropriate signage to be seen, and also to enable a means of finding fire-fighting equipment and any other safety equipment.
Open area lighting is intended to reduce the likelihood of panic and enable occupants to find an escape route and easily read direction signs. This should also be remembered in the case of small areas such as lifts.
Emergency lighting is part of fire safety law and it applies to you particularly if anybody pays you to stay on your property other than as a permanent home. So this would include B & Bs, guest houses, hotels, farmhouses, restaurants with bedrooms, and inns. It also applies to self-catering accommodation: cottages, houses, chalets, flats and even caravans. Hostels are also included under the legislation. Escape route information should be provided along with any other information given to guests.
Emergency exit signs may not be needed in small premises where the method of escape is obvious, such as a small house or cottage. However, larger premises will require signage and, as a consequence, escape route lighting in order that the signs are visible.
Emergency lighting requires an automatic on switch
It goes without saying that emergency lighting must switch on automatically when the mains power fails. However, in small premises, such as guest houses, it may be sufficient to provide rechargeable torches. These plug into a power outlet and switch on in the event of a power outage. A sign should be provided explaining what the torch is for and how it works.
In larger premises, more sophisticated systems will be required, but the exact type of emergency lighting requirement can only be decided through a full fire risk assessment.
Where relatively small premises are concerned and something like automatic torches used, they should be checked from time to time in order to assess for how long they maintain their charge. In large premises such as hotels and public buildings, it may be necessary to employ a stand-by generator which kicks in as soon as the power goes down.
Installing emergency lighting
Whether or not emergency lighting is a legal requirement, it is always worthwhile considering installing it since anything which contributes to overall safety is to be welcomed. Simply fill out the short, form at the top of this page on the right side column and we’ll be in contact to arrange a free survey. This involves
- Free visit from one of our experienced surveyors
- Followed by a quickly delivered, clear and detailed quotation
Guardian will ensure a fire protection system is installed that complies with the latest fire regulations and gives you the highest level of protection and peace of mind with the least disruption to your business possible.
Fill out the form at the top right of the page and we’ll be in touch.