Guidance Note. Guidance Document for Testing and Maintaining Self-Contained Emergency Lighting and Luminaires

Transcription

1 Guidance Note Guidance Document for Testing and Maintaining Self-Contained Emergency Lighting and Luminaires

2 Guidance Document for testing and maintaining self-contained Emergency Lighting and Luminaires 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : SCOPE : DEFINITIONS : EMERGENCY LIGHTING LABELLING : INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND : MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS : TESTING AND CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS : CHECK OF CATEGORIES AND DOCUMENTATION : CHECK OF SYSTEM CRITERIA AND SITING OF LUMINAIRES: : SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND INSTALLATION : TEST FACILITIES : ON COMPLETION OF WORK : EMERGENCY LUMINAIRES AND ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS : PRELIMINARY EQUIPMENT CHECKS : COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WHILST MAINTAINING EMERGENCY LIGHTING : DOCUMENTATION AND FIRE LOGBOOK : RECOMMENDATIONS OF STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS : BS : : BS :2004 (BS EN ) : ICEL 1006 EMERGENCY LIGHTING DESIGN GUIDE : BS EN :2014 LUMINAIRES - PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS - LUMINAIRES FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTING : BS EN 50171:2001 CENTRAL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS : BS EN 62034:2012 AUTOMATIC TEST SYSTEMS FOR BATTERY POWERED EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTING : TEST EQUIPMENT : LIGHTING LEVEL METER : VOLTAGE INDICATOR : PROVING UNIT : VOLTAGE DETECTOR : CONCLUSIONS : REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY of 20

3 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document examines the methods for service and maintenance of emergency lights and luminaires. It describes the methods for testing and covers the implications of getting it wrong. It also recommends the most appropriate methods to be used. Emergency and escape lighting plays a vital role in the safe evacuation of premises occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency. The primary function of emergency escape lighting is to switch on automatically in the event of a lighting power supply failure and to provide sufficient levels of illumination to enable all occupants to evacuate safely. The obligation to provide emergency lighting is set out in the fire safety order (FSO) and BS :2016. It provides the designer with clear guidelines, such as minimum levels of illumination, duration, maximum brightness to prevent glare and points of emphasis which require particular consideration. These can include high-risk areas, call points, first aid stations, portable extinguishers, exit doors and escape routes, changes of direction or level, areas where hazardous machinery is in use and refuge areas. Failure to comply not only risks lives, it also raises the possibility of prosecution and can invalidate insurance policies. The specification, installation and maintenance of systems must be determined by the completion and regular revision of a formal fire risk assessment. When specifying emergency light fittings, it is important that luminaires conform to BS EN Some manufacturers purchase components that claim to comply but may not be independently verified or certificated. Another consideration is that lower quality components can shorten the lifespan of batteries and lamps. They may also have inferior optics, resulting in more fittings being required to meet illumination levels. Good quality products are more likely to have a higher output and better spacing performance. As a result, fewer units would be used to achieve the required level of illumination, reducing the outlay on the quantity of fittings required and reducing the long-term energy consumption costs. LED-based fittings usually use less power and can reduce running and maintenance costs. These fittings can also have a working life greater than 50,000 hours; up to 10 times longer than conventional fluorescent lamps. Designers are advised to specify products that have third party certification such as BSI Kitemarking and Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL) registration. As part of routine testing, a short duration or function test must be carried out at least once a month, normally by a member of staff, who should be adequately trained. The results must be recorded in the fire logbook. Additionally, at yearly intervals, a full duration test must be carried out to ensure that the system remains operational for its full designed duration (one hour or three hours). It is important to note that following the duration tests, the batteries will be completely discharged and must be allowed time to re-charge before becoming fully operational again. (The use of automatic self-testing systems may help to eliminate this problem.) This may require the competent person for these premises to carry out a further risk assessment, which may result in the need for safety patrols, torches to be issued as a temporary measure, or a restriction on the use of the area until the system is fully operational again. PURPOSE OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING Emergency lighting is a primary life safety system to assist the occupants of premises to evacuate in case of an emergency. When the normal lighting of occupied premises fails, irrespective of the cause, emergency lighting is required to fulfil the following functions: A. To indicate clearly the escape routes. 3 of 20

