Under the current Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which came into force on 1st October 2006 , you are now breaking the law if you haven’t got a written Fire Risk Assessment procedure, and you do not maintain this as a ‘living’ document. Your Assessment should be reviewed at least annually and in the event of any changes made to the business or premises these should be incorporated into the document without delay.
The current Fire Safety Order encompasses and replaces all previous fire safety legislation and all aspects of Fire Safety are now brought together under this order. Failure to comply with the order is deemed a criminal offence and is dealt with under criminal law.
This legislation requires the deemed ‘Responsible Person’, to consider all aspects of Fire Safety within their premises which includes the requirements for Emergency Lighting.
So, what is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lights are self contained units, wired into the mains. They have the benefit of battery backup that enables them to remain illuminated should the mains supply fail. The batteries can either be held within the body of the individual light or accessed by the lights via an independent wired circuit. The batteries are kept fully charged by the mains supply.
What Standards should be observed in Emergency Lighting?
Emergency Lighting should conform to BS 5266 and BS5588.
What is a maintained Emergency Lighting?
Maintained Emergency Lighting is lighting that remains illuminated and works typically via the mains. In the event of mains power failure batteries will keep the unit illuminated for a minimum of one hour, up to three hours maximum.
What is a non-maintained Emergency Light?
This type of light is not ordinarily illuminated but will automatically come on should the mains power fail.
Why do I need such lights?
In the event of a power failure you must ensure your building is evacuated safely and efficiently and the escape routes and emergency exits need to be illuminated to achieve this successfully.
Do I need to maintain these emergency lights?
Yes, a Maintenance Contract is available from Securicom and our engineer will make two annual visits to your premises to check the lights are working properly.
I have seen green signs in buildings pointing towards emergency exits, do I need these signs?
Yes, signage is an important element of such a system whether a type of luminaire or a simple stand alone plastic sign in an area illuminated by an emergency light.
I have people on the premises that have special needs. Do I have to cater for them Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended in 2004?
Yes, you must look after them in this respect. It’s an issue which should be brought to the attention of our surveyor so he/she can advise you on any alterations necessary. Your Fire Strategy must protect their interests too.
