Under BS 5266-8, emergency lighting systems need:
- Monthly testing (quick functional checks)
- Annual testing (full duration tests with proper records)
- Three-yearly testing (comprehensive system review)
But effective maintenance goes well beyond the minimum legal requirements. Our planned maintenance contracts spot potential problems before they become safety risks. We test how well the batteries are performing, measure light output levels, check circuits are working properly, and make sure everything works together with other safety systems.
We keep detailed records for every client, because if something goes wrong, you’ll need to prove your systems were maintained properly. These records aren’t just paperwork – they’re your legal protection.
The Hidden Costs of “Saving Money” on Maintenance
We get it – maintenance feels like money going out the door, especially when everything seems to be working fine. But not investing in maintenance often costs far more than the maintenance itself.
Here’s a real example from our experience: A manufacturing facility decided to skip their annual testing to save £800. Eighteen months later, there was a power failure during shift changeover that left workers in complete darkness. Three people got hurt during the evacuation, including one serious injury that needed hospital treatment.
The HSE investigation found that six emergency lighting units had dead batteries and two had dodgy circuits. The business ended up with:
- £45,000 in legal costs
- £120,000 in compensation payments
- £15,000 HSE fine
- Two weeks’ production stopped (£200,000 lost revenue)
- Higher insurance premiums for the next five years
Total cost of “saving” £800: roughly £380,000.
The Peace of Mind You Can’t Put a Price On
Beyond legal compliance and financial protection, emergency lighting maintenance gives you something invaluable: peace of mind. As a business owner or facilities manager, you’ve got enough on your plate without worrying whether your emergency lighting will work when you need it most.
When you know your systems are properly maintained, tested and documented, you can get on with running your business. You sleep better knowing that if the worst happens, your people have got the best possible chance of getting out safely.
Why You Need Professional Maintenance
Emergency lighting maintenance isn’t something you can do yourself. Our FIA-trained technicians understand the complexities of modern systems, what the law requires, and the standards that have to be met. We don’t just check that lights come on – we make sure they provide adequate lighting for the required time across all the critical areas.
We also understand how everything needs to work together. Your emergency lighting has to work properly with fire alarm systems, door release mechanisms and building management systems. One small cock-up in system integration can compromise the entire evacuation process.
Don’t Wait for an Emergency
If you’re reading this and realising your emergency lighting maintenance isn’t up to scratch, don’t panic – but don’t hang about either. Every day you put off maintenance is another day you’re taking unnecessary risks.
At 24/7 Fire and Security Protection Ltd, we offer free site surveys to check your current systems and identify any immediate concerns. We can then put together a maintenance programme that keeps you compliant, protected and gives you complete peace of mind.
Emergency lighting maintenance isn’t glamorous, and when systems work properly, nobody gives them a second thought. But when they’re needed, they can mean the difference between everyone getting out safely and a complete disaster. Don’t gamble with people’s lives – get your systems maintained before it’s too late.
Ready to make sure your emergency lighting is properly looked after? Give us a call on 01254 416247 to arrange your free site survey. Because when it comes to emergency lighting, sorting it out beforehand is always better than dealing with the aftermath when things go wrong.
No responses yet