P&R Safety Testing Specialists | Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emergency Lighting?

Emergency Lighting is a necessary requirement in all premises where people are employed. It is a Life Safety System which is designed to assist in the evacuation of a building in an emergency situation and in the event of a power failure.

Why should we test our Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lights are installed to assist in evacuating a building in the event of loss of supply to the mains lighting circuits. These lights automatically operate for between 1 and 3 hours on a battery back-up system and must be checked to ensure they will work for the required duration in the case of an emergency.

Is Emergency Lighting Testing a legal requirement?
Emergency lighting is a legal requirement under The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 and 14(2)(h) of the Fire Safety Order.

How often should Emergency Lighting Testing be carried out?
Systems should be tested by a qualified technician every 6 months and should be tested internally weekly/monthly.

Where are Emergency Lights required?
Emergency lights are required in all areas where artificial lighting is installed including:

On escape routes

Open areas greater than 60 square metresAreas of special riskNear to stairs and adequate to shine direct lights on all treadsAt any change of directionAt any changes in floor levelNear to corridors and intersectionsNear to fire fighting equipmentNear to first aid points

Outside each final exit point

Who should carry out the work?
Emergency Lighting Testing should be carried out by a fully qualified and experienced test engineer, such as a fully qualified electrician who has experience of test and inspection and has been trained and qualified in electrical inspection work specifically.

How much will it cost?
Costs will depend on the type of building and the number of circuits to be tested, the availability of circuit data and whether testing takes place while the building is manned or vacant.