Emergency lighting comes on when the normal lighting fails, so that people can still see the way out. In a fire, the power often goes before everyone has left. If the emergency lights do not work, an escape route that looks fine on a normal day becomes a dark corridor.
Where it is needed
- Escape routes: corridors, stairs and changes of direction.
- Exit doors and the area just outside them.
- Changes in floor level and steps.
- Fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment.
- Rooms without daylight, toilets and plant rooms.
- Large open areas where people have to cross to reach an exit.
Illuminated exit signs are part of the same system. They show people which way to go.
The standard
The Irish Standard for emergency lighting is I.S. 3217, published by the NSAI. It covers how systems are designed, installed, commissioned and maintained. Your installer and service provider should be working to the current edition.
How it is tested
Emergency lights run on batteries, and batteries fail quietly. Testing has two parts:
- Routine user checks: a short test to confirm each light comes on when the mains supply is interrupted, and a look for damage or charging indicators that have gone out.
- Periodic servicing by a competent person: including a longer test that runs the lights on battery for their rated duration.
The standard and your service provider set the intervals. Your fire risk assessment should confirm who does each test.
What to record
- The date of each test and who carried it out.
- Which lights were tested.
- Any light that failed, and when it was repaired.
- Servicing visits and certificates.
Keep these in your fire safety register.
Common faults
- Lights that have failed and not been reported.
- New partitions or extensions with no emergency lighting.
- Exit signs pointing the wrong way after a layout change.
- Tests carried out but never written down.
- Lights obscured by stock, signage or decorations.
After any change to the building
A new wall, a moved door or a change of use can leave part of an escape route unlit. Have the emergency lighting reviewed whenever the layout changes.
Emergency lighting is reviewed in every fire risk assessment Safer Solutions carries out. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.