UK Emergency lighting regs

[djm0057]

Regarding emergency lighting, does a fire exit door require an emergency light above it or can you use a sticker that illuminates?

 

[bennie]

This is not necessarily correct. The scale of building and footfall may permit a single means of escape.

In general there should normally be at least 2 escape routes but in certain circumstances one is acceptable. One example is if a part of the building only accomadates up to 60 people, there are other points to look at but the fire officer would be able to give more advice. If you are on the first floor or above you would expect two or more and each would be independent from each other.

 

[westward10]

In general there should normally be at least 2 escape routes but in certain circumstances one is acceptable. One example is if a part of the building only accomadates up to 60 people, there are other points to look at but the fire officer would be able to give more advice. If you are on the first floor or above you would expect two or more and each would be independent from each other.

You stated there must be two means of escape, this is not correct. I am well aware of building requirements.

 

[bennie]

You stated there must be two means of escape, this is not correct. I am well aware of building requirements.

I said in general and that there are circumstances where one is acceptable. I even gave a reason where one is accepted

 

[westward10]

I said in general and that there are circumstances where one is acceptable. I even gave a reason where one is accepted

See #27.

 

[bennie]

Yes. Wrong choice of wording. But i would in general like to see two escape routes and if there isn't I look at the one and make sure it complies.

 

[djm0057]

Yes. Wrong choice of wording. But i would in general like to see two escape routes and if there isn't I look at the one and make sure it complies.

Just to inform everyone, you are all wrong according to my line manager who has absolutely zero electrical/emergency lighting experience. Oh to be as clever as him

 

[Boristheengine]

Sounds to me like several things may be being confused:

Fire exit door - a means to escape the building when there is a fire. Needs appropriate signage, lighting and door handles to help people exit in a hurry. I would have thought the rules don't care if the door is open or not when there is no fire.

Fire door - a door that needs to resist the spread of fire. Often between fire compartments in a building. These need to be closed when there is a fire to do their job. Various ways are used if making sure they are closed in a fire are used like signs saying "keep shut", springs that close the doors, automatic closing doors etc


It sounds to me like the problem may be that it is a fire door and that the way they are ensuring it is closed in a fire is by keeping it locked shut. Are there springs/door closers on the door so that it closes automatically when you do open it?

 

[mainline]

Whether it be a Fire door, Disabled access, Fire Escape or just a door, it's easily opened in an emergency.

The manager may have other reasons for not wanting the door open, such as security, or maybe It's just to stop the mess that's been left there.

 

[littlespark]

I think the confusion is that whether the door is an emergency exit or not, the issue is that the staff would like the door open for fresh air, the manager says no, and is giving the excuse that it’s a fire door and must remain closed…. And to clarify his position, he’s padlocking it shut.

I asked earlier whether there was adequate ventilation…. If not, it’s an HSE issue.


My 17yo daughter is working at a factory for summer and I just found out there’s only 2 toilets… (1 unisex, 1 disabled) for over 50 staff…. So I might be reading up on HSE more than I should recently.

 

[snowhead]

My 17yo daughter is working at a factory for summer and I just found out there’s only 2 toilets… (1 unisex, 1 disabled) for over 50 staff…. So I might be reading up on HSE more than I should recently.

Have the right toilets and washing facilities - HSE

Employers must provide adequate toilets and wash facilities for those expected to use them. You must always consider the needs of those with disabilities.

www.hse.gov.uk

 

[djm0057]

Sounds to me like several things may be being confused:

Fire exit door - a means to escape the building when there is a fire. Needs appropriate signage, lighting and door handles to help people exit in a hurry. I would have thought the rules don't care if the door is open or not when there is no fire.

Fire door - a door that needs to resist the spread of fire. Often between fire compartments in a building. These need to be closed when there is a fire to do their job. Various ways are used if making sure they are closed in a fire are used like signs saying "keep shut", springs that close the doors, automatic closing doors etc


It sounds to me like the problem may be that it is a fire door and that the way they are ensuring it is closed in a fire is by keeping it locked shut. Are there springs/door closers on the door so that it closes automatically when you do open it?

Nope, no springs on the door. Also it's a disabled access door.

 

[mainline]

Nope, no springs on the door. Also it's a disabled access door.

Is it marked up Disabled access.

 

[djm0057]

Is it marked up Disabled access.

Is it marked up Disabled access.

Not yet. But it's the only way in and out at our level for a disabled person. Our CEO was in our room a few months ago and said something will have to be done about it.

 

[westward10]

Is there a refuge for disabled people in the event of an emergency.

 

[djm0057]

Is there a refuge for disabled people in the event of an emergency.

Your having a laugh. Course not

 

[oscar21]

What are peoples thoughts on keeping the main lighting on when doing an EM test. I always try to wire them so the main lighting stays on but you can still carry out the emergency lighting 3hr test. but I have a problem when they are combined fittings, you cant tell whether they are running on emergency or standard power.

 

[suffolkspark]

What are peoples thoughts on keeping the main lighting on when doing an EM test. I always try to wire them so the main lighting stays on but you can still carry out the emergency lighting 3hr test. but I have a problem when they are combined fittings, you cant tell whether they are running on emergency or standard power.

Is the charge indication led not visible?

 

[Flanders]

What are peoples thoughts on keeping the main lighting on when doing an EM test. I always try to wire them so the main lighting stays on but you can still carry out the emergency lighting 3hr test. but I have a problem when they are combined fittings, you cant tell whether they are running on emergency or standard power.

Agree the mains lights should stay on durring test mode except the combined ones of course. As suffolksparks says. The LED indicator will not be illuminated in test mode . And label the el fitting to avoid any confusion

 

[davesparks]

What are peoples thoughts on keeping the main lighting on when doing an EM test. I always try to wire them so the main lighting stays on but you can still carry out the emergency lighting 3hr test.

You should always wire them this way as that is a requirement of the emergency lighting regulations.

but I have a problem when they are combined fittings, you cant tell whether they are running on emergency or standard power.

Switch the normal lighting off for a few seconds and you will see which are working in emergnecy mode.