Why this log matters
The responsible person must keep fire safety equipment, including emergency lighting, in efficient working order (Fire Safety Order, Article 17). Home Office guidance says all emergency escape lighting should be regularly tested and properly maintained, and that it is good practice to keep a record of tests. This page follows the guidance for England; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety law.
The tests
| Test | How often | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Visual check of central controls | Daily (central battery systems) | Check the panel shows the system is healthy |
| Function test | Monthly | Operate the test switch so fittings run on battery; check each one lights |
| Full discharge test | Annually | Run fittings on battery for their full rated duration |
British Standard BS 5266-1 recommends this testing regime, and BS 5266-8 covers record keeping. Keep the monthly test short, just long enough to see every fitting light. The annual test is usually done by a competent person, such as an electrician or fire safety contractor.
Plan the annual test
After a full discharge test, batteries typically take 24 hours to recharge. The guidance says premises should not be re-occupied until the system is fully working again, unless other arrangements have been made. Plan it for the end of the day or before a closed day.
What to do if a fitting fails
- Note which fitting failed and how: did not light, dim, or went out early on the annual test.
- Arrange a repair, usually a new lamp, battery or fitting.
- Until it is fixed, consider whether that escape route needs extra measures, as set out in your fire risk assessment.
- Retest the fitting after repair and record the result.
In LogBooks Hub, staff can add a photo of each failed fitting, and the faults show up in your audit pack until they are signed off as fixed.
