When the lights fail in a commercial building it’s all too easy to become disorientated, particularly if they failure is unplanned. Thankfully, emergency lighting usually kicks in to help occupants safely exit the building during a power outage or emergency.
To remain compliant with UK law, all emergency lighting systems must be tested, maintained and recorded in accordance with BS 5266-1:2016. Understanding these requirements helps businesses protect staff, customers and property - and avoid serious legal and financial penalties.
Imagine being in a building you don’t know very well, the fire alarm sounds, the lights go off and you have no idea which way is out. If you do ever find yourself in such a scenario, emergency lighting will help you exit the building quickly and safely.
Emergency lighting doesn’t just illuminate exit signs, it is a network of escape lighting, open-area lighting and high-risk task lighting that activates automatically when the mains power fails. In an emergency such as fire, smoke or power loss, these systems guide people to safety and enable first responders to operate effectively.
If lighting fails to operate correctly when it’s needed most, the consequences can be nothing short of catastrophic with danger to life a very real risk. That’s why the law requires regular inspection and testing by a competent person, with detailed records kept as proof of compliance.
BS 5266-1:2016 provides the code of practice for emergency lighting of premises, detailing how systems should be designed, installed and maintained. The standard requires several levels of testing:
After the annual test, power supplies and control systems are restored and the batteries must recharge fully.
All emergency lighting tests must be logged in a dedicated emergency lighting test record book. This log should include the date, duration, test results and corrective actions taken. These records serve as evidence of compliance during fire safety audits and insurance inspections.
Testing should be carried out by a competent person i.e. someone with the knowledge and experience to identify faults, interpret test results and ensure corrective measures are completed. While some daily and monthly checks can be done in-house, the annual test should always be conducted by a qualified professional.
Failure to maintain and test emergency lighting can result in prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, invalidate insurance and, most importantly, put lives at risk. Businesses are legally obliged to ensure emergency systems are fully operational at all times. Non-compliance is not just a regulatory issue, but a serious safety breach which can ultimately result in severe injury and loss of life.
For businesses that lack in-house electrical expertise, partnering with an accredited contractor ensures all testing and documentation meet BS 5266-1 standards. Professional testing services also include system design reviews, battery replacement schedules and compliance certificates, offering peace of mind that your premises remain safe and fully compliant.
AEL Electrical is a NICEIC-approved contractor specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting systems for commercial buildings. Our qualified engineers carry out thorough testing and certification to ensure your premises comply with BS 5266-1 and all UK fire safety regulations.
Whether you require new installations, remedial work, or scheduled testing, AEL Electrical provides expert solutions to keep your business safe, compliant, and fully illuminated when it matters most. Get in touch for a free quote today.
Image source: Canva