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Peter Stow
Member - 1 post
We have recently been visited by local fire officer and among other things, this has prompted me to review our emergency lighting arrangements. We have a joint office and workshop building which was originally built some twenty years ago, then extended for more office space ten years ago and then altered again for office space two years ago. My question is this:
What have the regulatory changes been regarding the requirement for emergency lighting over this period and are the changes retrospective ?
In the oldest part (most) of the offices and workshops there is no emergency lighting installed. In the first office extension, emergency lighting has been installed, but never checked. In the most recent alterations, no additional emergency lighting has been installed (one office and two stairwells).
I have now had a quotation for installation of a complete new system, but would like to know what the minimum requirement is as I will have to justify the spend to my Directors (naturally).
Thanks
Pete.
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Iain Sanderson
Member - 30 posts
Whilst Building regulations are not retrospective, when carrying out the required Fire Risk Assessment, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order or the Fire (Scotland) Act, you should be 'benchmarking' against current standards. This does not automatically mean you are required to comply with these standards but you have to justify your reasons for accepting a standard less than these. For Emergency Lighting the British Standard is BS 5266 Part 1. Other guidance is available at www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw for England and Wales and www.infoscotland.com/firelaw for Scotland.
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Mike Kane
Member - 20 posts
Hello Peter,
Iain is correct in his advice regarding emergency lighting. Your fire risk assessment will determine whether or not you require emergency lighting or not.
For example, if you work late or through the night EL would be appropriate. If you have windowless accommodation within the factory, EL would be required and so on.
Where you have EL installed, you must maintain and test it in accordance with the recommendations of British Standard 5266. That is a requirement under the Regualtory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. If you have not done so, start asap.
Good luck wth your directors, ensure that the electrical engineers are NIC/EIC approved (and get more than 1 quote!!).
Mike Kane
fireuk@msn.com
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