4 B. To provide illumination along escape routes to allow safe movement towards, through and away from the exits provided, including illumination of hazards such as stairs, ramps, etc. C. To ensure that fire alarm call points, fire fighting equipment, exit signs and points of emphasis, such as first aid equipment etc provided along the escape routes, can be readily located. Safety lighting is provided to enable hazardous tasks to be stopped or shut down safely. Standby lighting is used to allow normal activities to continue upon failure of the normal supply, where loss of business or production would have serious implications. Emergency lighting is sub-divided as shown in the table below: Extract from BS :2004 (BS EN 50172:2004) 7.1 Servicing and testing. Regular servicing is essential. The occupier/owner of the premises shall appoint a competent person to supervise servicing of the system. This person shall be given sufficient authority to ensure the carrying out of any work necessary to maintain the system in correct operation. Figure 1: Types of emergency lighting Supply Failure (either total or local) Emergency escape lighting, emergency safety lighting Emergency safety lighting Standby lighting Immediate total evacuation of the premises Depending on the risk and the system, the occupants might be allowed to stay in the premises in the event of the failure of the supply to the normal lighting until: a) There is only one hour duration left in the emergency lighting system; or b) the system allows occupants to be directed or escorted to a low risk location; or c) the risk is minimal, eg if there is adequate daylight in the building Normal activities can continue but additional precautions are needed to meet escape or safety requirements 4 of 20

5 2: SCOPE To provide guidance for best practice in the testing and maintenance of emergency lighting, luminaire systems and other illuminated safety signs. This document primarily covers emergency escape lighting, however the maintenance procedures and requirements are also the same for emergency safety lighting and standby lighting systems. Guidance is provided to enable emergency lighting systems to be inspected and tested in accordance with BS :2004 (BS EN 50172). Note that some local authorities also have requirements which are over and above the recommendations in BS , but such requirements are not covered by this document. Central battery systems and their test and maintenance requirements are not covered in this document. 3: DEFINITIONS Standby lighting Used to allow normal activities to continue upon failure of the normal supply, where loss of business or production would have serious implications. Safety lighting Intended to protect personnel who may be placed in danger when normal lighting fails, leaving power circuits active with tools and machinery operational. Escape lighting illumination for safe movement Defined in BS as that part of the emergency lighting which is provided to ensure that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all material times. Battery capacity The discharge capability of a battery, being a product of discharge current and time, expressed as ampere hours over a stated duration. Central battery system A system in which the batteries for a number of luminaires are housed in one location, usually for all the emergency luminaires in one lighting sub-circuit, sometimes for all emergency luminaires in a complete premises. Combined emergency luminaire (sustained) Contains two or more lamps, at least one of which is energised from the emergency supply and the remainder from the normal supply. The lamp energised from the emergency supply in a combined emergency luminaire is either maintained or non-maintained. Competent person Person with the relevant current training and experience, who has access to the requisite tools, equipment and information, and is capable of carrying out a defined task. The standard description of a skilled person within BS7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations) is as follows Skilled person (electrically): a person who possesses, as appropriate to the nature of the electrical work to be undertaken, adequate education, training and practical skills, and who is able to perceive risks and avoid hazards which electricity can create. NOTE 1: The term (electrically) is assumed to be present where the term 'skilled person' is used throughout BS NOTE 2: Regulation 16 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,requires persons to be competent to prevent danger and injury. The HSE publication HSR25 provides guidance on this. 5 of 20

