Fire can cut the power supply plunging the workplace into darkness. This is especially true during the night. Even if it is not an electrical fire, the mains may be cut to halt the fire from spreading. In such a scenario, emergency lighting installation in London can be used as a back up to lead people to safety, thus preventing injuries.
The Directive
The European Workplace Directive (clause 4.7) pushes for illuminating lighting systems for emergency routes and exits that require lighting; they should be marked with light that is sufficient to see if there is a blackout. This directive doesn’t only apply in the event of a fire but at any time when work is carried out in these areas.
Installation
These lights need to be installed above every exit door; escape routes, where corridors intersect, inside and outside of each external fire exit, plus external fire escape routes, stairways and changes in floor level. They also need to illuminate fire fighting equipment; fire alarm call points, lifts, equipment that would need to be shut down in an emergency, over first aid kits and areas in the workplace that are greater than 60m2.
Requirements
There is no set number of lights recommended for the escape route because it depends on the manufacturer of the lights; they will know how much light the lighting illuminates. The manufacturer has to provide photometric data and spacing tables which spell out the number of lights required based on the height the light is fitted, and the distance they should be spaced apart to meet the requirements.
Testing
These components are supposed to be tested visually on a daily basis. This also includes a monthly function test by operating the setup for a time that is sufficient to establish if the lighting works. There is a requirement for an annual full discharge test that is supposed to be conducted by a qualified person.
Test Facilities
The test facilities require a secret key facility and often take the form of a fishtail key inserted into a special switch. Care needs to be taken when carrying out these discharge tests because batteries take 24 hours to recharge and the property must not be occupied until the facility is fully functional, or there are alternative arrangements such as carrying out the test on a summer morning.
If you are unsure about what type of emergency lighting is the best solution for your needs, contact London based Millennium Fire Protection today for your solution.
