What is it?
Emergency lighting includes escape route lighting, open-area (anti-panic) lighting and high-risk task area lighting. Systems should be designed and tested to BS 5266 and recorded in a dedicated logbook. Battery duration, illuminance levels and signage all factor into compliance.
Who typically needs this service?
- Any premises where staff or the public may need to evacuate in low light
- Office, retail and hospitality environments
- HMOs and multi-occupancy residential common areas
- Education, healthcare and care home settings
What good looks like
- BS 5266-1 compliant design with appropriate luminance
- Monthly function tests and annual full-duration discharge test
- Up-to-date logbook and certification
- Self-test or addressable systems where they reduce ongoing cost
Practical considerations
Modern emergency lighting designs use LED luminaires with either central battery systems or self-contained units. Self-test fittings reduce the ongoing burden of manual testing but still require an annual full-duration discharge test. Plan for the test to be carried out when the building can safely operate on emergency lighting only — typically out of hours — and record the result in the logbook. Specialists matched through Fire Safety Nearby can advise on upgrades from legacy fluorescent fittings, retrofits for older buildings and integration with fire alarm and BMS systems.
How Fire Safety Nearby matches you
Tell us about your property, the scope of the work and your timescale. We will route the enquiry to fire safety specialists who actively deliver emergency lighting in your area and have the right competence for your sector. You stay in control of how many specialists respond — exclusive match, small shortlist or fast-track for urgent compliance issues.
Ready to begin? Start your enquiry — it takes around three minutes and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal standard for emergency lighting in the UK?
Emergency lighting in non-domestic premises is designed, installed and tested to BS 5266. The system must illuminate escape routes for at least three hours (or one hour where re-occupation can be safely delayed).
How often must emergency lighting be tested?
A short monthly function test of every luminaire, and a full annual three-hour discharge test. Results must be recorded in a dedicated emergency lighting logbook.
Do I need emergency lighting in an HMO?
Most HMOs require emergency lighting in common escape routes, particularly above two storeys or where natural light is insufficient. The exact requirement is identified by the Fire Risk Assessment.
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