National safety codes all over the world refer to standards that require emergency escape lightings and illuminated exit signs to be tested routinely to ensure that they remain fully operational at all times. These tests include:
a. Function Test carried out monthly
This involves disrupting normal power supply and checking that the backup battery is able to power the lights ON. All emergency lights provide a means to do this manually either by a test button located on the light fitting or a test switch that is located conveniently in the occupied area close to the installed light.
b. Duration Test carried out annually
This involves disrupting normal power supply for the rated duration and checking that the backup batteries continuously power the lights ON for the full duration.
c. Visual Inspection
All emergency escape lights and illuminated exit signs must be regularly inspected visually to ensure that the surface is clean and the light level remains above the acceptable level. The signs are also inspected to ensure that they continue to be correct (pointing towards the correct direction), especially when the space configuration changes.
Record Keeping
The owner or occupier of the premises is responsible for conducting the test and to keep a record of the results as well as details of any defects and remedial action taken.
Automatic Testing System
These standards also allow for the above test to be conducted automatically.
Visual inspection continues to be conducted manually but the more labour intensive testing are the function and duration tests.
Singapore Fire Code
In Singapore, the Singapore Fire Code and the accompanying Singapore Fire Safety Engineering Guidelines (under the heading “Maintenance Plan”) spells out the need to establish testing and inspection plans in accordance with the minimum requirements of the relevant codes of practice which include SS 563.
SS 563 Part 2 prescribes the tests above.
Similar requirements are mandated in various jurisdictions throughout the world like the US, the EU, Australia and New Zealand.
b. Duration Test carried out annually
This involves disrupting normal power supply for the rated duration and checking that the backup batteries continuously power the lights ON for the full duration.
c. Visual Inspection
All emergency escape lights and illuminated exit signs must be regularly inspected visually to ensure that the surface is clean and the light level remains above the acceptable level. The signs are also inspected to ensure that they continue to be correct (pointing towards the correct direction), especially when the space configuration changes.
Record Keeping
The owner or occupier of the premises is responsible for conducting the test and to keep a record of the results as well as details of any defects and remedial action taken.
Automatic Testing System
These standards also allow for the above test to be conducted automatically.
Visual inspection continues to be conducted manually but the more labour intensive testing are the function and duration tests.
Singapore Fire Code
In Singapore, the Singapore Fire Code and the accompanying Singapore Fire Safety Engineering Guidelines (under the heading “Maintenance Plan”) spells out the need to establish testing and inspection plans in accordance with the minimum requirements of the relevant codes of practice which include SS 563.
SS 563 Part 2 prescribes the tests above.
Similar requirements are mandated in various jurisdictions throughout the world like the US, the EU, Australia and New Zealand.