FOCUS: LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS
Chris Anderson, technical manager provides more insight into emergency exploring the use of new technologies and recent changes to
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s a legislatory requirement in all public buildings in the UK, the design, fit and maintenance of emergency lighting is central to the building services engineer
role. But with changing rules and regulations, developments in technology and sustainability pressures, ensuring systems are both legally compliant and efficiently run can be challenging. Emergency lighting is a critical safety feature in all public, commercial, and high occupancy residential buildings across the UK; ensuring that occupants can safely use or evacuate a building in the event of power failure, fire, or other emergency.
Stipulated under a wide range of standards and legal regulations, including The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, The Health and Safety at Work Act, Building Regulations, The EU Workplace Directive and Fire Safety Regulations, it is vital that building services professionals stay ahead of frequently changing stipulations to ensure systems remain compliant. For example, there have been a number of changes made to British Standards in recent months that have meant existing installations and their maintenance practises need to be changed in buildings across the country. The first is to The British Standard BS EN 1838:2013. This now recommends that Adaptive Emergency Escape Lighting Systems (AEELS) should be used in buildings of all applications. AEELS are highly intuitive, advanced lighting systems that use sensors and monitoring devices to detect changes in the environment. Dynamic and responsive, they go beyond traditional, static emergency lighting systems and are capable of automatically adjusting lighting levels, escape route signage, and even the direction of guidance to account for hazards in real-time. For example, in the event of a fire, AEELS can alter escape route signage to direct occupants away from areas that have become dangerous or impassable due to smoke or flames.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
The British Standard BS EN 50172:2004 has also been revised. This standard applies to illumination specification and system testing, ensuring that emergency lighting systems are both effective and reliable in the event of an emergency. The revised recommendations advise that a bi-annual test of emergency luminaires and externally illuminated escape route safety signs should be implemented in addition to existing monthly and annual tests to ensure all components are functioning correctly. When it comes to emergency lighting fittings themselves, one of the most critical aspects is their ability to withstand and delay the spread of fire. The use of fire-rated downlights (FRDs) in ceilings is essential, with the UK’s leading charity on fire safety, Electrical Safety First, recommending FRDs are installed in all ceilings where recessed lights are specified. Fitted with an intumescent pad which swells up when it reaches a certain temperature, FRD’s seal the hole in the ceiling in the event of a fire, restoring the fire integrity of the ceiling and providing a protective barrier to give occupants more time to escape the building.
When it comes to the specification of FRD’s, ceiling types, their construction (30, 60 or 90 minute), thickness and joist spacing will all have an impact on the type of luminaire required, so understanding a building’s fire resistance
ratings and the specific requirements relating to different types of ceiling joist is essential. As outlined in various emergency lighting laws and standards, the testing of luminaires and lighting systems is a key part of the role of a building services engineer. Testing of an emergency lighting system should be carried out regularly, with a brief functional test at least once each month, a full duration test at least every year and a visual inspection at least once a year.
How testing is carried out largely depends on the products specified or installed. Most older installations will require a manual test but for a much quicker process, intelligent self-test products are now available and are ideal for those upgrading legacy systems. These products perform tests automatically on a selected date each month and year, in compliance with legal regulations. Emergency lighting is not just a regulatory box to tick; it is an essential part of building safety. If the emergency lighting fails prematurely in a fire or other emergency, it could put lives at risk. By remaining ahead of the latest rules, products and technology, engineers can ensure that their emergency lighting systems provide the highest level of safety and reliability, ultimately protecting building occupants when they need it the most.
BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2024 31
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