Emergency lighting fixtures are an essential part of workplace safety. In the event of a power outage or emergency situation, these fixtures provide illumination to help employees safely navigate their way out of the building. In addition to being a critical component of an organization’s overall safety plan, various building codes and regulations also mandate emergency lighting systems to ensure compliance. In this article, we will delve into the importance of emergency lighting fixtures, explore the different types available, and discuss the maintenance requirements necessary to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.
Importance of Emergency Lighting Fixtures
Emergency lighting fixtures are a crucial component of any building’s emergency exit plan. They provide a clear path to exit doors and help prevent panic during emergency situations. Without proper lighting, people may be unable to find their way out of a building, which can result in injury or loss of life. In the event of a power failure or other unexpected incidents, these fixtures ensure that personnel can safely navigate through the workspace and evacuate the building promptly. Therefore, it is crucial to install emergency lighting fixtures in all commercial and industrial buildings, including those housing complex machinery and power transmission systems.
Types of Emergency Lighting Fixtures
There are two main types of emergency lighting fixtures: emergency exit lights and emergency lighting fixtures.
- Emergency Exit Lights: These are typically installed above exit doors and provide a clear indication of the path to take to exit the building. They are usually battery-powered and are designed to illuminate for a minimum of 90 minutes.
- Emergency Lighting Fixtures: These are installed throughout a building and provide additional lighting in case of a power outage. They can be battery-powered or connected to a generator and are designed to provide illumination for an extended period.
Maintenance Requirements
Like any other safety equipment, emergency lighting fixtures require regular maintenance to ensure their proper functioning. Life Safety Code requires that emergency lighting fixtures be tested monthly to ensure that they are in proper working order. This includes checking the battery and electrical connections, verifying that the light source is functioning correctly, and ensuring that the illumination level is appropriate.
Additionally, emergency lighting fixtures must undergo an annual inspection by a qualified technician. The technician will perform a detailed inspection of the fixtures, including checking for any damage or corrosion, verifying the battery backup is operational, and confirming that the illumination level meets current codes and regulations.
The Final Note
Emergency lighting fixtures are a vital component of workplace safety. Therefore, it is essential to install and maintain emergency lighting fixtures in all commercial and industrial buildings to comply with local building codes and safety regulations. If you are unsure about the type of emergency lighting fixtures that are right for your building or need help maintaining your existing fixtures, contact Lone Star Fire and First Aid. Their team of experts can help you ensure that your emergency lighting fixtures are in good working order. For detailed information, visit their website- Lonestarfirefa.com.