
Emergency lighting systems should be part of any building’s fire safety precautions. Like any other fire safety measure, emergency lighting must be regularly tested and maintained in working order, per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Testing and maintenance schedules are set by the person responsible for fire safety. So, how often should emergency lighting be tested?
This guide explains the frequency of emergency lighting testing, as well as its purpose and procedures. If you’re a fire safety duty holder, you’ll learn how often emergency lighting should be tested to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation.
Key Takeaways
- Most emergency lighting systems should be tested monthly in addition to more extensive annual tests.
- Annual tests ensure the system operates for its full-rated duration, typically 3 hours.
- Systems powered by central batteries should be checked daily.
- Tests must be recorded, and any failures fixed immediately to stay compliant.
- Following British Standard 5266-1 is the best way to meet legal duties to test and maintain emergency lighting under the Fire Safety Order.
What is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting systems provide light when regular systems fail. They’re powered by batteries or generators, separate from the main supply of electricity.
There are two types of emergency lighting systems:
- Emergency escape lighting
- Standby lighting
Standby lighting is effectively a backup lighting system. During a power cut, standby lighting will activate, giving people enough light to continue working. It’s used in workplaces where people can’t pause what they’re doing, such as hospitals.
There are plenty of workplaces where standby lighting isn’t needed. You only need to install (and test) a standby lighting system if it’s specified on your workplace’s risk assessment.
Emergency escape lighting is needed in every workplace to ensure occupants can evacuate safely in the event of a fire. There are three main types of emergency escape lighting:
Escape Route Lighting
Escape route lighting illuminates exits and escape routes during an emergency so occupants can always find a way out of the building.
Open Area Lighting
Open area lighting is used in large, well-populated spaces such as halls, open-plan offices or shopping centres.
While open area lighting does help people find their way to escape routes, its main purpose is to keep crowds calm.
A large crowd will likely panic when plunged into darkness; keeping a basic level of illumination will help reassure people. Because of this effect, open area lighting is also referred to as anti-panic lighting.
High-Risk Task Area Lighting
High-risk task area lighting is needed where sudden darkness would put people at risk, such as in factories where workers handle hazardous substances.
This type of emergency lighting lets people wrap up their jobs safely before starting the evacuation process.
Which Regulations Cover Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting systems are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO).
Under the FSO, steps must be taken in every workplace and non-domestic premises to minimise fire risks to property and people. This duty falls on the “responsible person” – the individual in control of the premises. They must ensure that:
- Fire risk assessments are carried out and actioned
- Fire safety measures are installed and maintained
- Emergency plans are in place and understood by occupants
Emergency lighting systems are an essential fire safety measure. They’re referenced explicitly in Article 14 of the FSO, which states:
“Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.”
The FSO also makes maintenance a legal requirement. Under Article 17, all fire safety precautions must be kept in “efficient working order”, which makes emergency lighting testing necessary.
Why are Emergency Lighting Tests Necessary?
Occupants must be able to safely evacuate a building at all times. Emergency lighting testing verifies that systems are working before they’re really needed.
Tests and checks should be carried out regularly on all fire safety measures – extinguishers, alarms, fire doors. It’s up to the responsible person to see these tests carried out and documented, but they shouldn’t necessarily do them personally.
Under the FSO, only competent people can take on fire safety duties. Most responsible persons aren’t trained fire safety experts, so they appoint others to do the actual work. However, accountability always stays with the responsible person.
How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Deciding how often your workplace’s emergency lighting should be tested depends on what type of system is installed in your workplace.
The FSO doesn’t set out testing schedules to follow. It only establishes the duty to test. For guidance on testing frequency, it’s best to refer to British Standard 5266-1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.
British Standards aren’t law, so you don’t have to follow them. But they set out the best way to meet your legal duties. Implementing the practices and procedures set out in each standard effectively guarantees compliance.
Following BS 5266-1, you should carry out emergency lighting testing:
- Monthly
- Annually
(Daily inspections are also recommended for emergency lighting that uses a central battery system. This power source should be checked every day.)
All tests should happen out of hours to minimise disruption and prevent panic.
Monthly Emergency Lighting Testing
Monthly tests involve activating the emergency lighting system for a short duration; around 10 minutes is enough.
This test should confirm:
- All luminaires (lights) are working.
- Batteries are charged and able to power lights when the main supply is cut.
- There are no visible faults or defects.
The test results must be recorded, and any failures must be addressed immediately.
Annual Emergency Lighting Testing
Annual tests confirm an emergency lighting system will work for the entire time it’s needed (3 hours is typical).
The checks are the same as in the monthly test, just over a longer duration. Again, the results must be recorded for compliance, and any failures must be acted on immediately.
Emergency Lighting Testing Training
If you’re the responsible person or appointed to carry out emergency lighting testing, understanding the requirements is essential. Our Emergency Lighting Testing course explains everything you need to know, from testing procedures to the standards you must follow.
You’ll learn how and when to test emergency lighting systems, as required by law. By the end of the course, you’ll know exactly how often emergency lighting should be tested and how to ensure your systems meet legal requirements.