• • • COVER STORY • • •
How BS EN 50171 can enhance the safety and security of today’s business
Callum White, director of Critical Power Supplies, says it is imperative that he and the wider business is aware of the everchanging British Standards which impact the company’s clients operations
ne standard which repeatedly needs to be considered when we are designing solutions for our clients is BS EN 50171, which provides guidelines for emergency lighting and power systems.
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Emergency lighting and power systems are crucial for businesses, particularly in areas such as healthcare facilities, data centres, and industrial plants. In the event of a power outage or emergency, these systems ensure that critical operations can continue without interruption, providing safety and security for employees, customers, and stakeholders. BS EN 50171 provides comprehensive guidelines for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of emergency lighting and power systems. It covers various aspects of the system, including the power source, distribution, control, and lighting fixtures. The standard also provides guidance on the minimum duration of backup power, as well as the type and location of emergency lighting.
Here are some reasons why a business should consider BS EN 50171:
Compliance with legal requirements
Many countries have laws and regulations in place that require emergency lighting systems to meet certain standards. Complying with BS EN 50171 can help businesses ensure that their emergency lighting system meets these requirements.
Improved safety
Emergency lighting systems that meet BS EN 50171 are designed to provide reliable and effective lighting during emergencies. This can help occupants safely evacuate the building in the event of a power outage or other emergency situation.
Reduced liability
If a business’s emergency lighting system fails to function properly during an emergency, the business may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. By complying with
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BS EN 50171, businesses can help mitigate this risk and protect themselves from potential lawsuits.
Professional reputation Businesses that prioritise safety and compliance with standards like BS EN 50171 are viewed as more trustworthy and reliable by their customers and stakeholders. This can enhance the business’s reputation and improve its ability to attract and retain customers.
The guidelines cover best practices for design and installation, ensuring that the system is optimised for the specific needs of the business. Additionally, regular testing and maintenance can help identify and address issues before they become major problems.
Directors of businesses need to ensure their site is safe for staff and visitors 24x7 not just when mains power is available, but also to allow safe evacuation during power loss. Endangering life through poor implementation of life safety systems can result in accidents, deaths, and prosecutions, resulting in fines and sometimes prison. Choosing, purchasing and maintaining life safety systems should not be undervalued as the benefits of getting it right are everyone goes home, the drawbacks of getting it wrong can be life changing for everyone. Safety is everyone’s responsibility on a site, but life safety is easier to implement when you understand and can fully apply EN 50171:2021 and stick to it.
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Finally, adhering to BS EN 50171 can enhance the safety and security of the business. In the event of a power outage or emergency, the system can ensure that critical operations continue without interruption, minimising downtime and potential loss of revenue. In conclusion, BS EN 50171 is a highly recommended standard for businesses that rely on emergency lighting and power systems. It provides comprehensive guidelines for design, installation, testing, and maintenance, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, improving reliability and efficiency, and enhancing safety and security. By following the standard, businesses can minimise the risk of downtime, protect their assets, and provide a safer environment for everyone involved. We work with our customers to ensure their systems are BS EN 50171 compliant and offer turnkey packages include consultation, design, build and delivery of the project including UPS, Generators, switchgear, installation, recycling of legacy systems and in life management. It would be worth noting there are other standards including BS5266-1 2016 fire safety standards which need to be considered as part of the consultancy, specification and therefore design and construction responsibilities which contribute to life safety and in life management. If you would like to talk to one of our specialists, please call Tel: 0330 818 8709, or visit
www.criticalpowersupplies.co.uk.
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