Do I need Emergency Lighting?

Under the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which became law on the 1st October 2006, it is now mandatory to undertake a written Fire Risk Assessment, and to maintain this as a ‘living’ document. i.e. it should be re-assessed at least annually, and updated in the event of any changes made to the premises which should be incorporated into the document.

The new Fire Safety Order encompasses and takes the place of all previous fire safety legislation and all aspects of Fire Safety are now together under this order and now non compliance is dealt with under the authority of criminal law.

This piece of legislation requires the ‘Responsible Person’, to consider all aspects of Fire Safety within their premises and included in this requirement is the provision of Emergency Lighting.

What is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lights are self contained units that are wired into the mains, but have the benefit of battery backup which enables them to remain illuminated should the mains power fail. The batteries can either be carried within the body of the individual light or accessed by lights via an independent wired circuit. The batteries are kept charged via the mains.

What Standards should be observed in Emergency Lighting?

These systems should conform to BS 5266, and BS5588.

What is a maintained Emergency Lighting?

This type remains illuminated and works normally via the mains, should the mains fail batteries will keep the unit illuminated for at least 1 hour – 3hours.

What is a non-maintained Emergency Light?

This type is not ordinarily illuminated, but will automatically illuminate should mains power fail.

Why do I need such lights?

Because in the event of a power fail you must ensure your building is evacuated safely and quickly and the escape routes and emergency exits need to be illuminated to achieve this.

Do I need to have theses emergency lights maintained?

Yes, a Maintenance Contract is available from us and our Engineer will make 2 visits annually to check your systems out.

I have seen green signs in buildings pointing towards the emergency exits, do I need these?

Signage is all part and parcel of such a system whether they are a type of luminaire or a simple stand alone plastic sign in an area lit by an emergency light.

I have people on the premises with special needs, do I have to cater for them Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended in 2004?

Yes you must, it is an issue which should be brought to the attention of our surveyor so that he can advise on alterations necessary, your Fire Strategy must protect their interests also.

the BBC site maybe useful go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3139114.stm

This site may assist and answer some of your questions, alternatively this subject is widely covered on the Internet and can be accessed via a Google search.

Call us now to discuss your requirements
0800 0432715