Unlike those that are used as residential and private dwellings, any building that is responsible for the comfort and welfare of its occupants must comply with stringent regulations and legislations.
These are put in place by the government and Health and Safety Executive. For the safety of the employees, students or patients frequenting the site. These include fire detection warning and escape systems, sprinkler systems and emergency lighting.
Emergency lighting comes into play when everyday lighting systems fail. So that those on site can evacuate buildings safely. Implementing a high-quality lighting system is vital. And it should be installed by specialists that are equipped to provide a bespoke system for each premises. When not done correctly, common pitfalls can emerge leaving systems open to danger, expense and damages. To help avoid these common mistakes and know how to correct them, it’s time to ask the experts.
Testing frequency and risk assessments
One of the most common oversights is missing risk assessments and irregular testing. Installers of emergency lighting are required to simulate power failures. And test the duration of its battery life to ensure that businesses are complying with BS 5266. And keeping all occupants safe. However, it’s not unusual to find that daily and monthly testing hasn’t been completed for some time.
Risk assessments are a legal requirement for commercial premises. And need to be undertaken at the design stage and then at regular intervals. This is increasingly important when alterations are made to the structure of a building. And when changes occur within the internal design which impact the site’s layout. This includes the installation of partitions and anything that affects routes to and from a building.
Failure to carry out regular and efficient risk assessments can result in long-term problems. Particularly when it comes to the emergency lighting scheme. And may result in new requirements and legislation being missed. To address this, assessments should only be completed by a trained professional. That is fully accredited and competent. And can document findings to prove important appraisals have been completed.
Emergency luminaires must be tested annually for the duration of their three-hour battery life. With any failures that are detected being rectified immediately. Many companies now opt for an automatic testing system. Which enables tests to take place regularly at periods of low risk.
Poor lighting design and low quality luminaires
Emergency lighting companies are often presented with applications that are out of date. And solutions that are ill fitting for a modern working environment. In corridors and escape routes, the central line must be illuminated to at least 1 lux. With many older systems falling short of this. Which directly endangers staff, visitors and customers who are on site.
A very common mistake that people make when installing new lighting is picking substandard fittings. Initially, they will save sites money on energy. But those savings are quickly spent in maintaining and replacing them. It is important to always choose a lighting manufacturer with experience in supplying emergency lighting. So if a fitting fails a monthly or annual test, a replacement is available immediately. If an inexperienced supplier is selected, then replacements aren’t as easy to source. And can leave facilities with inadequate emergency lighting.
Don’t take the systems for granted
Seen by professionals as one of the most important considerations for new buildings or when upgrading current systems, emergency lighting should not be an afterthought. In spite of this, many decision-makers take its importance for granted. And see it as a low priority additional cost, without considering the consequences. However, a 2020 report revealed that 44% of firms surveyed in England didn’t have the correct form of emergency lighting installed. Which can result in substantial fines or even prison sentences.
A “fit and forget” mindset is at the heart of why outdated and faulty emergency lighting systems are so widespread. Compliance can often fall between the cracks. Particularly as so many building owners and facilities managers employ third parties to test and resolve any issues with their emergency lighting systems. However, in the eyes of the law they are accountable for damages, lack of testing or maintenance and shifting regulations.
It is important to do your research before having emergency lighting systems installed. As substandard fittings could lead to inefficient evacuation during an incident. In addition to the potential human impact, financial consequences must be taken into account. And while the use of fire safety equipment can help with the reduction of insurance premiums, it can also have the opposite effect when done incorrectly.