Electrical, Lifts and Access
Emergency Light Testing
Under UK law, emergency lights are a legal requirement in many commercial premises. Unfortunately, some property managers and business owners aren’t aware of their legal obligation to install and maintain emergency light testing.
Emergency lighting illuminates exit points in the case of danger, keeping the occupants on your premises safe. As such, insufficient testing and maintenance can be a serious hazard.
With so much at stake, finding a reputable emergency light testing provider is critical. They will advise you on your legal requirements and safely install and test your lighting systems to ensure you comply with British Standards.
Looking for reliable emergency light testing in Yorkshire? Contact Robinsons Facilities Services today.
Our experienced fire safety engineers can install, service, and repair a range of emergency light systems. So you can rest assured that your commercial property is secure and compliant.
Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of emergency light testing procedures and best practices.
What Does Emergency Lighting Do?
Emergency lighting systems facilitate the safe (and prompt) evacuation of occupants from your premises during an emergency situation. It creates a well-lit route out of the building, helping keep occupants calm as they evacuate. It also makes it easier for first responders to carry out their jobs.
Under BS 5266:2016 standards, a building must have adequate illumination for people to escape and to identify the equipment needed to fight any fire, such as sprinkler systems, alarms, and fire extinguishers.
All business premises such as offices, pubs, clubs, and even outdoor marquees, must comply with the laws.
Some common installation locations include:
- Emergency exits
- Stairways
- Hallways
- Areas around fire extinguishers
- Reception areas
- High-risk areas, such as kitchens, swimming pools, and passenger lifts
- Toilets
- Toilets in hotel rooms that accommodate people with disabilities
As a general rule, you should install emergency lighting in any area that exceeds 8 square metres. Our team of lighting experts can advise you on where to place emergency lighting in your commercial property.
Choosing an Emergency Lighting System
When choosing which emergency lighting system is best for your business, you will have two choices:
Self-contained (single point) system
- Each light has its own smaller battery
- Easier to install, maintain, and test
- More cost-effective for small businesses
Central battery source system
- One larger battery will run multiple lights
- Ideal for larger commercial premises as they can power more emergency lights from one central point
Common Types of Emergency Lighting
Here are the most popular types of emergency lighting our engineers install, test, and repair:
- Escape route and open areas – facilitate safe evacuation of your property
- Safety lighting – this is required by occupants who can’t leave the premises (such as inpatients)
- Maintained lighting – is on 24/7 and has a backup battery in the case of a power outage
- Non-maintained lighting – this turns on straight away in case you lose power
- High-risk area lighting – ensure that high-risk areas are properly lit in case of an emergency
How to Choose the Right Emergency Lighting System
Emergency lighting plays a key role in keeping your commercial property safe. As a result, it’s imperative that you choose the right lighting solution for your needs.
Consider the following factors when choosing the best emergency lighting provision:
- The type of building (commercial or residential) and its use
- Building design
- Local building codes, safety regulations, and industry
- Your specific lighting requirements (how long emergency lights need to operate during a power outage)
- The power source
We recommend speaking to an emergency lighting professional for advice on the best system for your needs. Call our team today at 01423 226578.
How Often Should I Test My Emergency Lights?
According to UK fire safety legislation, you must fully test your emergency lighting system once a year.
In addition, you must conduct a “flick test” once a month. This involves turning off the main power supply to simulate a power outage and then checking that the emergency lights come on correctly.
Monthly checks should be carried out in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004. It is also important to check that the batteries are holding their charge and have enough power to last.
If you manage a commercial property with emergency lighting, it’s up to you (or a designated ‘competent person’) to conduct regular emergency light tests. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest legal emergency testing requirements in the UK or work with a reputable emergency light testing company.
Get in touch with our qualified technicians today to learn more about our emergency light testing procedures.
Emergency Lighting Test and Servicing
The commercial lights in your premises must be certified to British Standards in accordance with BS 5266:2016. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a professional emergency light servicing company to ensure compliance.
Our team of qualified lighting engineers can advise you on the best course of action when it comes to emergency lighting installation, testing, and repair across Yorkshire.
After we install your system, you will receive a commissioning certificate and logbook. This allows you to record each test and ensures you meet your fire safety responsibilities.