6 The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states the following: Competence to prevent danger and injury: (Reg. 16) (1) If competence is in doubt, inspectors should enquire into: (i) Technical knowledge, and (ii) experience in relation to the work activity being undertaken. Clearly, more knowledge is required of those involved in high voltage work compared to those doing 25-volt test work. BS :2016 refers to competent person or persons; these are the designer, the installer and the maintenance and commissioning engineer. Design voltage The voltage declared by the manufacturer to which all the ballast characteristics are related. Emergency exit A way out which is intended to be used any time that the premises are occupied. Final exit The terminal point of an escape route, beyond which persons are no longer in danger from fire or any other hazard requiring evacuation of the premises. Luminance The luminous flux density at a surface, ie the luminous flux incidence per unit area. The unit of luminance is lux. Luminaire An apparatus which distributes, filters and transforms the lighting provided by lamps, and includes all the items necessary for fixing and protecting these lamps and for connecting them to the supply circuit. Note that internally illuminated signs are a special type of luminaire. Mains lighting conversion Retrofit or pre-installation conversion kits which are applied to standard light fittings to add emergency light functionality. Maintained emergency luminaire A luminaire containing one or more lamps, all of which operate from the normal electrical supply or from the emergency supply at all material times. Non-maintained emergency luminaire A luminaire containing one or more lamps, which operate from the emergency supply only upon failure of the normal electrical supply. Normal lighting All permanently installed artificial lighting operating from the normal electrical supply, that in the absence of adequate daylight, is intended for use during the whole time that the premises are occupied. Rated duration The manufacturer s declared duration, specifying the time for which the emergency lighting will provide the rated lumen output after electrical supply failure. This may be for any reasonable period but is normally one or three hours. Rated load The maximum load that may be connected to the system and will be supplied for the rated duration. 6 of 20

7 Re-charge period The time necessary for the batteries to regain sufficient capacity to achieve their rated duration. Responsible person The responsible person is the employer and any other person who may have control of a part of the premises. Self-contained emergency luminaire or single point luminaire A luminaire or sign providing maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting, in which all the elements such as the battery, the lamp, and the control unit are contained within the housing or within one metre of the housing. Self-test Automatic testing of a luminaire which may be self-contained, centrally-controlled or remote controlled. Slave or centrally supplied luminaire An emergency luminaire without its own batteries, designed to work with a central battery system. System types Emergency lighting luminaries are classed by the operating mode; there are four basic types. Note: Any of these four basic types listed below may or may not have an automatic testing function: a) Non-maintained: (NM) Luminaire operates from an internal battery pack only when the electrical supply fails. b) Maintained: (M) Luminaire operates all the time. If the electrical supply fails, the lamp continues to operate from the internal battery pack. Maintained luminaries are recommended for the following applications: Exit signs to cover specific risks; where the room occupants are unlikely to be unfamiliar with the escape route, this would also apply in spaces where the background illumination is normally reduced, such as restaurants, cinemas or theatres. Premises providing sleeping accommodation, for example hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, boarding schools, etc. Recreational establishments, for example theatres, cinemas, public houses, restaurants, etc. Non-residential public premises, for example town halls, libraries, shops, shopping malls, museums, art galleries, covered car parks, etc. c) Combined non-maintained (CNM): (historically referred to as sustained) Contains more than one lamp, one of which is operated from the normal electrical supply, the other is for emergency use. d) Combined maintained (CM): Similar to a combined, non-maintained luminaire but the emergency lamp is maintained, so that when the electrical supply is healthy all lamps operate, but when the electrical supply fails at least one lamp will continue to operate from the internal battery pack. 7 of 20

8 Self-contained luminaires Emergency light fitting which contains a battery to run one or more lamps when the electrical supply fails. Each luminaire has a connection to the local lighting circuit which supplies the battery charge circuit. A separate switched connection will also be required for any maintained lamps within the fitting. Slave central battery systems These fittings do not contain a separate power source or have local control. The power to support the lamp if the electrical supply fails is derived from a central power source or battery system. 4: EMERGENCY LIGHTING LABELLING Emergency light fittings have performance criteria which are marked as a product label. These details have a direct bearing on the test requirements associated. In BS :2016, emergency lighting systems are classified according to the following parameters, as given for luminaires in BS EN :2014. a) b) c) d) Type: X Self-contained Z Central supply Mode of operation 0 Non-maintained 1 Maintained 2 Combined non-maintained 3 Combined maintained 4 Compound non-maintained 5 Compound maintained 6 Satellite Facilities A Including test device B Including remote rest mode C Including inhibiting mode D High risk task area luminaire E With non-replaceable lamp(s) and/or battery F Automatic test gear conforming to BS EN denoted EL-T G Internally illuminated safety sign Duration of emergency mode (in minutes) for a selfcontained system 10 to indicate 10 minutes duration 60 to indicate 1 hour duration 120 to indicate 2 hours duration 180 to indicate 3 hours duration NOTE: Prior to the 2011 edition of BS , emergency lighting systems were categorised by the prefix M for maintained and NM for non-maintained systems, followed by a / and the number of hours duration claimed for the installation, for example for self-contained systems: M/1 was a maintained one hour duration system; this is now X 1 **** 60 NM/3 was a non-maintained three hour duration system; this is now X 0 **** 180 **** In the third box stands for the facilities [see item c)], details of which are added, as applicable, at the time of installation. 8 of 20

