Emergency lighting is a critical component of a building’s safety strategy. For businesses in the UK, ensuring that emergency lighting systems are installed and properly maintained is not just a matter of responsibility, it’s legally mandated. In this article, we’ll explore the UK’s emergency lighting regulations, the various types of emergency lighting, where it needs to be placed, and how to make sure your emergency lighting complies with current laws and standards.
What Is Emergency Lighting and Why Is It Crucial for Businesses?
Emergency lighting is a backup lighting system that activates automatically when the main power supply fails, resulting in a power cut and the normal illumination failing. This type of lighting is designed to be sufficiently bright and provide clear direction to exit routes, allowing people to evacuate the premises safely.
In the UK, the loss of mains electricity could lead to sudden darkness and pose a serious threat to occupants, hindering their ability to find a way out. Consequently, it is vital for businesses to install emergency lighting to ensure the safety of everyone inside.
Types of Emergency Lighting
Escape Route Lighting
This type of emergency lighting identifies and illuminates exit paths and egress routes to facilitate a safe and orderly evacuation.
Open Area Emergency Lighting
Also referred to as ‘anti-panic lighting’, this aims to reduce fear and prevent panic by providing sufficient illumination in communal areas where people might congregate during an evacuation.
High-Risk Task Area Lighting
Certain tasks may be of higher risk and require lighting to ensure the safe shutdown of equipment. High-risk task area lighting ensures that these tasks can be completed safely during a power outage.
Standby Lighting
This is not usually considered a part of emergency lighting, but it provides illumination for normal activities to continue substantially unaffected in the event of a mains power supply failure.
Placement of Emergency Lighting
Placement of emergency lighting should be strategic and calculated, based on a thorough fire risk assessment. UK regulations dictate that emergency lighting is essential in all areas that would influence the escape route, including:
- Stairwells
- Changes in floor level
- Main corridors and intersections
- Toilet areas and windowless rooms
- Near fire-fighting equipment and alarm call points
Recommended spacing for fixtures and specific guidance can be drawn from a professional fire risk assessment.
Duration of Emergency Lighting
In the UK, regulations state that emergency escape lighting must remain on for a minimum of three hours where evacuation is not immediate. This criterion meets the needs of premises that may stay occupied, ensuring there’s ample time for everyone to evacuate safely.
Power Sources for Emergency Lighting Systems
A business can opt for a self-contained power source for each emergency light fitting, or a central battery source that powers all of the lighting. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but each must be capable of powering the emergency lighting for the required duration.
Brightness Requirements for Emergency Lighting
The brightness, or luminance, of emergency lighting should comply with British Standards (BS 5266), ensuring that visibility is maintained in emergency situations to aid in evacuation.
Service and Testing of Emergency Lighting Systems
The ‘responsible person’ (usually the employer or proprietor) must ensure emergency lighting systems are tested and maintained regularly. Routine testing procedures include daily, monthly, and annual tests. Proper maintenance assures that emergency lights remain operational if they are needed.
Use of Emergency Lighting in Different Industries
While all businesses need emergency lighting, specific industries may have unique regulations or additional requirements to consider. For instance, large venues, factories, and enterprises with a high number of occupants all require careful consideration of emergency lighting to ensure safety.
Conclusion
Providing emergency lighting within a business space is not only about adherence to UK Law but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants in an emergency. Regular testing, servicing, and an understanding of the various types needed are all part of complying with regulations. Failure to install or maintain emergency lighting can lead to fines or more severe legal consequences, not to mention the potential for tragedy during an emergency. As such, regular audits, understanding the latest updates to emergency lighting standards, and ongoing maintenance are key components to a compliant and safe work environment.