New emergency lighting standard

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has revised its emergency lighting standard to ensure the safety of building occupants in the event of a sudden loss of normal lighting or fire.

BS 5266-1- Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises considers the provision of emergency lighting in all types of non-domestic premises – including both new and existing installations.

The revised standard is designed to give confidence to owners of premises, landlords and employers that they are meeting their legal requirements regarding emergency lighting. It also addresses the needs of lighting engineers and electrical contractors whose duty is to protect building occupants from the hazards identified by risk assessments.

Designed by industry for industry, BS 5266-1 incorporates the requirements from a diverse committee including local authorities, trade bodies and professionals from safety, fire and property arenas.
The standard has been rewritten to embrace the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) which brings all non-domestic premises within the scope of fire safety law. It also places responsibility for emergency lighting on the person who controls the premises.

BSI aims to promote wider understanding of the different types of emergency lighting systems which may be employed, and to give guidance on their correct application within the premises. As well as ensuring safe unobstructed means of escape from the premises at all times, BS 5266-1 specifies the need to make possible the immediate location and operation of fire alarm call points and fire-fighting equipment.

“Building owners, landlords and employers all have a duty of care to building occupants,” said Dan Palmer, Head of Market Development at BSI. “Failure to take appropriate measures to ensure a safe escape in the event of lighting failure can result in fines and prosecution. BSI’s newly revised standard for emergency lighting will help responsible parties mitigate this risk and provide greater assurance over the well being of building occupants.”

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