9 5: INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND Need for emergency lighting A fundamental requirement of fire safety is to ensure that people within all premises can be evacuated safely in all situations, including a failure of the normal lighting. Staff and members of the public need a safe means of escape in an emergency. Emergency lighting is required not only during a complete failure of the normal lighting, but also on a localised failure when this failure would present a hazard. As emergencies do not always occur during daylight hours and premises are not always internally illuminated by daylight, a lighting system should be available in an emergency such as a fire. Reliance on the normal lighting system is inappropriate, as the electrical supply is likely to be lost in this kind of an emergency and the wiring serving the lighting circuits may be destroyed. A form of emergency lighting may therefore be required as part of the overall fire safety provision. A fire risk assessment must be carried out to determine what emergency lighting is to be provided in the premises, to ensure that the design, type, duration and level of illumination of a proposed system meet the requirements of the fire safety legislation. Where there is doubt over which is the appropriate class of system, BS :2016 states the following: 9.1 General In case of doubt, the appropriate class as described in 9.2 to 9.11 should be agreed with the enforcing authority. Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 This order requires the provision for safe means of escape in an emergency. Escape routes must be provided with emergency lighting, appropriate signage and illumination. Extract from: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states: Emergency routes and exits 14. (1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the responsible person must ensure that routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times. (2) The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons (a) Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety; (b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible; (c) the number, distribution and dimensions of emergency routes and exits must be adequate having regard to the use, equipment and dimensions of the premises and the maximum number of persons who may be present there at any one time; (d) emergency doors must open in the direction of escape; (e) sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits; (f) emergency doors must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require using them in an emergency; (g) emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs; and (h) emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting. This is a link to this section of the fire safety order: article/14/made 9 of 20

10 Engineer s competence All engineers involved in the service and maintenance of emergency lighting systems should be familiar with BS and BS (BS EN 50172:2004). The levels of competence of different engineers for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance activities, will need to be appropriate for the role. Maintenance engineer The engineer will require sufficient knowledge of design requirements of an emergency lighting system, in order to be capable of highlighting major non-compliances to current design standards. The engineer will also require good product knowledge for the emergency lighting equipment and necessary technical knowledge to operate and work on the system. 6: MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS The routine maintenance of an emergency lighting system should confirm the operation of the equipment and check for any inadequacies or shortcomings that may affect the system effectiveness. It should be noted that recharge periods are significant and need to be considered. Self-contained systems Where the source of emergency lighting supply is a secondary battery, the charger must be capable of recharging the battery (for example, after discharging during a full load test) to at least 50% of full charge in a maximum period of 14 hours. Full discharge tests should be carried out at a time of low risk. Batteries should be fully recharged within 24 hours. The luminance of the installation depends as much on the light distribution, as it does on the light output available from the chosen luminaire. Consequently, luminaire types specified for a particular design must not be changed without a re-appraisal of the photometric design. Photometric design data should always be provided. In all cases, appropriate de-rating factors must be used to meet worst case requirements. The authenticated spacing data should be followed such as ICEL 1001 registered tables and calculations as detailed in BS :2016 Annex D, and CIBSE/SLL Guide LG12. All checks should be recorded and documented on the maintenance certificate and logbook. 6.1: Testing and corrective maintenance requirements In order for the system to be fully operational at all times, discharge testing should be carried out at times that will not place the premises occupants at risk. Adequate facilities for testing and recording the system condition must be provided. These need to be appropriate for the specific site. It may be feasible to perform a full discharge test of the installation in an office block, by disabling the total lighting electrical supply. However, in some premises this would be inappropriate and potentially dangerous if all the luminaires were unavailable during an emergency, for example, in a hotel occupied 24 hours a day. A test regime which operates alternate fittings would be more suitable for these premises but this will require multiple maintenance visits. User tests are intended to identify any failed luminaires to enable prompt repairs to be carried out. An up-to-date supply of recommended/critical spares should be held on site for use by the user or maintenance engineer. 10 of 20