For optimal safety and compliance, our fire safety experts recommend conducting daily, monthly, and yearly tests:
- Daily checks – If you have a central battery, test it’s properly working every day
- Monthly checks – Simulate a power cut to ensure that your emergency lighting system comes on as it should. If not, contact a qualified technician right away.
- Yearly checks – Contact an emergency light testing provider to conduct a full test of your system (ensuring that your emergency lights stay on for three hours with optimal brightness).
Robinsons Facilities Services is Yorkshire’s first choice for emergency light maintenance, installation, and repair.
Emergency Light Testing Yorkshire
Our industry-approved engineers conduct emergency light testing, maintenance, and repair across Yorkshire. We serve a diverse range of sectors and types of commercial premises.
With years of industry experience, we can tackle any lighting system and ensure you meet UK regulations. We offer a broad catalogue of facilities management services and flexible maintenance packages to best suit your business needs.
Our bespoke maintenance packages include:
Planned Preventative Maintenance:
- Fastest Response Times – guaranteed within 4 hours.
- Lowest Call-out Charges
- 24/7/365 callout facility
- Personalised asset maintenance schedule
- Online portal to manage your maintenance schedule
- Flexible contract options ranging from 12 months to 5 years
24-7-365 Callout Facility:
- Fast response times
- Reduced callout charges compared to clients without a contract with us
- 24/7/365 call-out service
Reactive-only Service:
- Unique “as and when” service
- Fast response times
- Ideal for small businesses not ready for a regular maintenance contract
Why Choose Robinsons Facilities Services?
Here are some of the reasons why our clients choose us:
- Emergency lighting test & servicing across Yorkshire
- Fast response times and flexible callouts
- We test all types of emergency lights
- Our fire-approved engineers are fully qualified
- Combine emergency lighting test with other fire protection services for a cost-effective solution
As Yorkshire’s leading emergency light testing provider, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Want to join the many UK businesses that already rely on us for all their facilities management needs? Get in touch today to protect your premises from emergencies.
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Emergency Light Testing FAQs
Every year, a three hour test is required by law. If the lighting does not last for the full three hours then it will fail the test.
Experts recommend that you replace the emergency lights every four years. The battery packs are not designed to last forever, and having a functioning battery gives you peace of mind.
Monthly lighting tests don’t need to be done by an electrician. You can do this yourself, by ensuring all the lighting is illuminating when the power is switched off, by using a test key. This is a vital piece of equipment that you will receive when installing the lighting. Check that signs and lights are clean, clear, and not damaged.
Many emergency exit lights have a “push to test” button on them which is a way to disconnect mains power and check they are still working.
The freeholder, managing agent or operator of the building, or even the landlord could be responsible. They may also delegate this task to a ‘competent individual’. Businesses must have a fire risk assessment and outline the responsibilities of employees when it comes to maintaining the fire system.
The cost of an emergency lighting certificare starts from around £99 (+VAT) in the UK. This test and corresponding certificate are essential for the health and safety of any commercial premises. Get a quote today.
If you’re in the UK, you should test your emergency lighting system every month. In addition, you must conduct a full-duration test annually, which usually lasts a minimum of three hours.
Monthly tests ensure your emergency light system is working correctly and identify any potential issues. By simulating an actual power cut, you can check that your lighting will function properly in the case of a real outage.
Yes, all emergency lighting systems in the UK must comply with British Standard BS 5266-1:2016. This standard offers guidance on how to correctly install and test these systems.
If you have a competent member of staff in your team, then you can conduct monthly checks in-house. However, annual checks must be conducted by a qualified technician. Similarly, if you notice any issues with your system during your monthly checks, always contact a professional for a full assessment.
You must maintain detailed records of all monthly and annual testing, including dates, results, and any repairs or actions you took. You may be asked to provide these records during a building inspection.
If you come across a fault during your monthly check, address it immediately. Call a qualified professional to carry out any repairs or replacements and keep a clear record.
Ideally, you should fix any faults with your system immediately and document all corrective actions you take. If this isn’t possible, you should look for an alternative system to ensure health and safety until the system is working again.
Call our Yorkshire Head Office about Emergency Light Testing
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A quick guide to what emergency light testing is, and how it ensures safety during power outages. Helpful for health and safety officers in any facility.
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