HMO - Emergency Lighting Requirements

[Barx]

As per title really,

what are the requirments for emergency lighting in small - medium HMO's. In particular The testing of...

I'm no specialist in this subject but my thoughts are requirment for 3 hr battery running as they are building where people are expected to sleep; Located on exit route with direction sign at change of level / Direction and exits to outdoors.

As for testing...... No idea LOL

At a guess, a monthly test to see if lighting activates under test conditions and charge lights reactivate when power restored. Annual test...... Full 3 hr ???

Also, is it a mandatory requirement for test switch?

p.s talking existing installations here.

Thanks

 

[kerching]

I would agree with the addition of emergency lighting on outside of building along route to safety

also all,EMs to be on local lighting circuits.....replacement lamp and battery details,readily visible

BUT it's a while since I did any so probably all, changed now what with Brexit and all that kerfuffle

 

[kieronious]

Yes 3 hour duration for sleeping accommodation, all escape routes would require em lighting and exit signs indicating direction of escape. Externally need to be in the vicinity of the exits (Usually directly above the door) 

Also consider location of any firefighting equipment and fire alarm call points as they require to be illuminated by emergency lighting, also the main fire alarm panel if there is one. 

With regards to testing, the responsible person should be carrying out monthly functional tests and full duration tests annually (during low risk times). For test key switches, this is open to interpretation, British standard require that testing should "simulate" a failure in supply. Most commonly a key switch is best way to "simulate" but some people may interpret this by isolating the circuit via the mcb. 

Hope the above is of some help!