Emergency Light Testing in London

WHAT

 

To comply with BS 5266:2005 on emergency light testing

 

Emergency lighting as the term implies is lighting for an emergency situation when the main power supply fails. The loss of mains electricity could be the result of a fire, power cut or local circuit failure and the normal lighting supplies fail.

 

This may lead to sudden darkness and a possible danger to the occupants, either through physical danger or panic. 

 

WHY

 

Health & Safety legislation requires all commercial and public premises to have an emergency lighting installation that complies with BS 5266:2005.

 

The main reasons for installing emergency lighting is to enable the building to meet fire safety legislation in a way that is visually acceptable, meets the users' needs for ease of operation and maintenance and enables safe passage in the event of a power failure or fire.  

 

WHEN

 

Legislation demands that emergency lights are regularly tested and maintained in full working order, if not then they cannot be expected to function effectively in an emergency.

 

HOW

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Emergency lighting systems automatically operate for between 1 and 3 hours on a battery backup system. These need to be regularly checked and tested to ensure they work correctly.

 

In most cases, your mains lighting will need to be turned off. This is to simulate a power failure.

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Testing includes the key switches, batteries, luminaries, and control equipment.

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All emergency lighting should be tested for its full rated duration as stipulated by the British Standard, BS 5266:2005.

 

Annually - Carry out a 3-hour test of the emergency system.  Record and log the test in the logbook

 

6 Month Test - Carry out a 1-hour test of the emergency system.   Record and log the test in the logbook.

 

Monthly - Carry out a 15-minute flick test to ensure the light fittings activate in "test mode" record and log the test in the logbook