06 Sep Emergency lighting legislation explained

Emergency lighting legislation sets out the collective laws for emergency lighting.

The key legislation that applies to emergency lighting implementation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Secondarily, comes the Building Regulations 2006 (Approved Document B). Other regulations that are applicable to emergency lighting include the Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU).

Below, we will take a closer look at these Regulations:

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 became law on 1st October 2006. It stipulates that escape and evacuation routes during a fire must have emergency lighting. To define the emergency lighting requirement, a fire safety risk assessment is needed.

Building Regulations 2006 (Approved Document B)

The Building Regulations 2006 (Approved Document B) sets out the general requirements for fire safety in buildings, including the number and size of escape routes and the provision of emergency lighting, so that people can use the escape routes safely.

Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU)

The Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU), effective from July 2013, sets out instructions for products to ensure that they meet seven requirements for safety. These products include emergency lighting, which must comply with BS 5266-1.

What is the point of emergency lighting legislation?

Emergency lighting legislation sets out standards for emergency lighting, so that buildings have adequate emergency lighting in the event of an emergency. Legislation is enforced, covering the design of suitable products, the suitable locations for these products, minimal lighting levels and testing requirements to ensure that buildings are safer.

Emergency lighting includes escape route/ exit lighting, standby lighting, escape route lighting, open area lighting, fire zone lighting and high-risk area lighting, such as where the level of fire protection is minimal or where there is a risk of explosion.

Emergency lighting legislation is relevant to safety officers, building designers and architects, employers, landlords and electrical contractors. Emergency lighting legislation is also relevant to any responsible person who may need to help people escape a building. For this reason, we strongly recommend reading the current legislation.

Here’s the links:

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:                https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made

Building Regulations 2006 (Approved Document B):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU):
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/construction/product-regulation_en