Safety is always a priority for commercial property management. During a power outage, stairwells become risky, and corridors go dark. How will you manage this critical moment? An emergency light can be the best solution for this scenario.
But, to ensure a properly functioning lighting system, you need to conduct an annual duration test. This inspection ensures that the light will work consistently to keep occupants safe. Let us discuss the importance of the yearly test for your emergency light.
What is an emergency lighting system?
Every commercial building needs a safety system, such as emergency lights. It provides illumination when the power supply is available. Without light, the risk of injury increases in your building. For this reason, you must test the system regularly.
Proper lighting will allow you to meet safety standards for your employees. It also prevents customers from fumbling in a dark space.
You need to conduct different tests to assess the emergency lights in your commercial building. For instance, a duration test is essential when the batteries of the lights are fully drained. The test confirms that the emergency system will work during the power cut.
In contrast, a flick test needs to be performed by turning off the building’s power temporarily. Based on the inspection report, the experts will repair your emergency lights.
Average lifespan of an emergency light
Batteries of emergency lights last for around 5 years, but the exact lifespan varies with-
- Environmental factors
- Usage
Regular tests allow you to detect performance issues. Before buying the lights, you must check the battery response times and voltage levels.
Benefits of conducting an annual duration test
An annual assessment of emergency lights in your commercial building will benefit you in different ways.
Promote safety
Safety is the most significant reason to maintain the emergency lights. Routine inspection ensures that these safety systems will work flawlessly during an emergency. People will feel safe when your commercial house experiences a power outage.
A cost-saving solution
Some commercial property owners think that it is costly to maintain the emergency lights. However, regular tests help them avoid the cost of repair. Without upkeep, you may need to replace faulty equipment shortly. Besides, there is a risk of paying out compensation for an injury-related incident. Preventive steps will save you from costly issues.
Comply with regulations
Your business needs to consider an annual emergency lighting test to comply with local regulations. A commercial property owner may need to pay a hefty fine in case it has not maintained safety standards. Thus, to stay compliant, you must hire professionals and inspect your safety lights.
Be eligible for insurance
Most insurers want you to show proof of emergency lighting upkeep. To claim fire-related damages, you must test your lights regularly. Without proper documents, your claims will get denied. So, every commercial property owner should inspect their emergency lights every year.
What does the yearly duration test involve?
Annual emergency lighting test is a full-duration or full-discharge test that involves different steps-
- Full-duration simulation- Turn off the main power and leave the lights on for 3 hours. It is intended to check that batteries will sustain your lighting system.
- Full inspection- An expert will check luminaries to find corrosion and dirt.
- Performance inspection- The emergency lights for your commercial property need to maintain their brightness levels. The experts will check the brightness when testing the lights.
- Charging and battery check- Your technician will verify that batteries of your emergency lights hold a significant charge. The test needs to be conducted after a 24-hour recharge.
- Documentation- Identify the faults and record the test’s results.
Set an automated reminder for the re-test in the future years.
What needs to be documented during the inspection?
Documentation after every yearly duration test should include-
- The technician’s name
- The date of the test
- Duration
- Fixture location
- Results
- Corrective measures
More tips for duration testing of an emergency light
- Light units installed in a dirty environment need more frequent inspection and cleaning. But, for an office, you may conduct an annual test.
- It is safe to carry out the test after your business hours.
- In case of an occupied building, conduct the test in phases to reduce disruption.
Conclusion
The yearly duration test for your emergency lights ensures the safety of your employees and other occupants during a power outage. Thorough inspection will keep your safety system comply with regulations. The commercial space will be illuminated during an emergency. The functional check will reduce liability risks for commercial property owners.