11 Best practice when replacing any emergency lighting fitting would be to use a third party approved fitting to ensure full compliance with EN Where emergency lighting discharge tests are carried out, care must be taken to minimise disruption to the site operation. The testing should either be carried out at times of minimal risk or only on alternate luminaires at any one time. The customer must be made aware that following a full discharge test, the system may not be fully effective for a period of 24 hours and they may need to make provision for alternative arrangements in the event of failure of the normal lighting. The service documentation should be used to confirm that the client understands this and has either accepted their responsibilities or has refused the full discharge test. For light fittings without automatic test facilities, a local test switch is required to simulate a failure of the normal electrical supply for test purposes without interruption of the lighting circuit. This switch must be operated by use of a special tool typically referred to as a fish key. All switches associated with emergency lighting circuits should be situated in a position inaccessible to unauthorised persons or should be tamper proof or a re-tractive type as appropriate. All such switches should be suitably labelled as Emergency Lighting. Routine inspections and tests should be carried out at the following intervals as defined in BS :2016 which aligns with the testing shown in BS :2004 (BS EN 50172:2004): Daily: (user) Any centralised reporting systems should be checked daily. Monthly: (user) If automatic testing devices are used, the results of the short duration tests shall be recorded. Test each luminaire and exit sign by removing the local electrical supply to check each lamp operates. Check that they are present, clean and functioning correctly. After the test, restore the local electrical supply and check that the battery charge indicator is on. A function test for a period sufficient to ensure that each lamp is illuminated to check that the luminaire is working. Users must be made aware of their responsibility to ensure that user tests are carried out in accordance with BS :2016 Annually: (maintenance provider) Each luminaire and emergency sign should be energised from its battery for its full rated duration period. Testing of the luminaires must be carried out from the emergency lighting test switch where available. Where no test switch is available, great care should be taken if isolating circuit breakers or main isolation devices. Checks are required to ensure the luminaires are fed from the live side of the normal lighting circuit for any area and operate on local lighting failure. 6.2: Check of categories and documentation Are plans of the system available and correct? Are the mode and types of fittings suitable for the application? ie self-contained or central battery, maintained or non-maintained, IP rating, vandal resistant, etc. 11 of 20

12 Does the system still satisfy the design duration period? (One hour or three hour duration.) Is a completion certificate available with photometric design data? Is a fire logbook available and are the test section entries up to date? 6.3: Check of system criteria and siting of luminaires Are the escape routes free from obstructions that hinder escape during an emergency? Are the correct areas of the premises covered by luminaires and signage to meet the risk assessment? Are all hazards identified by the risk assessment covered? Are there luminaires sited at the points of emphasis? Is the spacing between luminaires compliant with authenticated spacing or design data? If authenticated spacing data is not available for existing installations, are estimates attached and acceptable? Are the emergency exit signs and escape route direction signs correct and the locations of other safety signs to be illuminated under emergency conditions identified? Do all non-maintained luminaires operate on local lighting electrical circuit failure? Are there at least two luminaires in each lighting compartment, to ensure that the area is not plunged into darkness if a luminaire fails? Are luminaires at least two metres above floor level and avoiding smoke reservoirs? Are additional luminaires located to cover toilets, lifts, plant rooms, escalators etc.? Are the luminaires positioned along the escape routes at the correct spacing, to ensure that the required luminance levels are achieved? Are the luminaires positioned in open areas (anti-panic areas) at the correct spacing, to ensure that at least the minimum luminance level is achieved? Are hazardous areas illuminated at 10% of normal luminance? 6.4: System components and installation Do the luminaires conform to BS EN ? Do any converted luminaires conform to BS EN ? Do luminaires have a suitable degree of protection for their location? Does the installation conform to the good practice defined in BS 7671? 6.5: Test facilities Are the test facilities suitable to test function and duration? Are the test facilities safe to operate and do not disable a required service? Are the test facilities clearly marked with their function? If an automatic test system is installed, does it conform to BS EN 62034? Is the responsible person trained and able to operate the test facilities and record the test results correctly? 12 of 20

