Not necessarily. The adequacy of your Emergency Lighting depends on proper placement, illumination levels and coverage, not just the number of lights. According to
BS 5266-1:2016, Emergency Lighting must:
- Maintain at least 1 lux illumination along the centreline of escape routes up to 2 meters wide.
- Ensure wider routes are fully illuminated to the same standard.
- Provide even lighting to avoid dark spots or glare.
A few more crucial considerations:
- Building Layout: Larger or more complex premises require strategically placed lights to ensure all escape routes are visible.
- Occupancy: The number of people and their familiarity with the layout impact lighting needs.
- Hazards: Areas with risks, like machinery or uneven floors, may need additional lighting.
- Duration: Lights must function for at least 3 hours to meet legal requirements.
- Specific Areas: Stairs, changes in floor level, and exits need higher illumination for safety.
As you can see, there is quite a bit more to an effective Emergency Lighting system than fitting a few lights to the ceiling…
To ensure compliance and safety, a professional assessment of your Emergency Lighting system is required. Armoury’s experts can evaluate your premises, identify gaps and ensure your Emergency Lighting system meets both regulatory standards and practical safety requirements.
No. Relying on a lamppost to illuminate an external staircase is unlikely to meet Fire Safety regulations. According to BS 5266-1, external fire exits and escape routes must be illuminated by dedicated Emergency Lighting systems that:
- Operate independently of mains power to ensure functionality during a power outage.
- Provide a minimum of 1 lux illumination along escape routes and adequately light staircases and level changes.
- Deliver consistent, reliable illumination tested regularly for emergencies.
Why your lamppost falls short:
- Power Dependency: Lampposts rely on mains power, which may fail during an emergency.
- Inconsistent Lighting: They’re not designed to meet the 1 lux minimum or evenly illuminate stairs and obstacles.
- Compliance Issues: Fire Safety regulations require lighting specifically designed for emergencies, which lampposts don’t provide.