The introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has brought together all the elements of fire safety under one roof.
Emergency lighting is primarily intended to provide sufficient illumination to enable people to see their way safely out of a building in cases of emergency and falls into five categories:
It is vital that emergency lighting comes on if the normal lighting fails. It needs to be sufficiently bright, illuminated for enough time, and the light sources so positioned that the occupants of a building can be evacuated safely in an emergency. BS 5266 Emergency Lighting, the Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises, offers simple guidance on the positioning of emergency luminaries, minimum height levels, acceptable glare levels, together with minimum routine testing schedules.
Legislation Requirements
Emergency lighting requirements specify that luminaries are positioned:
- Along escape routes
- At every change in direction
- Adjacent to any step or trip hazard
- Over every flight of stairs so each tread receives direct light
- Close to fire fighting equipment and call points
- Close to any first aid points
- Outside every final exit.
It is also recommended that some thought is given to providing external luminaries to guide evacuees away from the final exits. Additionally, BS 5266 puts additional emphasis on the importance of regular testing of emergency lighting equipment.
Our Service
Emergency ighting can be needed for a number of reasons the most common though are: in the event of fire - when it is essential to quickly locate fire fighting equipment and identify exit routes from the premises; or due to a break in the normal lighting supplies leading to sudden darkness and the resultant hazard to human life, either through physical danger or panic.
Emergency lighting is normally required to operate fully automatically and give illumination of a sufficiently high level to enable persons of all ages to evacuate the premises safely.
Capital Electricals and Building Contractors install, service and maintain emergency lighting systems, whether you require a new system, extension of an existing system or just an upgrade. We are familiar with the various types of Emergency Lighting Systems from flats, shops, restaurants, offices and other Industrial Units and can provide a comprehensive service ensuring your emergency lighting complies with all relevant legislation.
Contact CEABC to find out more:
M: +44 (0) 7889 198 600
T: +44 (0) 20 8867 0410
E: (click here)