13 6.6: On completion of work Following the discharge test, the electrical supply should be restored and any indicator lamps checked, to ensure that the electrical supply has been restored and the charging arrangements are functioning correctly. 6.7: Emergency luminaires and escape route signs Are the fittings clean and sited in their correct operating environment, for example for temperature and IP rating? Do the luminaires operate in the correct mode, for example maintained for sleeping accommodation? Do the luminaires operate for the required emergency duration? Are there sufficient signs clearly showing the emergency escape route from any position within the premises? Are all exits marked and directions of travel indicated? Are the signs illuminated internally or from an external source, when the normal lighting electrical supply fails? Is the size of each sign correct for the viewing distances? Do the sign legends comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations S.I. No. 341, 1996? 6.8: Preliminary equipment checks Check luminaires for physical damage or painting. Clean all luminaires and internally illuminated signs where required. Identify any diffusers that are badly discoloured and replace. Replace any failed or failing lamps. 6.9: Common problems encountered whilst maintaining emergency lighting User or responsible person not carrying out tests, insufficient quantity and quality of user tests or not adequately recorded. User not trained to carry out tests. Local test switch locations not documented. Insufficient quantity of local test switches. Test key not being available. Non-availability of design documentation for cross-referencing and verifying the accuracy of system information in fire logbook. Limited access availability (eg client restriction) Test key wiring affecting the normal lighting electrical supply instead of isolating only the emergency luminaries. The risk of live cables touching metal ceiling grids. The testing of standby batteries alone as a means of proving the luminaires rated duration. This is not acceptable. 13 of 20

14 A three hour discharge test not being conducted on a one hour rated system (such as systems installed in some small shop units) when three hours is the rated duration of the luminaires used on site. A full discharge test of all fittings leaves no capacity within the system to support operational use, which may compromise the safe escape of occupants of the building in an emergency. Where systems do not have sufficient test key facilities and require circuit breaker isolation, the inadvertent isolation of electrical supply to other unknown circuits due to distribution boards being labelled incorrectly or not at all. Automatic testing can eliminate some of the problems that are encountered, for example: The test cycle is randomised so that individual fittings are tested one at a time rather than all fittings simultaneously. The reliance on the level of knowledge of the user is reduced; Access not required. Indication of faults notified prior to a service or maintenance inspection. Reduced maintenance costs. 6.10: Documentation and fire logbook Up-to-date site documentation and the fire logbook should be in place, to enable the engineer to carry out maintenance in accordance with this guidance document and BS :2016 and BS :2004 (BS EN 50172:2004). On completion of all tests, the fire logbook must be completed. The system should include adequate facilities for testing and recording the system condition. These need to be appropriate for the specific site. 14 of 20

15 7: RECOMMENDATIONS OF STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS: 7.1: BS :2016: Figure A. Summary of standards covering emergency lighting BASE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT BS :2016 Emergency lighting Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises Gives the recommendations and guidance on the provision and operation of emergency lighting in most premises other than dwellings SYSTEM STANDARDS BS EN 1838:2013 Lighting applications - emergency lighting Specifies the illumination to be provided by emergency lighting (including illuminance, duration and colour) BS EN 50172:2004 (BS :2004) Emergency escape lighting systems Specifies the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises PRODUCT STANDARDS BS EN :2014, Luminaires for emergency lighting Specifies selfcontained and centrally powered luminaires for use in emergency lighting systems BS EN 62034:2012, Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting Specifies a test system for battery powered emergency lighting BS EN 50171:2001, Central power supply systems Specifies central power supply systems for luminaires for emergency lighting a. Illumination for safe movement Illumination for safe movement should ensure the following: The escape routes should be clearly and unambiguously indicated. Illumination should be provided along such routes to allow safe movement towards and through the exits. All fire alarm call points and fire fighting equipment along the escape routes must be easily located; First aid points must be easily identified. Operations concerned with safety measures can be carried out. Emergency light operation upon a localised mains failure, if such a failure would present a hazard, eg a single sub-circuit on stairs. 15 of 20

