BS 5266-1 requires that emergency lighting systems are tested monthly (short duration) and annually (full rated duration). For care homes, the annual test must demonstrate that all luminaires maintain illumination for the full rated duration typically three hours for maintained systems.
Why this matters
A missing or incomplete emergency lighting log is one of the most common Fire and Rescue Service observations during a fire safety audit. The log is evidence that your emergency lighting will work when required. Without it, the system is assumed unreliable.
What to do
- 1Ensure monthly tests are carried out and logged the log must record date, tester, which luminaires were tested and the result.
- 2Commission the annual full-duration test through a qualified contractor and retain the completion certificate.
- 3If any luminaire fails any test, repair and retest within 14 days and record both the failure and the remediation.
Primary source
BS 5266-1 Emergency Lighting: Code of Practice
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