Emergency lighting is an often overlooked component of a building’s safety infrastructure. In compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a well-designed, installed and maintained emergency lighting system is essential for guiding occupants safely to exits in the event of a power failure or fire. Today we’ll explore the various facets of emergency lighting—from its importance in enhancing safety protocols to the innovative technology that ensures efficiency and aesthetic integration within any building. Understanding the specifications and maintenance requirements of these systems is key to safeguarding occupants and ensuring a swift, secure evacuation process.
Emergency Lighting
A well designed, installed and maintained emergency lighting system is an essential element of a building’s fire safety strategy.
It is part of the fire safety provision of a building and a requirement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
In the event of a fire or any event affecting the power supply to your building and endangering your occupants the installed emergency lighting luminaires will activate and guide your people to the appropriate escape route and emergency exits, enabling a safe and efficient evacuation.
We supply the latest technology with stylish and discreet fittings available to integrate seamlessly into the aesthetics of your site.
In order to ensure the safe exit from a site the emergency lighting system luminaires must maintain a standard duration of lumination. Regular maintenance visits from a qualified FAFS Fire & Security Engineer ensures that the period of lumination is in accordance with British and European standards.
Design, Installation, Maintenance
FAFS Fire & Security provides a comprehensive emergency lighting service from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
We have the expertise to design and fit emergency lighting systems in new developments.
Additionally, we can install them in existing buildings where existing wiring & power supplies may provide potential stumbling blocks.
All installations are carried out in accordance with BS 5266-1: 2011 and meet your needs in terms classification and duration.
We can ensure your system meets legislative requirements and your property maintains its aesthetic appearance. We have access to a huge range of different emergency light fittings to suit all modes of operation.
Emergency Lighting Testing
FAFS Fire & Security provide a maintenance and testing service to meet your requirements. Testing is in line with BS 5266-8 2004 and should include an annual three-hour drain test and a monthly functional test.
Typically we try to help reduce our clients annual fire servicing costs by carrying out emergency lighting testing at the same time as fire alarm or AOV maintenance.
Our quarterly or biannual service visits will incorporate an annual three-hour test and one of our functionality tests would be carried out on the remaining visits. If site staff are not able to carry out a monthly functionality test then FAFS Fire & Security can be employed to fulfil this requirement too.
All maintenance and testing is logged and recorded and certificates of inspections are issued with details of any defects.
LED Emergency Lighting
The manufacture of LED lighting technology is advancing at a rapid rate. This allows us to offer an alternative means of illumination to that of traditional fluorescent and old lamped fittings.
LED emergency lighting systems provide a distinct advantage over traditional systems as the LEDs are far more efficient.
Firstly they will provide you with savings on electricity. Our customers are recognising just how significant the annual electricity savings are having moved to LED fittings.
In addition, the life expectancy of LED Lighting is greater which provides an additional cost saving.
Typically LED fittings provide fifty thousand hours whereas traditional 28Watt 2D fittings require lamp changes at five to six thousand hours.
The Final Word
We can’t understate the role of emergency lighting in building safety. With the advancements in LED technology and the stringent requirements set out by standards such as BS 5266-1: 2011, building owners and managers have the tools and guidance needed to implement effective and reliable emergency lighting systems. Regular maintenance and testing are essential to ensure these systems perform optimally when needed most. By choosing the right service provider, such as FAFS Fire & Security, and staying informed about the latest in emergency lighting solutions, stakeholders can make informed decisions that prioritise safety while managing costs.
