EMERGENCY LIGHTING INSPECTION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION

CAPITAL ELECTRICALs.

How can we help?

Whether you already have a testing and maintenance programme in place or are starting from scratch, we are able to help you fulfil your safety obligations by providing a reliable and cost effective inspection and testing service.

What do we do?

For the majority of clients, we provide annual inspection, testing and certification of emergency lighting. We use fully qualified electricians, experienced in the testing of emergency lighting. We can also supply standard or bespoke log books, so that following the full annual test, a designated member of your staff can quickly and easily perform monthly checks using an easy to follow (tick box style) log book.

Our inspection and testing procedures include the following:

Lumina ire duration testing
Cleaning of diffusers
Battery charging functional check
Labelling of luminaires
Supply of test results and/or log books
Supply and fitting of emergency exit directional signs
Advice on any improvements required
Certification

General Information on Emergency Lighting

The purpose of emergency lighting testing is to ensure that emergency lights remain fully functional (for the specified duration) during mains electrical failure and that all lighting and exit signs are up to date with current legislation and are adequate for the purpose intended.

BS5266 recommends that emergency lighting systems be regularly serviced by 'competent' persons, these being persons with the necessary knowledge, skills and training to undertake emergency lighting servicing procedures.

Implementation of a periodic system of inspection and testing ensures that emergency lighting systems remain reliable at all times and that in the event of an emergency or power failure, the emergency lighting operates, ensuring that people can safely evacuate the building.

If you have 5 or more employees, you are required by law (under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order) to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. We offer a tailored risk assessment service to to help employers fulfil their statutory obligations under the Order.

Routine Testing

Routine Testing should be carried out:

Daily visual check to ensure that emergency lighting systems are operating correctly and that indicators are working. This will be carried out by the 'responsible person' delegated to the task by the organisation/business. Any faults should be logged and corrected asap.
Monthly Check all luminaires for signs of damage or disrepair. Briefly test all emergency lights to ensure that they operate in the event of mains electricity supply failure. This will usually be carried out by the 'responsible person'. Any faults should be logged and corrected asap.
Annually A full system inspection and duration test of the emergency lights should be performed by a 'competent person' , this being a person with the necessary skills, training and knowledge to perform emergency lighting maintenance and servicing. Compliance with BS5266 should be considered and produced in the emergency lighting certification report. Any faults should be rectified. Essential Electrical engineers are qualified and experienced in the routine inspection and testing of emergency lighting systems.

Where are Emergency Lights Required?

Emergency lights are required where artificial lighting is installed
On escape routes
Open areas greater than 60 square metres
Areas of special risk
Near to stairs and adequate to shine direct light on all treads
At any change of direction
At any changes in floor level
Near to corridors and intersections
Near to fire fighting equipment
Near to first aid points
Outside each final exit point

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Under the provisions set out in the above legislation, it is the duty and responsibility of employers (as a 'responsible person') to annually carry out a risk assessment in relation to fire safety within their work/business premises. The order applies to all employers who employ 5 or more staff. The Regulatory Reform Order is a lengthy and complex statutory instrument, its main objectives are to ensure that:

employers provide an unobstructed means of escape in case of emergency
signs and notices are provided indicating emergency exit routes
emergency lighting is provided to provide adequate illumination throughout the escape routes
a fire detection and alarm system is provided
staff are adequately trained in relation to fire drills and escape procedures

Additional Requirements for Higher Risk Premises

Certain premises require a licence from the local authority - such premises include theatres and cinemas, sports arenas and places of public entertainment eg. night clubs, pubs, gambling establishments, music halls etc.

Some premises must be registered with the local authority and be inspected by the Fire Authority - nursing homes, residential care homes, children's homes and in dependant schools fall within this category.

Both licensed and registered premises must pass a fire inspection by the Fire Authority to ascertain that the premises comply with emergency lighting and fire prevention legislation.

For further information and pricing, please contact our office on 02088670410.

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