The Benefits of Emergency Lighting Installation

At Twenty4 Fire and Security, we offer a variety of fire safety services to businesses, helping our commercial customers to operate safe buildings that are compliant and meet regulatory standards. In recent years, we have become one of the leading suppliers of emergency lighting installation in Cardiff; a service that provides immediate lighting should the power cut out in a building.

How does emergency lighting work?

Emergency lighting is, as its name would suggest, lighting that is activated in the event of an emergency. Its purpose is to ensure adequate lighting and visibility is maintained at all times. Emergency lighting systems come in handy in the event of a power cut, fire and any emergency where finding the exit/escape route quickly is necessary.

Does my business need emergency lighting?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 stipulates that all businesses must have emergency lighting. Therefore, to ensure your commercial building is compliant and operating within the perimeters of fire safety law, having a fully functional emergency lighting system is paramount. Please note that some HMO landlords will need to install emergency lighting in the communal areas of their properties. This will be made apparent in the property’s fire risk assessment.

The different types of emergency lighting

There are many different types of emergency lighting systems. Below, we detail the most commonly-required options in the UK:

Escape lighting:

Escape lighting is a lighting system that signposts people to the exit, providing illumination on the route. Escape lighting is broken down into two sub-divisions. These are ‘Open Area Emergency Lighting’ and ‘Emergency Signage’. Open area emergency lighting is used to provide light and reduce the risk of panic amongst those looking for the escape route, for example, lighting along a corridor.

Emergency signage offers clear calls to action via signage. This could be, for instance, to indicate a change in direction, the presence of a staircase etc.

Standby lighting:

Standby lighting is used to ensure function can continue as normal if the main lighting system is compromised. Standby lighting is common in areas of vital work such as operating theatres.

Emergency lighting design and installation

If you are in need of advice on your business emergency lighting infrastructure, then the Twenty4 Fire and Security are here to help. With a team of fire safety professionals, compliance specialists and expert engineers, we are well-positioned to help, no matter what type of business premises you operate.

Emergency lighting testing and maintenance

Like all fire safety systems, emergency lighting needs to be regularly maintained. This is, in some cases, a legal obligation. Emergency lighting in the UK is required to be fully inspected once a year and ‘flick-tested’ at least once a month. This is according to fire safety legislation.