When a power cut hits, emergency lighting can be the difference between a calm, safe evacuation and a dangerous situation. In commercial buildings, it’s not just best practice it’s a legal requirement.
Whether you manage an office, a warehouse, a retail space, or a shared premises, understanding your responsibilities around emergency lighting is essential. At LBA Electrical Services, we work with businesses across Merseyside to ensure their systems are compliant, reliable, and regularly maintained.
What Is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lighting is designed to switch on automatically if the main power supply fails. It’s there to provide enough illumination to safely exit the building, avoid obstacles, and locate fire safety equipment.
There are two main types:
- Emergency escape lighting – helps occupants leave safely in an emergency.
- Standby lighting – allows normal activities to continue temporarily if the mains fail (less common in smaller commercial settings).
What Does the Law Say?
Emergency lighting is covered under several regulations in the UK, including:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- BS 5266-1:2016 – the British Standard for emergency lighting
- The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Together, these require all non-domestic buildings to:
- ✅ Have suitable and sufficient emergency lighting
- ✅ Ensure clear escape routes in case of power failure
- ✅ Maintain and test systems regularly
- ✅ Keep up-to-date records of all testing and maintenance
Where Should Emergency Lights Be Installed?
Emergency lighting should be strategically placed to guide people safely out of the building. This includes:
- Exit routes, stairs, and corridors
- Fire exit doors
- Changes in direction or level
- Fire alarm call points and extinguishers
- Toilets (in larger buildings)
- High-risk areas (e.g. plant rooms, kitchens, workshops)
The system must provide adequate light for at least 1 hour (ideally 3 hours), giving people time to evacuate or allow fire services to respond.
Who’s Responsible?
The ‘responsible person’ under the Fire Safety Order is typically the business owner, employer, building manager, or landlord. They are legally obliged to ensure emergency lighting is in place, tested, and in full working order.
Failing to comply can lead to prosecution, invalid insurance claims, or—in the worst-case scenario—risk to life during an emergency.
How Often Should It Be Tested?
Regular maintenance is vital. Here’s what’s required:
- Monthly – Functional check of all emergency lights (short duration)
- Annually – Full rated-duration test (typically 3 hours) to ensure batteries and fittings function correctly
- Log Book – A written record of all checks, issues, and corrective actions must be maintained
Final Thoughts
Emergency lighting isn’t something to overlook. It plays a critical role in keeping your staff, customers, and visitors safe in the event of a power outage or fire.
At LBA Electrical Services, we offer full emergency lighting installation, inspection, and testing services to ensure your building stays compliant and protected.
✅ Need a commercial emergency lighting assessment or installation? Contact LBA Electrical Services today for expert advice and reliable service across Merseyside and beyond.
