FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
A key component of safety is a robust emergency lighting system, which in the event of a disaster, such as fire, helps to ensure that anyone within the
premises is able to exit safely and without delay. Lyco explain that there’s more to emergency lighting than just ‘exit’ signs.
Emergency lighting is battery backed, meaning it will automatically switch on should the building experience a loss of power. There are two main types of emergency lighting; emergency escape lighting and standby lighting.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE
LIGHTING Escape lighting should be a primary focus for any lighting specifier as it has the potential to save lives in the event of a fire or other emergency situation. Escape lighting is further sub-divided into three categories:
• Escape route lighting, such as green emergency sign boxes and emergency ceiling or wall lights, which have a minimum of 1-lux light level and are positioned along the centre line of escape routes in order to help ensure a swift evacuation.
• Open area emergency lighting, sometimes referred to as ‘anti-panic’ lighting, designed to reduce panic in high-footfall areas where people are likely to congregate. This form of emergency lighting must be installed in rooms with a floor area larger than 60m², but also in smaller spaces such as toilets, escalators, and lifts.
• High-risk task area lighting is required in areas where abrupt darkness would cause imminent danger to life in the event of an emergency. Examples include hospital operating theatres or
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wards, and control rooms in dangerous plants or production facilities. A minimum of 10% of normal lighting levels must be provided by emergency lighting in these areas, or a 15-lux minimum if this value is higher, to ensure that the area remains sufficiently illuminated at all times.
STANDBY LIGHTING Standby lighting allows a business to continue working as normal after a power outage, but is not part of the building’s fire protection system. There is a difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting; maintained lighting is designed to remain illuminated at all times, even in the event of a power failure, providing a consistent and reliable light source.
On the other hand, non-maintained lighting is designed to only turn on in the event of a power failure, ensuring exit routes are illuminated in a disaster situation. Non-maintained lighting is more commonly used in commercial spaces where staff are more likely to be familiar with their closest escape routes.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS When installing emergency lighting throughout a premises, it is essential to highlight key points of the emergency escape routes. These are known as the ‘points of emphasis’ and will typically include main exit routes,
changes in route direction or stairs, fire alarm points, and the locations of fire fighting equipment.
MEETING BRITISH STANDARDS Emergency lighting designers must ensure all emergency lighting systems are installed in line with the guidelines set out by British Standard BS 5266-1: 2011. This gives detailed guidance on the types, application, and practice of emergency lighting solutions. It also provides advice on how various systems can be applied to suit the needs of individual premises such as hospitals, hotels, schools, shops, and offices. However, it should be noted that the standards outline the minimum requirements and, depending on the individual needs of a given site, a higher standard may be required. Further information about fire-related British Standards can be found on the Fire Industry Association website.
When implementing an emergency lighting system in any premises there are many things to consider, the type of building and its location, the costs of implementation, and maintainability, being just three examples. Designing an emergency lighting system with such practicalities in mind, alongside all necessary legislation, standards, and codes, is no easy task, but is essential for ensuring a safe working environment.
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