Got a question about emergency lighting testing not answered here? Just use the form at the bottom of this page and we will get back to you with the answer.
How do I know if I have emergency lighting?
A green or red LED should be visible on each light fitting, you should also have a clearly labelled key switch for testing. If you can’t see either of these it’s unlikely you have emergency lighting or a legally compliant system.
What are the 5 types of Emergency Lighting?
There are five main types of emergency lighting:
Emergency lighting – safety lighting for when normal lighting fails. It should provide prompt, automatic, and timely lighting in a specified area.
Emergency escape lighting – enables safe exit from a building in the event of main power failure to the normal lighting system.
Emergency escape route lighting – visual markers towards safe exits from the building, such as fire door, as well as, in some instances, indication of the location of firefighting and safety equipment.
Open area or anti-panic lighting – for the safe movement of people through the building to the exits. This consists of items such as direction markers, to help prevent panic in certain areas of the building.
High-risk task area lighting – for hazardous areas during the evacuation process, as well as enabling shut down procedures in specific areas.
It is important that the emergency lighting used is correct for the area, else its efficacy will be reduced.
How do I know which emergency lighting I need for my building?
Most buildings require a combination of the different types of emergency lighting to make the evacuation process as safe as possible for the building’s occupants. It is important to understand how the flow of people will travel through the building, so that you can ensure that you have identified high-risk areas.
When you use Black Pear Electrical we will take the time to ensure that we have understood your needs, and how your building is used. It is vital that the movement of people through your building is understood thoroughly before your emergency lighting is installed. All buildings will have key problem areas, with bottlenecks or changes of level. Carefully planned emergency lighting will help to facilitate the flow of evacuation in an emergency and reduce the risk of injury or harm that can be caused by inadequate emergency lighting.
What sort of business needs its emergency lights tested?
Where lights are fitted as a requirement of planning law, they must be tested. No-one is exempt, if you are in any doubt please contact us.
I have emergency lighting, how often should I have it tested?
You must have your emergency lighting tested every month, in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004. The requirement for this monthly testing is a simple period of simulated failure, during which period all luminaires and signs can be checked to make sure that they are present, clean and functioning.
A longer test should then be carried out annually, to ensure that the emergency lighting has been correctly maintained with all components functioning correctly. It is vital that records of all tests are kept, as in the unfortunate event of an emergency, you will be required to produce evidence of your compliance in accordance with the law.
What benefit do I receive from having my emergency lighting tested?
As well as fulfilling your legal obligation, you will gain peace of mind.
How can Black Pear Electrical help me?
When you contact Black Pear Electrical we will take the time to discuss your emergency lighting requirements with you. We will book you a full review and consultation, where we will examine your building and take time understanding the density and traffic flow of the people inside your building. We will put together a detailed emergency lighting plan for you and explain thoroughly what we consider to be the best option for your needs.
If you already have emergency lighting in situ, we will review your existing system, and offer advice as to its efficacy, including any amendments or additions that are required. We will fully test all existing systems, so that you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your systems are safe should the need for them arise.
If work is required on your building to install or upgrade your emergency lighting, then we will schedule the work in at a time and pace that suits you. We understand business, so will endeavour to work around your timetable, reducing the inconvenience to you and your business.
What does the engineer do during his visit?
The engineer will test every light, and ensure that they have a minimum of 3 hours working time. This will be done with the least possible disruption to your business.
What do I get after my testing is complete?
A certificate showing that your emergency lighting has been tested, which shows evidential proof of your compliance for yourself and your insurers, and peace of mind that you have fulfilled your safeguarding obligations.
