Emergency lighting is foundational as a safety feature within the workplace. It is an essential element in helping people during power outages. By design, its function is to provide illumination when conventional electricity has been cut off and assist employees and customers in safely evacuating the premises.
In this post, we’re going to focus on
· The basics of emergency lighting
· The benefits/advantages of emergency lighting and,
· The key features to look out for.
We’ll also touch on the necessity of routine maintenance and regular testing.
Emergency Lighting Benefits
Advantage #1 Guides people out of a dark building
The main advantage of emergency lighting in the workplace is to help prevent injuries and accidents during an emergency situation.
Events such as natural disasters, fires, and intentional sabotage can result in conventional lighting systems failing, leaving customers and employees stranded in the dark.
As a reactive feature, emergency lighting will become the guide, a source of light, steering people towards an emergency exit and safely out of the building.
Advantage #2 Reduces stress and panic during emergencies
A sudden loss of power can leave many people disoriented, feeling stressed and panicked. Emergency lighting can help assuage some of those feelings.
Because of its ergonomic design, the lighting is bright and easy to follow. This makes it extremely simple for people to navigate around the building and find their way to safety.
Such lighting has been known to calm down people and keep them focused on getting out of the building.
Key Emergency Lighting Features
Type of source light
The type of light source you select is vital. The most common emergency lighting in use is LED. That’s because it’s long-lasting, energy-efficient, and gives off a bright, clear illumination.
Battery backup
Emergency lighting must operate independently from your main power source. This might mean having an off-grid solution. In addition, the lighting must be backed up by a secondary battery.
Automatic sensors
There must be no need for external switching on of the lighting. It should automatically turn on when the main power is lost. Finding the right emergency lighting doesn’t have to be complex. Your local fire expert or fire department can make recommendations on the most suitable systems.
Easy-to-read status indicators
During the routine monthly inspections of your fire safety equipment, you must be able to clearly check on the status of your emergency lighting. This task is best fulfilled when there is an easy-to-read status indicator.
How to Care for Your Emergency Lighting
Here’s what you can do to keep your emergency lighting in tip-top shape.
Regular testing and maintenance
Routine testing alongside maintenance is a surefire way to verify that your workplace emergency lighting is working as it should be.
During such checks, technicians can quickly identify issues that need to be fixed before an emergency occurs. You want the system to be always ready to use when needed.
Regular maintenance is also encouraged as it can serve to extend the life of your emergency lighting system.
Emergency Lighting FAQ
Here’s an FAQ to answer some questions about emergency lighting.
Q: How often should I test my emergency lighting?
A: The recommended guideline is testing your emergency lighting systems at least once a month. This should ideally be conducted after any repairs and maintenance work has been done. Once a year, it’s pivotal that a certified professional also looks over the entire system to ensure it’s still in compliance with local provincial fire safety codes and regulations.
Q: What happens if my emergency lighting systems fail during an emergency?
A: If this ever happens the results can be catastrophic. Confusion and panic may make it hard for people inside the building to get out. This is the reason regular testing and maintenance are so critical.
Q: Is it possible to integrate my fire alarm systems with emergency lighting?
A: Yes, it is. In fact, the integration of the two fire safety elements means if the fire alarm is triggered the emergency lights will automatically turn on. This activation is an extra layer of safety and property managers should think seriously about merging these two. Your local fire expert can connect the two systems.
Q: Can renewable energy sources power my emergency lighting system?
A: Yes, in today’s green-conscious world this is a suggestion that’s being highly encouraged. Solar and wind are excellent energy sources and should be fully optimized wherever possible. Relying on such eco-friendly sources of energy helps to mitigate the property’s environmental impact while also providing an extra layer of reliability should the main power ever be cut off unexpectedly.
Q: Is there an emergency lighting regulation in Ontario?
A: Yes, provincial fire safety codes exist which regulate emergency lighting. The codes stipulate who should install and maintain emergency lighting in buildings, the frequency of maintenance, and the rules your system must comply with.
Final Thoughts
Every place of business must be equipped with emergency lighting. This system is an essential safety feature for any workplace, furnishing it with illumination and allowing people to safely navigate their way out of the building during an emergency.
When looking for a system, businesses should consider the benefits of having emergency lighting, the system’s features, and the necessity of regular testing and maintenance.
The presence of proper emergency lighting means a business can help reduce the risk for employees and customers if there should ever be a power outage or another emergency.
Where to Find Technical Assistance in Hamilton
Business owners and property managers in Hamilton, Ontario can reach out to our team here at Nutech Fire Prevention. We have the expertise and experience to make suitable emergency lighting recommendations for your building.
That’s not all we do however, as we also offer a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, fire safety plans, sprinkler systems, and gas detection services.
Request a free quote today.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
· How to Plan a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Business
· How to Quickly Stop a Fire in the Workplace
· Fire Safety Training Courses for Canada Businesses
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