Emergency lighting systems play an essential role in commercial and residential properties across London. Activating when mains power is compromised or fails, these systems help people navigate escape routes so they can evacuate a building in an emergency.
To ensure your emergency lights function as they should, they require regular testing. This is typically conducted:
- Monthly with a flick-on/flick/off test
- Annually, with a 3-hour test
This helps you keep your property compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Testing and maintenance are set by the person responsible for fire safety, meaning tests can be conducted more frequently if preferred. In our latest blog, we explore how often you should test your emergency lights, why you test them and how to do it.
What is emergency lighting?
Emergency lighting is a backup lighting system that provides light when regular systems fail. They are powered by batteries or backup generators, and help people find a safe path to an exit during an emergency or continue working in specific environments.
You’ll often find two types of emergency lighting systems in use.
- Standby lighting: Used as a backup lighting system that allows people to continue working in workplaces such as hospitals.
- Emergency escape lighting: Found in every workplace and communal building, these systems are created to aid the evacuation of occupants.
Are emergency lighting systems a legal requirement?
In simple terms, yes. Emergency lighting systems are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). It states that responsible persons must take appropriate steps to reduce fire risk and ensure the safety of occupants.
They must ensure that three key aspects of fire safety are followed. These are:
- That fire risk assessments are carried out and actioned as required
- Fire safety measures as dictated by law and the risk assessment are installed and maintained
- That emergency plans are in place and understood
This includes the maintenance, testing and inclusion of emergency lighting systems, making their presence a legal requirement.
What properties require emergency lighting?
A wide range of properties require emergency lighting systems, so it is important you understand whether the property you own, rent, live in, or work in requires this essential safety aid.
Currently, the following properties require emergency lighting in the UK:
- All non-domestic buildings, such as offices, shops and warehouses
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
- Communal areas of blocks of flats
- Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, hotels, pubs, and leisure centres
- Places with no natural light or complex escape routes
Single private homes do not typically require emergency lighting.
Who is responsible for emergency lighting?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsibility for emergency lighting falls to the designated responsible person. This is normally the employer, building owner, landlord or managing agent, depending on the type of property.
This responsible person must ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place, including the installation, testing and maintenance of emergency light systems. They are also responsible for keeping accurate records of all inspections and ensuring any faults are addressed promptly. A third party or competent person can be appointed to conduct the tests, but the responsibility for compliance remains with the designated person.
How often should you test emergency lights?
Testing your emergency lighting, whilst essential for its correct operation and fault detection, has its frequency determined by the type of system the property has installed.
The FSO guidelines do not state a specific testing schedule. Instead, it refers to a duty to test. British Standard 5266-1 is the recognised code of practice for the emergency lighting of a premises, and whilst these standards are not law, they set out the best way to ensure your property meets its legal obligations.
By following this standard, you should conduct emergency light tests monthly and annually.
Daily inspections are required for all emergency light systems that use a central battery source. In this instance, observing the power source is all that is required, along with the monthly and annual checks.
How to do a monthly emergency light test
A monthly emergency light test, also known as a “flick test,” is where the emergency light system is activated for a short period to confirm all lights are working and batteries are charged.
The test should last for around 10 minutes, giving you ample time to ensure each light comes on, there are no visible faults and that the batteries are charging correctly.
Once the test is complete, the results must be recorded in your fire manual or relevant health and safety file. All failures should also be recorded with action taken to address them immediately.
How to do an annual emergency light test
The annual emergency light test is a significantly longer test of the emergency light system than its monthly equivalent. In this test, the lights are activated for around three hours.
The same degree of inspection takes place, where the responsible or appointed person checks that each bulb illuminates correctly, that the batteries are working properly and that there are no signs of damaged or faulty lights.
These results should be recorded for compliance purposes, with any failures rectified immediately.
Common emergency lighting faults to look out for
Over time, emergency light systems can develop faults that may not always be noticeable without regular testing. Among the most common is battery failure. This means the unit no longer holds sufficient charge to operate and may last a short duration, if at all. You may also notice the lights flickering or appearing dim.
Physical damage is also worth checking. Fittings can be knocked or tampered with, resulting in lights that are no longer secure, unable to function properly or obstructed. Identifying and rectifying issues such as these early is essential to maintaining a safe environment.
What happens if you don’t test emergency lighting?
Failing to regularly test emergency lighting can have serious consequences. Not only could there be legal ramifications, but also an increased risk of accident, injury or death.
Non-compliance can result in fines, prohibition notices and prosecution. In some cases, insurance may even be invalidated if required safety systems were found to be faulty and not properly maintained. In the event of an emergency, a failed lighting system can significantly delay evacuation and increase the risk to life.
Why do we need to do emergency light tests?
Emergency light tests are necessary, as those within the building must be able to safely evacuate it when required. By implementing a regular testing schedule, you can assess that the system works properly before an incident occurs.
These tests are often conducted alongside tests and inspections of fire doors, the alarm system and extinguishers. The designated responsible person should ensure these tests are conducted and documented, but does not have to perform them personally. In many cases, businesses appoint an individual as their designated person, but hire a third party to conduct all fire safety checks, including the emergency light test.
Emergency light testing checklist
We’ve now outlined how often you should test emergency lights and what a test involves. Below is an easy-to-use checklist to help you ensure your tests pick up any issues and record the correct information:
- All emergency lights illuminate when mains power is switched off
- Lights remain on for the required time (10 mins during monthly test, 3 hours on annual test)
- No lights are flickering, dimming, or failing to operate
- Batteries are charging correctly when the system is restored
- No signs of visible damage, tampering or loose fittings
- Emergency exit signs are clearly visible and remain illuminated
- Escape routes are clearly lit with no dark spots
- Test switches and controls function correctly
- Results are recorded in the fire safety logbook
- All faults documented clearly
- Faults reported and repaired as soon as possible
- The system is fully restored to normal operation
At London Property Services, our team of skilled London electricians are on hand to install emergency lighting in all commercial and residential properties where it may be required. Furthermore, to ensure you remain compliant with your obligations, we can conduct all aspects of electrical testing and compliance, including emergency light testing. Contact us today to book in your test or have your new lighting system installed.
