Testing Emergency Lighting

In BS 5266-1:1999 the legislation clearly states the requirements of testing emergency lighting units. Maintaining your emergency lighting units ensures that all users have sufficient illumination in the event of an emergency to evacuate a building. The role of the "responsible person" in a premises is to carry out periodic checks, below we have provided an overview of the testing procedure to give an idea of the frequency and means of testing that should be carried out. Please note that when you purchase emergency lighting from Safelincs you will be offered to register for a free emergency lighting test reminder at the end of the checkout process. We will then text or email you to remind you when the tests are due. As you need to record your emergency lighting tests, we offer a free downloadable fire safety logbook which should be helpful.

To try and make testing of your emergency lighting units quicker and easier we also offer a range of self-test emergency lighting. These units automatically replicate a power cut, checking their own circuitry and functionality and should a fault be found the units create both a visual and audible warning .

Monthly

Switch off the mains power supply to the lighting unit. Walk past all emergency lights to ensure they are working. Note any defects and get repaired immediately. Record your results in your fire safety logbook.

Yearly

Switch off the mains power supply to the lighting unit. Leave the unit to run for the rated period (eg three hours). The lights should be on for the whole period. If lights fail within this time, replace the battery..

Third Anniversary of the Installation

On the 3rd year of the installation the emergency lighting unit should be assessed by a qualified electrician or a member of the ECA or NICEIC. The mains power supply should be disabled and a full three hour test of the lighting unit should be carried out. It is also important to have the unit checked for compliance with the latest British Standard. Any faults should be fixed and the actions taken should be recorded in the emergency lighting log book.

After the third year of installation, the lighting units should be checked annually by a competent person, carrying out the same routine and checks as were made on the three year anniversary.