Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Table 9.10 Categorisation of emergency escape lighting
Type
X Units that are self-contained, i.e. they have an integral
rechargeable battery
Y Units that are provided with a central supply
Mode of operation
0 Non-maintained – not illuminated continuously
1 Maintained – illuminated continuously
2 Combined non-maintained – a luminaire containing
two lamps, at least one of which is energised from the
emergency supply not illuminated continuously
3 Combined maintained – a luminaire containing two
lamps, which are maintained from the emergency
supply
4 Compound non-maintained – self-contained unit that
can provide power to a satellite unit not illuminated
continuously
5 Compound maintained – self-contained unit that
can provide power to a satellite unit illuminated
continuously
6 Satellite – individual unit that is powered from a
compound unit
Facilities
A The unit includes a local test device
B The unit includes a device for remote testing
Duration of operation in minutes
60 Has a duration of 1 hour
120 Has a duration of 2 hours
180 Has a duration of 3 hours
X 0
A
this unit has a local test facility
180
Figure 9.52 An indicative label classifi cation for emergency
escape lighting
Once a system has been installed it is necessary
to ensure that its continued operation is effectively
monitored. Those who fi nd themselves responsible for
the means of escape within buildings will need to ensure
that the emergency escape lighting system:
➤ Is certifi ed as complying with BS 5266
➤ Is subject to routine testing and inspection:
➤ Daily to ensure maintained lamps are illuminated
➤ Monthly to ensure each unit activates on a failure
of the power supply
Fire protection in buildings
Figure 9.53 Maintained emergency exit box
Figure 9.54 Maintained blade emergency light – double
sided
Figure 9.55 Non-maintained satellite emergency light
➤ Six monthly to ensure that the unit maintains
emergency operation for at least 1 hour
➤ Three yearly (and after the fi rst three yearly test,
annually) to ensure each unit operates for its full
design period.
The monitoring of emergency lighting systems needs to
form part of the overall management of fi re safety.
9.5.10 Signs and signage
Fire safety signs and signing systems form an integral
part of the overall fi re safety strategy of a building and
are fundamental to the communication of good fi re
safety management information. Clearly visible and
unambiguous signage is essential for speedy escape,
particularly in buildings where many of the occupants
might be unfamiliar with the building layout.
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