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Under the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which
became law on the 1st October 2006, it is now mandatory to undertake
a written Fire Risk Assessment, and to maintain this as a ‘living’
document. i.e. it should be re-assessed at least annually, and
updated in the event of any changes made to the premises which
should be incorporated into the document.
The new Fire Safety Order encompasses and takes the place of all
previous fire safety legislation and all aspects of Fire Safety are
now together under this order and now non compliance is dealt with
under the authority of criminal law.
This piece of legislation requires the ‘Responsible Person’, to
consider all aspects of Fire Safety within their premises and
included in this requirement is the provision of Emergency
Lighting.
What is Emergency Lighting?
Emergency lights are self contained units that are wired into the
mains, but have the benefit of battery backup which enables them to
remain illuminated should the mains power fail. The batteries can
either be carried within the body of the individual light or
accessed by lights via an independent wired circuit. The batteries
are kept charged via the mains.
What Standards should be observed in Emergency Lighting?
These systems should conform to BS 5266, and BS5588
What is a maintained Emergency Lighting?
This type remains illuminated and works normally via the mains,
should the mains fail batteries will keep the unit illuminated for
at least 1 hour – 3hours.
What is a non-maintained Emergency Light?
This type is not ordinarily illuminated, but will automatically
illuminate should mains power fail
Why do I need such lights?
Because in the event of a power fail you must ensure your building
is evacuated safely and quickly and the escape routes and emergency
exits need to be illuminated to achieve this
Do I need to have theses emergency lights maintained?
Yes, a Maintenance Contract is available from us and our Engineer
will make 2 visits annually to check your systems out.
I have seen green signs in buildings pointing towards the
emergency exits, do I need these?
Signage is all part and parcel of such a system whether they are a
type of luminaire or a simple stand alone plastic sign in an area
lit by an emergency light.
I have people on the premises with special needs, do I have to
cater for them Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as
amended in 2004?
yes you must, it is an issue which should be brought to the attention of
our surveyor so that he can advise on alterations necessary, your
Fire Strategy must protect their interests also
the BBC site maybe useful go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3139114.stm
This site may assist and answer some of your questions, alternatively
this subject is widely covered on the Internet and can be accessed
via a Google search.
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