I think that Steve is right to question what might be perceived to be failings in fire safety arrangements. When I joined IFPO I understood the intention of the organisation was implicit in the title and members would adhere to that ethos, whether on duty or not.
Any way, I very much agree with Nearlythere with respect to the slip in standards, even if they weren't very good in the first place!
The change in electrical installation contract procurement has seen the traditional consultant-designed project give way to a design and build type approach. Electrical contractors now often act as designers, installers and verifiers. Many feel confident in their capabilities but that doesn't necessarily equate to competence when considering emergency lighting systems. What can a fire risk assessor really do other than identify that there appears to be adequate provision and have a look at the associated documentation? Whether the system operates on failure of the local lighting or operates via inputs to relays is a matter for the designer or verifier. If either function is less than it should be because the electrical contractor performing those roles is not sufficiently knowledgeable in emergency lighting requirements, then less than adequate installations will continue to be provided: unless, of course, people like Steve put their head above the parapet!