16 b. Areas to be covered by emergency lighting Escape routes. External areas in the immediate vicinity of exits. Lift cars. Moving stairways and walkways. Toilet accommodation exceeding 8m 2 and facilities of less than 8m 2 without borrowed light; Covered car parks. Control and plant rooms. c. Uniformity of luminance: (minimise bright and dark areas) Good uniformity can be achieved by using a greater number of luminaires with lower light output rather than fewer, more widely spaced luminaires with higher light output. A uniformity ratio of up to 40:1 along the centre line of an escape route is acceptable for safe movement and this value should not be exceeded. Care should also be taken to avoid abrupt alterations of excessive dark and light areas on the floor. d. Mounting height of luminaires The mounting height of the luminaires will usually be governed by the physical characteristics of the area under consideration and the best compromise should be chosen. A high contrast between a luminaire and its immediate background may produce glare. Individual luminaires should be mounted to avoid glare and should if possible be positioned at least two metres above floor level, measured to the underside of the luminaire. (Note: The possibility of smoke collection making the light ineffective should be considered, particularly if a high mounting height is involved.) e. Luminance It has been determined from experience and practical tests, that the horizontal luminance on the centre line of any unobstructed escape route should never be less than 0.2 lux* and that this level of emergency lighting should be provided within five seconds of failure of the normal lighting. An exception to this, is that in premises likely to be occupied for the most part by persons who are familiar with them, this period may be extended to 15 seconds. (*For further details refer to BS :2016). General escape routes must be minimum one lux. Marked escape routes through an open area must be minimum one lux. Open areas must be a minimum of 0.5 lux in the core area maintaining a uniformity of luminance ratio of 40:1 max/min. 16 of 20

17 f. Duration of system Extract from BS :2016: Duration COMMENTARY ON The time required to evacuate premises depends upon their size and complexity. The duration is dependent not only on the time to evacuate the premises but also on whether they are evacuated immediately on a supply failure, and whether they will be reoccupied immediately that the supply is restored. BS EN 1838:2013, and specify a minimum duration of the emergency escape lighting of one hour. A minimum duration of three hours should be used for emergency lighting, if premises are not expected to be evacuated immediately in the event of a supply failure, such as sleeping accommodation or places of entertainment, or if the premises are expected to be reoccupied when the supply is restored, without waiting for batteries to recharge. A minimum duration of one hour should be used only if the premises are expected to be evacuated immediately on supply failure and not reoccupied until full capacity has been restored to the batteries. There are specific recommendations for different types of premises. For additional information about a specific type of property, please refer to the latest version of BS g. Signs Correct identification of direction on an escape route is critical. At least one possible route or doorway leading to an escape route should be visible from any place within every room or enclosure. Where the escape route is not obvious or confusion could occur, it should be indicated by a sign. Signs should provide clear, unambiguous instruction that will lead people directly to a final exit and out of the premises. Persons escaping along any designated escape route should always have an escape route sign in sight. Whenever a choice of door or direction has to be made, signs should be sited so as to define the shortest distance from an evacuation point to the escape route. If at any place there is a choice of two escape routes of equal travel distance, both routes should be indicated by a separate series of signs. If a doorway or sign is obscured, a second sign should be added. In some cases, it may be appropriate to use a suspended sign. All changes of directions in corridors, stairways and open spaces should be clearly marked with intermediate signs. Each door or junction should be similarly marked. Doors which could be confused as an escape route should be clearly marked as to their use, eg a storeroom. In accordance with BS :2013, European and British standard signs must not be mixed; all signs within a system of escape route signing should be of similar design, size and format. 17 of 20

18 Escape route indication signs BS :2013 Combines the running man symbol with text and arrows 92/58 EEC European Standard symbols only sign HTM65 Signs guide for NHS estates Final exit signs Final exit signs (the ones leading to a place of safety) should not have an arrow on them and the running man should be in the direction the person must go to reach the assembly point. 7.2: BS :2004 (BS EN 50172:2004) This standard has been used to provide information concerning the following within this guidance document: Escape lighting recommendations. Design. System records and fire log book. Servicing and testing. 7.3: ICEL 1006: Emergency Lighting Design Guide This is a design guide that also covers maintenance and certification of emergency lighting installations. 7.4: BS EN :2014 Luminaires - Particular Requirements - Luminaires for Emergency Lighting This is the British Standard that covers the manufacture of emergency light fittings. 7.5: BS EN 50171:2001 Central Power Supply Systems This is the British Standard that covers manufacture of centrally-powered emergency lighting systems. 7.6: BS EN 62034:2012 Automatic Test Systems for Battery Powered Emergency Escape Lighting This is the British Standard that covers automatic test functions for emergency lighting systems. 18 of 20

