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Ensure safety and compliance with regular emergency lighting tests. Learn about daily checks, monthly flick tests, and annual requirements.
Ensuring the safety of your staff and customers is paramount. In the UK, there are strict regulations regarding emergency lighting and its testing. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines for your company.
At MW Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved technicians have provided testing services to countless businesses nationwide, helping them maintain compliance. Beyond legal requirements, standby lighting plays a crucial role in saving lives.
So, how can you ensure that your emergency lighting is tested properly?
Before delving into formal testing, it's advisable to perform basic visual checks daily. This simple task can be carried out by any designated individual and involves ensuring that lights are not obscured or excessively dirty.
For systems with a central battery, you must check the indicator light daily. Most modern systems use separate batteries for each light, making daily checks less critical. However, it’s still wise to conduct a visual check daily for added peace of mind.
In the UK, emergency lighting must comply with BS 5266-1. This standard requires adequate illumination for safe evacuation and identification of firefighting equipment. The requirement applies to nearly all commercial and industrial settings, including:
Testing frequency depends on the type of emergency lighting system. Generally, it is recommended that lighting be tested monthly and annually.
Monthly tests, known as “flick tests,” are brief functional checks that simulate a mains power failure. Each lamp should switch on and provide sufficient illumination. These tests can be conducted using a fish key, which temporarily disconnects the main power without endangering occupants. Results should be recorded, and any faults addressed.
Although not legally required, outsourcing monthly testing to professionals is advisable. Experts can quickly identify non-compliance issues and ensure that all luminaires are clean and functioning correctly—something that might be challenging for non-experts.
Monthly flick tests are legally mandated. Businesses must record these tests in a logbook, documenting any faults found. Remedial action must be taken promptly, and auditors will look for evidence of these actions.
Annual tests, or “full-duration tests,” are more comprehensive and must be conducted by a qualified professional. These tests last for three hours and involve cutting the primary lighting circuits. Each emergency light must remain on and provide adequate illumination throughout the test period.
These tests are often conducted alongside fire alarm servicing, which can be scheduled concurrently.
Finding a suitable time for emergency lighting tests can be challenging. While no specific time is legally required, the goal is to minimise business disruption while remaining compliant.
Daytime testing is typically more convenient as it allows for easier monitoring and is generally safer since any issues with the lighting system are immediately visible. However, it can disrupt business operations and may be challenging if there’s bright sunlight.
Night testing, while less disruptive to daily operations, is more hazardous as it could leave everyone in complete darkness if the system fails. Extra health and safety measures must be in place for night testing.
Ideally, schedule tests at the end of the working day to balance minimal disruption with sufficient natural light.
If your business operates around the clock, finding a convenient time for testing may be more complex. We recommend evaluating your operational patterns to identify the least disruptive time for the annual test. At MW Electrical Contractors, we offer 24/7 services to accommodate your schedule while ensuring legal compliance.
For more information on hiring our experienced technicians for your emergency lighting tests, contact us now.
