All of us have probably experienced emergency lighting at least once in our life, either while leaving a building in case of a real emergency or during a regular fire exit exercises we took part in.

Just have a look around you: emergency lighting is present in all types of buildings, from hospitals to schools, hotels, offices or residential buildings and is on when the electric supply to the normal lighting fails. Emergency lighting provides illumination and guidance for occupants to safely exit a building in the case of an incident, such as a fire.

Therefore, emergency lighting is of critical importance, but did you know that:

  • Emergency lighting is mandatory

Emergency lighting is a European legal requirement, which means that it has to be installed, it has to work and needs to be tested and maintained. National laws may also emphasize specific applications and/or performances. All emergency lighting products must be CE marked and comply with relevant product requirements.

  • Emergency lighting needs continuous assessment

Emergency lighting needs continuous assessment throughout its life to ensure it is fit for purpose. It is important to note that changes to a building layout or use may mean that the emergency lighting is no longer correct or adequate and needs reconfiguration or reconsideration. Therefore, the emergency lighting should be regularly assessed to ensure it is correct and provides a safe environment in the event of an emergency.

  • Emergency lighting should be maintained

Business owners and/or tenants are legally obliged to test their emergency lighting regularly to ensure their systems function as intended. Business owners and/or tenants will be liable in the event emergency lighting systems fail to operate. A short functional test ensures that the luminaire operates correctly. Requirements can even be stricter in some European countries depending on local regulations.
Want to know more about Emergency lighting? https://www.valueoflighting.eu/images/14b_LE_Emergency%20exit_Infog.pdf
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Lighting Association Ireland are members of Lighting Europe. 

The Irish representatives to lighting Europe are Gearoid Mc Kenna and Gay Byrne.