19 8: TEST EQUIPMENT In addition to a multi-meter and standard hand tools, the following equipment will be required by a maintenance engineer in order to carry out routine maintenance of emergency lighting. 8.1: Lighting level meter BS :2016 recommends the following specification: To ensure accuracy a photometer with a good spectral correction value, f1, is required. The meter needs to be suitable for taking readings at the low luminance levels involved, with a minimum range of 0.01 lux to 100 lux and sensitivity of 0.01 lux. 8.2: Voltage indicator A voltage indicator is a device for measuring voltage only. A multi-meter is not suitable for carrying out this function, due to the risk of inadvertent misuse. A minimum range of 0v-500v is required. 8.3: Proving unit A proving unit is used in conjunction with a voltage indicator to test the indicator prior to, and following, each measurement. 8.4: Voltage detector A voltage detector is used to protect the engineer from potential risks of live wires touching metal grids. 9: CONCLUSIONS Emergency lighting should provide appropriate methods of illumination along escape routes automatically in the event of a lighting electrical supply failure, enabling all occupants to evacuate safely from the premises. Escape routes should be clearly indicated with points of emphasis easily located. Additional safety lighting should be provided where hazardous tasks are being performed. Each aspect of facilitating an emergency lighting system should be completed by the appropriate competent person. The competent person refers to the designer, installer, commissioning engineer and maintenance engineer. The competent person should have the knowledge and skills required to carry out their specific task within the appropriate standards The requirements for an emergency lighting system are stated in BS :2016, ICEL Design document 1006 May 2012 and other key references given in this document. The specification, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting systems must be determined by the completion and regular revision of the formal fire risk assessment. When specifying emergency light fittings, it is important that luminaires conform to BS EN Routine maintenance should include the required monthly and yearly tests, and be fully documented. They should be performed at a time that will not place the occupants of the premises at risk or performed by using alternate fitting testing. An automatic test facility can provide the most suitable means of test for emergency lighting systems. Users should be clear on their responsibilities and should be reminded of the battery re-charge periods during yearly tests. The supply indicator lamps and charging equipment should be checked once the supply has been restored. Maintenance engineers should confirm the operation of the equipment, check for any faults or issues affecting the system and check it still conforms to the current standards. Any replaced luminaires should be of the same type as the current system or changed following a re-appraisal of the photometric design. 19 of 20

20 10: REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY BS :2016 Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises. BS :2004 (BS EN 50172:2004) Emergency escape lighting systems. BS :2013 Safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing. BS EN :2014 Luminaires. Particular requirements. Luminaires for emergency lighting. BS EN 50171:2001 Central power supply systems. BS EN 62034:2012 Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting. BS EN Lamp control gear. Particular requirements for battery supplied electronic control gear for emergency lighting. (Self-contained.) BS EN 50200:2015 Method of test for resistance to fire of unprotected small cables for use in emergency circuits. BS EN 1838:2013 Lighting applications. Emergency lighting. ICEL Design document 1006 May Electricity at work regulations Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order ICEL 1001 CIBSE/SLL Guide LG12. ISO Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets -- Part 12: Emergency power supply to safety services. 92/58 EEC Directive 92/58/EEC - safety and/or health signs. HTM-65-2 Health Technical Memorandum 65 Part 2 - Fire Safety Signs. BS 7671:2008+A3:2015 Requirements for Electrical Installations DISCLAIMER The information set out in this document is believed to be correct in the light of information currently available but it is not guaranteed and neither the Fire Industry Association nor its officers can accept any responsibility in respect of the contents or any events arising from use of the information contained within this document. Tudor House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2HD Tel: +44 (0) of 20