Document issues and observations during lighting system tests using these mobile emergency light testing sheets.
An emergency lighting and exit sign inspection checklist is used to ensure emergency lights are in good working condition. This template can be used by maintenance teams to document and report any defects identified. The template has been built to guide the inspector to perform the following:
Emergency light testing assesses a building’s emergency lighting system if they work properly and comply with local and national safety standards. This testing happens on a regular basis to ensure the lighting system functions as intended—that is, to provide illumination during power outages and emergencies.
Emergency lighting is often overlooked when considering building occupant safety. In the event of power outages, darkness, disasters, or emergencies such as earthquakes or fires, these lighting and exit signs are crucial because they help occupants navigate safely, remain calm, and evacuate quickly.
Over time, these emergency lighting systems can become less effective due to dirt, dust, wear and tear, and other factors. And when this happens, they may fail to function properly. Thus, to keep emergency lights in optimal condition, they must be tested regularly.
Emergency light testing is key to maintaining the performance of emergency and exit lights. This test helps identify any defect or malfunction in lighting systems so that building operators can address them before they become a problem. Consequently, this can help occupants safely exit the building when needed.
Not only does this test help avert safety risks to occupants, but it also allows establishments to comply with local and national regulations. For example, emergency escape lighting is a legal requirement for all buildings in the UK and part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it is ideal that emergency light testing is done once every 30 days. To do this, press a small “push to test” button that should light up the signs for 30 seconds while maintaining the same level of brightness. A thorough emergency lights inspection should also be performed annually to confirm that the lights would stay on for at least 90 minutes as necessary.
Emergency lighting should be tested and reviewed by qualified technicians who have an extensive understanding of UK emergency lighting regulations. In addition, a typical emergency light testing procedure is conducted as follows:
Part of keeping emergency lighting systems functional involves regular tests and inspections. All detected failures must be remediated as soon as possible, and all results recorded. To speed up the process, technicians and maintenance inspectors use emergency lighting checklists, log books, and test sheets.
These recordkeeping tools must capture the following information:
Here’s an example of an emergency light testing report for your reference:
Aside from using checklists and test sheets, here are 5 tips to maximize your emergency light testing activities:
Emergency light testing typically falls under the responsibility of building operators and safety officers, but any “competent” person can carry out this task. This person will run daily, monthly, and annual checks to ensure that the building’s emergency light is functioning as intended.
The frequency of emergency light tests will depend on the lighting system you have in place. As a general rule, it’s best to perform daily and monthly checks to see if the lights are working as intended. Moreover, a full-rated duration lighting test on an annual basis can also help ensure that your emergency lighting system is in good condition.
The duration of annual full-rated tests typically ranges from 90 minutes ( in the US ) to 3 hours ( in the UK ) to determine the capacity of batteries to their fullest extent. Meanwhile, monthly emergency light testings usually last for at least 30 seconds, depending on the lighting system in place.
Paper-based emergency lighting log books are difficult to maintain and time-consuming to complete. Paper logs can be easily damaged and misplaced, which makes it difficult for technicians to track and locate specific entries. Also, the inability to easily capture and store photos makes identifying repair work challenging.
SafetyCulture, the world’s #1 mobile inspection app, can transform paper-based emergency lighting test sheets and logbooks into powerful digital mobile templates. Through the following functionalities, the app can help you save hours on recordkeeping and other tasks:
To save you time, we have created these two featured emergency lighting templates you can download for free and use with the SafetyCulture mobile app.
An emergency lighting log and test sheet template is used to document all test results during inspections. Perform the following steps when completing the form:
This digital emergency lighting log book allows technicians to log as many emergency lighting tests as needed and describe the actions completed during the emergency lighting inspection. Technicians can include photos to better describe actions completed or issues found. Also, the signature field is time and date stamped to track activity.
Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her years of experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.
An emergency lighting log and test sheet template is used to document all test results during inspections. Perform the following steps when completing the form: Identify the device to be evaluated Record the type of test to be performed Evaluate the physical condition of the equipment Take photo evidence of defects and damages found Identify load test result and refer failed tests to the appropriate persons Validate records of inspection with a digital signature and timestamp
This digital emergency lighting log book allows technicians to log as many emergency lighting tests as needed and describe the actions completed during the emergency lighting inspection. Technicians can include photos to better describe actions completed or issues found. Also, the signature field is time and date stamped to track activity.
