Emergency Lighting Maintenance And Repairing is a critical component of your building’s overall fire safety strategy. These specialist lighting systems are designed to remain operational during a mains power failure, providing vital illumination to allow safe evacuation. Whether you’re operating a commercial property, public building, or workplace, UK fire safety regulations (BS 5266-1) require that all emergency lighting be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained.
Neglecting this important responsibility not only puts lives at risk but can also result in serious legal and insurance consequences.
How Are Emergency Lights Maintained?
Proper emergency lighting servicing involves a combination of routine visual checks, monthly function tests, and annual professional inspections by trained technicians.
✅ Daily Visual Checks
A daily emergency light check involves a simple visual inspection of the indicator lights and system panels. This can be done by your on-site responsible person or fire warden.
✅ Monthly Function Test
Once a month, perform a short-duration function test (usually a few minutes) to confirm the emergency lights activate correctly and are not faulty. Document any issues in your emergency lighting logbook.
✅ Annual Emergency Lighting Test
A full ‘drain-down’ test, performed by a certified emergency lighting engineer, is required annually. This test simulates a mains power failure and ensures the system can remain illuminated for the full rated duration, typically 1 or 3 hours depending on your setup.
What Happens During the Annual Service?
A qualified professional will:
- Carry out a full discharge test (3-hour emergency lighting test)
- Inspect all fittings and battery packs
- Check for damage, wear, or malfunction
- Verify correct placement and visibility of exit signs
- Update your emergency lighting compliance records
- Provide corrective recommendations and repairs if necessary
Why Use Professional Emergency Lighting Services?
Hiring a specialist is essential. At Right Action, our team of trained emergency lighting engineers offers complete, compliant servicing that ensures your building is up to code. We provide:
- In-depth BS 5266-compliant inspections
- Accurate reporting and documentation
- Timely repairs and part replacements
- Long-term maintenance support
What Types of Emergency Lighting Are There?
- Emergency Exit Lighting – Clearly marks the escape routes and exit points.
- Standby Lighting – Provides temporary light in areas without natural light during a power outage.
- Open Area Emergency Lighting – Also known as anti-panic lighting, it helps reduce panic and guides movement during evacuation.
All of these must be maintained to operate effectively in case of an electrical failure or fire emergency.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
If a fire or power failure occurs, well-maintained emergency lighting is often the difference between a safe evacuation and a chaotic emergency. It supports your fire evacuation plan, protects building occupants, and helps emergency responders navigate safely.
Stay Compliant and Safe with Emergency Lighting Maintenance
Don’t wait for an emergency to discover your lights aren’t working. With daily, monthly, and annual emergency light checks, plus professional servicing, you ensure:
- Legal compliance with UK safety laws
- Operational readiness during power loss
- Increased fire safety for staff and visitors
