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FEATURE


also prove that their emergency lighting systems work. Failure to comply can not only cost lives, but it can also lead to eye-watering consequences that range from an enforcement notice and restrictions on a building, through to fines and even imprisonment.


To achieve compliance the responsible person needs to prove that their emergency lighting works properly, keeping records as proof that they have carried out their duty of care, but this can often cause headaches when it comes to manual testing. The first issue is around cost and logistics. To comply with regulations you need to test each lighting unit every month, in addition to a full duration test once a year.


“To achieve compliance the


responsible person needs to prove that their emergency


lighting works properly, keeping records as proof that they


have carried out their duty of care, but this can often cause headaches when it comes to manual testing.”


With manual testing, costs can easily mount up if you’re paying someone to physically attend each fitting and perform a function test. With larger buildings, sites or a multi-location portfolio, manual testing can start to become a logistical challenge as you look to minimise disruption. Human error is of course the other challenge, leaving the safety of occupants at risk and the responsible person being left exposed.


To reduce this burden automatic testing systems (ATS) are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are they the best way to ensure your compliance with the regulation, but they also come with a whole host of other benefits that include:


Cost - With automated testing and reporting at your fingertips, the ongoing costs are actually lower. Testing can happen with almost the press of a button, detailed fault information can improve the first-time fix for any issues and with remote monitoring capabilities, facilities managers can manage multiple sites from one location almost instantaneously.


Less disruption - With many facilities operating 24/7 these days automating your emergency lighting testing can also minimise disruption to businesses, workers, customers and residents. Not only can you get the data you need without physically attending each light unit, but


www.tomorrowsfm.com


you can also efficiently schedule repairs and maintenance to minimise disruption.


Improved data management - Computerised emergency lighting systems mean reports and databases are updated automatically and are accessible from anywhere, not just on-site. So, building owners, FMs or maintenance contractors can all log on and see one version of the truth when it comes to the status of maintenance, removing the need to maintain a log book or site register that can easily go missing or be destroyed.


These combined benefits are proving a huge draw for many facilities managers looking to increase the intelligence of their buildings.


But what about the products themselves? Earlier ATS products are based around control panels that are connected through a wired system to the lights or modules connected to the lights in your building. In this instance the lights can seamlessly communicate with the control panel, facilitating the monitoring and management of the system to deliver prompt and accurate reporting of the test results.


It can also generate work instructions for any necessary maintenance. In the early days some facilities managers and building owners were put off these systems by the upfront cost of wired installation, despite the return on investment in comparison to manual testing. However, if this was your thinking, it might be worth considering it again as recent developments now mean that we’re able to offer larger installations supported from scalable control panels.


As an alternative to a wired system, some automatic testing systems now harness the benefit of using wireless technology. A newer ‘kid on the block’, these systems negate the need for control panels entirely and instead both testing and reporting can be carried out via a central PC or mobile device on site or even remotely, so FMs can literally test emergency lighting across their portfolio from anywhere and at any time. With the expected post- pandemic way of hybrid home working and the scalability of these systems, coupled with the reduction in cost of installation and the cost benefit in comparison to ongoing manual testing, we can really see the wireless ATS systems being in high demand in coming years.


ATS’ are without question the future for all intelligent buildings when it comes to emergency lighting. They enable the responsible person to have peace of mind that their regulatory responsibilities are met and more importantly they improve safety, helping you keep your lighting properly maintained and in working order for when they’re needed most.


Having unknown faults with your emergency lighting could plunge areas into total darkness at a time when they are critical, causing confusion and increasing the time it takes for people to get out of the building - ultimately costing lives. Time after time with manual testing the faults are not picked up until after the event, and this is often too late.


www.primelight.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 61


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