With the high number of rooms and occupants that a commercial building, such as an office, shop or hotel, can house, it goes without saying that fire safety is paramount to protect the property and the lives of those inside. Among the different safety measures that must be put in place, emergency lighting plays an important safeguarding role by enabling swift evacuations.

In this article, we answer your frequently questions about emergency lighting in commercial buildings so you can make an informed decision for your business.

What is emergency lighting?

Commercial kitchens, faulty electrical equipment and flammable materials are just some of the ways a fire might start and quickly spread in a commercial premise.

In the event of a fire, emergency lighting provides better visibility of escape routes, exits, lifts, steps, stairwells and more when there is a blackout at the property or visibility is impaired due to smoke and flames.

Simply put, emergency lighting is a sophisticated system of battery-backed lights that automatically activate when the main power source fails; they can be in the form of downlights, signs or spotlights. Not only do they guide people out of the building for a safe evacuation, but they also help firefighters navigate their way around the inside of the building to locate anyone who may be trapped.

How long does emergency lighting stay on for?

Once activated, emergency lighting will typically stay on for three hours.

How do I choose the right emergency lighting for my commercial premises?

Business owners and managers aren’t expected to know exactly what kind of emergency lighting should be installed at their property without help from an experienced fire protection. We will conduct a detailed fire assessment at your premises to fully understand exactly what is required for each individual setting and provide the most suitable solution.

How do I choose the right company to install emergency lighting?

When it comes to the installation of emergency lighting at your premises, it’s important to choose the right company to ensure the work is carried out correctly. Look out for experience, reviews and accreditations as these are good indicators of how efficient a company is in the field of fire safety.

How important is regular maintenance of emergency lighting?

All components of the system, such as the batteries and bulbs, must be inspected and tested by a qualified professional for continued reliability; they can advise on the frequency of this, but it is typically scheduled in for monthly and annually checks. All results must be recorded and any problems that arise must be looked into by an expert immediately.

How does emergency lighting comply with regulations?

Emergency lighting systems must meet the strict regulations and standards that outline the requirements for their design, installation and maintenance. There is both a legal and moral responsibility for building owners and managers to comply with these regulations for the safety of their property and its occupants.

Failure to comply may result in fines and legal action in the event that an accident or injury occurs. Not only that, building insurance can be affected if regulations aren’t complied with, which can affect premiums and coverage.

• (This "Fire Safety Blogs" Published in December 2023  Edition)