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THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 => Q & A => Topic started by: callum007 on September 19, 2006, 08:39:25 AM

Title: Emergency lighting
Post by: callum007 on September 19, 2006, 08:39:25 AM

We have some small ofiices the main office is open plan , 6 staff.
What defines if we reqire Emergency Lighting , I have read relevent BS , not clear !

Title: Emergency lighting
Post by: kurnal on September 19, 2006, 12:33:35 PM

Open plan spaces more than 60 sq metres ( building Regs approved document B1) or if you work during hours of darkness or have no natural daylight. The darkness bit is arbitary- dusk in winter can justify escape lighting unless you have very good levels of borrowed light throgh windows and no blinds.

Title: Emergency lighting
Post by: jokar on September 24, 2006, 10:11:31 PM

Be careful about what you ask.  Emergency Lighting is required in new builds, alterations and extensions, under the Builidng Regs.  That will allow people to continue to work if the power fails.  Emerganecy Escape Lighting is something else and a risk assessment of the light levels in accordance with statements made in the Guidance Docs will assist you.  Get a light meter, turn off the lights and if it registyers above 5 lux them you may not need it.

Title: Emergency lighting
Post by: Richard Earl on November 25, 2006, 07:05:36 PM

hi callum,
my take on this is if in darkness /dusk you cant clearly see away out of o building/room its madness not to install fire route emergency lighting or AAA photo lum signs. i have known fire brigades accept low level wayfinder and photo lum signs (positioned correctly) to be better than emergency lighting.

i say positioned correctly due to seeing a school that one of the large fire companies from sunbury upon thems fitted out and the routes took you back into the centre of a building. SO BE CAREFULL some companies are usless

cu richard