The occupier/owner of the premises is responsible for a number of actions and tests in respect of the building’s emergency lighting system to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The occupier/owner shall appoint a competent person to supervise servicing of the system.
That person shall be given sufficient authority to ensure the carrying out of the work necessary to maintain the system in correct operation.
When automatic testing devices are used, the information shall be recorded monthly.
For all other systems, the tests shall be carried out as described below and the results recorded.
Regular servicing is essential.
Routine inspection tests
Where national regulations do not apply, the following shall be met.
Because of the possibility of a failure of the normal lighting supply occurring shortly after a period of testing of the emergency lighting system or during the subsequent recharge period, all full duration tests shall wherever possible be undertaken preceding time of low risk to allow for battery recharge. Alternatively, suitable temporary arrangements shall be made until the batteries have been recharged.
The following minimum inspections and tests shall be carried out at the intervals recommended below. The regulating authority may require specific tests.
Daily
Indications of central power supply shall be visually inspected for correct operations.
NOTE: This is visual inspection of indicators to identify that the system is in a ready condition and does not require a test of operation.
Monthly
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the short duration tests be recorded.
Tests shall be carried out as follows:
- Switch on in the emergency mode each luminaire and each internally illuminated exit sign from its battery by simulation of a failure to the supply to the normal lighting for a period sufficient to ensure that each lamp is illuminated
NOTE: The period of simulated failure should be sufficient for the purpose of this clause whilst minimizing damage to the system components e.g lamps.
During this period, all luminaires and signs shall be checked to ensure that they are present, clean, and functioning correctly.
At the end of this test period, the supply to the normal lighting should be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that the normal supply has been restored;
- In addition to a), for central battery systems, the correct operation of system monitors should be checked;
- In addition to a), for generating sets, refer to the requirement of ISO 8528-12.
Annually
If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the full rated duration test shall be recorded.
For all other systems the monthly inspection shall be carried out and the following additional tests made:
- Each luminaire and internally illuminated sign shall be tested (as per Monthly) but for its full rated duration in accordance with the manufacturer’s information;
- The supply of the normal lighting shall be restored and any indicator lamp or device checked to ensure that it is showing that normal supply has been restored. The charging arrangements should be checked for proper functioning;
- The date of the test and its results shall be recorded in the system logbook;
- In addition, for generating sets, refer to the requirements of ISO 8528-12.