Emergency lighting is a crucial part of fire safety for any commercial or public building. Whether you manage a small business or a large, multi-site organisation, understanding emergency lighting requirements is essential.
At Woodward Group, we offer professional emergency lighting services for businesses across the UK to ensure your premises remain safe and compliant. In this straightforward guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about emergency lighting and explain why working with a trusted provider like Woodward Group is always the sensible choice.
Who can install emergency lighting?
Emergency lighting should always be installed by a skilled professional. Incorrect installation can have major consequences, from putting people’s lives at risk during an emergency to leaving your building legally non-compliant with fire safety regulations.
Our team of approved Fire & Safety engineers provides expert emergency lighting services for UK businesses. We handle everything from assessing your building’s requirements to installing luminaires and signage that meet BS EN 1838.
Where does emergency lighting need to be installed?
Emergency lighting is required in areas where visibility must be maintained during a power failure or emergency. There are four main types of emergency lighting:
- Escape route lighting
Designed to guide people safely out of a building during an emergency, this lighting makes exit routes clear and easy to follow when it matters most and is typically used in corridors, staircases, and exits.
- Open area lighting
Often called anti-panic lighting, this provides general illumination in larger, open spaces where people gather or pass through. Its purpose is to prevent confusion, reduce panic, and help people move calmly towards the nearest escape route.
- High-risk task area lighting
In high-risk places where hazardous work or complex processes take place, such as kitchens, plant rooms, or machinery spaces, this type of lighting ensures tasks can be shut down safely and workers remain protected, even if the power fails.
- Standby lighting
Standby lighting keeps critical equipment visible and operational during a power cut, allowing essential activities to continue until normal supply is restored.
Woodward Group’s team will conduct a full assessment of your premises to ensure all critical areas are covered.
When should emergency lighting be tested?
Emergency lighting is not a “fit and forget” system. Regular testing is essential to confirm it will operate correctly during an emergency. Current recommendations include monthly visual inspections to check units are working and signage is visible, alongside annual comprehensive tests to verify batteries and fittings operate as expected.
Our emergency lighting services include thorough testing and maintenance, with full documentation to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
What are the regulatory requirements for emergency lighting in commercial buildings?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all UK businesses must install emergency lighting in their premises by law. Commercial emergency lighting must comply with BS EN 1838. This sets out escape and standby lighting requirements for businesses in the event of a power failure.
All types of emergency lighting must provide adequate illumination of escape routes and exits and clearly visible exit signage. It must also be regularly inspected and tested. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal liability, fines, and increased risk to staff and other occupants.
Why choose Woodward Group for your emergency lighting needs?
Choosing professional emergency lighting services with Woodward Group means your system is carefully tailored to your building and its unique needs. We use only kitemarked BS/EM3 and CE-approved equipment, with every new unit backed by a 12-month warranty for added assurance. Our dedicated team also takes care of regular testing and maintenance, keeping your system in top condition and fully compliant.
Beyond emergency lighting, we offer a complete suite of Fire Safety solutions, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and suppression systems, making it simple to manage all your requirements in one place.
Above all, Woodward Group takes great pride in working closely with our clients to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions that create safer spaces for staff, customers, and visitors.
Keep your business safe and compliant
For expert emergency lighting services, including installation, testing, and maintenance, get in touch with Woodward Group today. Our team provides tailored solutions to suit any business size or sector.