Safety in schools, colleges and universities is paramount, and there’s no doubt that emergency lighting plays a crucial role in protecting students, teachers and visitors.
With the summer holidays upon us, it’s the perfect time for schools to conduct annual emergency lighting tests and address any potential issues without disrupting daily activities.
The Critical Role of Emergency Lighting in Schools
Let’s talk about something we often take for granted – emergency lighting. It’s that silent guardian, ensuring safe evacuation during emergencies. It also helps to guide emergency personnel like paramedics and firefighters to an emergency when every second counts.
Despite a common misconception, schools need emergency lighting even if they primarily operate during the day. Many schools function as community hubs, hosting events and activities outside regular school hours. And let’s not forget the dark mornings and late afternoons during winter months. Hence, having a reliable emergency lighting system is not just a legal tick-box but a vital necessity.
Legal and Safety Standards
Here’s the nitty-gritty. In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates emergency lighting for non-domestic buildings. Specifically, BS 5266-1:2016 outlines the requirements for emergency lighting in various premises, including educational institutions.
According to these standards, emergency lighting must be installed in all key areas such as classrooms, laboratories, toilets, washrooms, storage areas, kitchens and boiler rooms. Ensuring compliance with these standards is crucial for the safety of everyone on the premises.
Why Summer is the Ideal Time for Testing
Think of a school bustling with students and teachers, and suddenly, an emergency lighting test is underway. Yes, chaos. This is why the summer holidays are the ideal time for these crucial checks.
With the halls empty, engineers can work their magic without causing any disruptions. It’s the perfect time to ensure everything is running smoothly (and safely!) for the new academic year.
Addressing Potential Issues Early
Emergency lighting systems are a lot like us – they age and sometimes need a little TLC. Regular testing helps catch issues early, ensuring everything works perfectly in the event of a real emergency.
Enter the battery drainage test, also known as the duration test. This critical check, carried out by a competent engineer, measures how long the emergency lighting batteries will last. The goal? Making sure they meet the manufacturer’s specifications and won’t let you down when it matters most.
Emergency Lighting Solutions for Schools
Now, let’s tackle the real dilemma: What if something goes wrong during the test? Do you replace the entire fitting or just the batteries?
At Performance Lighting, we supply a wide range of emergency lighting solutions to address any problems that may arise when testing. We stock a variety of emergency NiMH and NiCD batteries in different configurations and make expert recommendations regarding all emergency lighting issues and requirements.
Top LED Lighting Fittings for Schools
Ready to talk upgrades? Our Carida 600×600 Backlit panels are ideal for school refits, seamlessly integrating into standard ceiling grids. They come in various sizes and colour temperatures, with emergency and dimming options available.
Our Carida panels are TP(a) rated, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards required for schools. With an impressive output of 120 lumens per watt, they offer exceptional brightness whilst consuming minimal energy. This not only enhances the learning environment but also results in significant cost savings, especially during dark winters.
Discover our top picks to light up classrooms here.
Summer School Refits: Emergency Lighting Tests
The summer holidays are the best time for schools to perform annual emergency lighting tests. By ensuring your emergency lighting system is in top condition, you’re not just complying with regulations – you’re safeguarding lives.
For over five years, we’ve been the go-to partner for manufacturing, repairing and refurbishing LED lighting products across the UK. Our technical sales team is brimming with knowledge and experience, ready to tackle projects of any size. From emergency conversions to large-scale refurbishments, we’re your one-stop shop for all emergency lighting solutions.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we keep schools safe.
