Emergency lighting helps people find their way out of a building safely if the normal lighting fails. Whether the cause is a power cut, fire or electrical fault, a working emergency lighting system can be essential for protecting employees, visitors and customers.

Installing emergency lighting is only part of the responsibility. It must also be inspected, tested and maintained regularly to confirm that it will operate correctly when needed.

Does Your Business Need Emergency Lighting?

Emergency lighting is required in many commercial and public buildings, including:

  • Offices
  • Shops and retail premises
  • Warehouses and factories
  • Schools and educational buildings
  • Hotels and hospitality venues
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Landlord-controlled communal areas

The exact requirements depend on the building’s layout, use and fire risk assessment. Emergency lighting will typically be needed along escape routes, near exits, on stairways and beside important fire safety equipment.

How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?

Emergency lighting systems should normally follow a planned testing schedule in line with the relevant British Standards and the building’s fire risk assessment.

Daily visual checks

Where applicable, the indicators on central battery systems or individual emergency lighting units should be checked to confirm that the system appears to be operating correctly.

Monthly function tests

A short functional test should be completed every month. This simulates a failure of the normal electricity supply and confirms that each emergency light switches on correctly.

Any damaged fittings, failed lamps or warning indicators should be recorded and investigated promptly.

Annual full-duration tests

Emergency lighting should also undergo a full-duration test each year. This checks whether the batteries can keep the lights operating for their rated emergency period, which is commonly up to three hours.

Annual testing should be carefully planned. Once a battery has been fully discharged, it needs time to recharge before the emergency light can provide its full rated duration again.

Who Is Responsible for Emergency Lighting Testing?

The person responsible for fire safety within the premises must make sure that emergency lighting is regularly checked and maintained. Depending on the business, this may be the employer, building owner, landlord, managing agent or another appointed responsible person.

Although routine visual checks may be completed by a designated member of staff, periodic inspections and more detailed testing should be carried out by a competent professional.

Why Should Test Results Be Recorded?

Businesses should maintain a fire safety logbook containing the dates and results of emergency lighting tests. It should also record any faults found and the work completed to correct them.

Accurate records help demonstrate that the system is being maintained properly. They can also be useful during fire risk assessments, insurance reviews and visits from enforcing authorities.

Common Emergency Lighting Problems

Regular testing can identify issues before an emergency occurs. Common faults include:

  • Batteries no longer holding sufficient charge
  • Lamps or LED fittings failing to illuminate
  • Damaged or incorrectly positioned fittings
  • Missing or unclear exit signage
  • Alterations to the building making the original system inadequate
  • Emergency lights being obstructed by furniture, stock or new partitions

A system that worked correctly when it was installed may no longer provide sufficient coverage after changes to the layout or use of a building.

Professional Emergency Lighting Testing in Bristol

R D Nelmes Electrical provides professional emergency lighting design, installation and testing services for commercial and industrial premises across Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Our experienced, NICEIC-approved electricians can inspect your existing system, identify faults and recommend any repairs or upgrades needed. We can also provide wider electrical inspection and testing services to help keep your premises safe and compliant.

If you need to arrange emergency lighting testing for your Bristol business, contact R D Nelmes Electrical today for expert advice or a free, no-obligation quotation.