Regulations/Law on fire exit/escape route lighting.....

[Markiexxxx]

Hello,

I am trying to find out the requirements/regulations/law which apply to residential multi-storey (3) fire exit/escape lighting.

Can anyone tell me where I can find out about the relevant rules or tell me what the requirements would be for following premises;
3 storey block of flats; ground, 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor.
24 flats with external balcony walkways and separate entrances.
Constructed most likely 70's.
1 lift and 1 staircase.

Thanks

Mark

 

[westward10]

You will find it in BS5266.

 

[loz2754]

There are several guides available such as the electrician's guide to emergency lighting.
But as Westward10 says, the definitive answer is the British Standard.

 

[mydigitalhome]

Hi Mark, Cheapest option is to get a set of drawings, photos and send them to a lighting company to price up as a project. Fire officer can also be useful. Remember you have to provide safe passage away from the building too not just inside. Buying the regs is also worthwhile especially if you plan to install this. You also need to consider doing a risk assessment. Good luck

 

[Mike Johnson]

In the first instance you must carry out a Hazard Analysis if after this has been done a residue risk remains then a Risk Assessment will be required together with a Method Statement of how the risk will be managed.

With a block of flats you may have to consider safe zones within the building where refuge can be sort to await rescue.

 

[loz2754]

I would recommend commissioning a Fire Risk Assessment. There are companies that specialise in this. They will produce a detailed assessment of everything that will be needed.

 

[Lister1987]

You could buy the standard but unless you know how to put in to practice what it is advising then you're screwed. Get a profession company in that specialise in this area.

ETA: Are you a tenant in said building and having issues with the building owner(s) not maintaining standards of fire safety? If so then the first port of call for you would be local authority licensing department alongside thier SHE/EH department. If the building is not being maintained adequately to ensure safety then there's a high chase they're breaking their license conditions.

 

[Vortigern]

A fire risk assessment is a very complicated thing and certainly not within your skillset. As stated above you need the input of someone who is BAFE qualified to do this for you. There is no simple answer to this. Your local building control will likely specify the grade of fire alarms and emergency lighting specifications but again you would have to have people who are adequately qualified to design install.

 

[Markiexxxx]

Thank you all for your replies.

My mum is the tenant and I feel the landlord (Housing ---) is being negligent with resident safety and want to take it further.

In late Nov20 there was a lighting failure with the staircase lighting not working except for 1 unit at the top, the 3rd floor balcony was in pitch dark and 2nd floor balcony half lights not working.

The block is old & the lights are old simple mains powered square CFL units.

Can I also ask;
1. When the current landlord took over in 2006 should they have done survey/risk assessment? And did they have any duty to update the fire exit route lights to modern/new standards?
2. Has the landlord contravened regs by knowingly leaving the fire exit route & balconies in darkness for 3 weeks? (was reported as emergency repair - no action apart from caretaker apology note on wall)

I will lookup the depts you mentioned in her council. (Islington)

Thank you for your help ?

 

[bj the dj]

i think the best way forward with this is to talk to local fire service , i am sure they would send somebody to have a look and get the lighting ect sorted out

 

[Strima]

The LL should have carried out a fire risk assessment, this should be reviewed every so often, I'm not sure if a timeframe has been imposed on this.

I would contact the local council and seek their advice, hopefully this will be enough to get a decent response from the LL.

 

[Markiexxxx]

Thanks for all your help - I'll do that and fingers crossed ?