Design

To ensure that emergency lighting within a building is up to standard, it’s important to establish the specific requirements for the installation, while keeping building licensing requirements in mind. A site-specific risk assessment will be carried out to ensure that all aspects of emergency lighting requirements are covered. Below are some of the basic design considerations for emergency lighting systems:

– Define Building Criteria: Identifying escape routes, en-route exits, and final exits (both interior and exterior) as well as open areas larger than 60m2, areas with high-risk tasks (such as moving machinery or heat hazards), access areas such as lifts, escalators, and plant rooms, disabled toilets and toilets with a gross area larger than 8m2, alarm call points, fire fighting equipment, and first aid areas.

Additionally, the hours of occupation are considered, for example, sleeping risk in places such as  hospitals or hotels.

Supply & Installation

Whatever the circumstances, the emergency lighting installation process should be carried out by an accredited company based on a design specific to your premises and site-specific requirements.

In the event of a power outage or emergency situation where main lighting fails, emergency lighting is crucial in ensuring the safety and guidance of occupants within a building. Designed to operate automatically, this lighting provides the necessary visibility to exits and escape routes, facilitating swift and safe evacuation.

Types of Emergency Lighting:

Escape Route Lighting
These are installed to ensure routes are well lit, allowing for easy and safe passage to emergency exits.

High Risk Area Lighting
This lighting focuses on areas that may pose a serious risk during emergencies, ensuring that operations needed to shut down equipment or processes can be carried out safely.

Standby Lighting
Although not mandatory, standby lighting allows normal activities to continue largely uninterrupted, which can be crucial for some premises during a power failure.

Monitoring & Maintenance

Emergency lighting systems must comply with local and national building codes and safety standards such as EN 50172 / BS 5266-1 in the European Union and United Kingdom. Compliance ensures that lighting is adequate, regularly tested, and maintained according to the law.

Recent advancements include LED technology, which offers longer lifespan, reduced energy consumption, and improved performance in emergency lighting solutions. Wireless monitoring systems are also becoming more commonplace in managing and testing emergency lights more efficiently, enhancing safety compliance across facilities.

Systems should be tested regularly to ensure they are operational when needed the most. This includes monthly tests and annual full discharge tests, among other maintenance routines.

Emergency lighting is a critical component of building safety, ensuring the illumination of escape routes and high-risk areas during emergencies. By adhering to regulatory standards and embracing technological advancements, building operators can effectively enhance the safety and security of occupants during unexpected power failures.