Emergency lighting systems provide illumination during power failures to guide building occupants safely to exits. Installing these systems involves electrical work at height, handling battery packs, and working in occupied buildings where fire escape routes must be maintained. This talk covers the specific hazards of emergency lighting installation and the controls every electrician must follow on site.
Key Hazards
Electric shock from working on live circuits during installation or testing
Falls from ladders or steps when installing luminaires at ceiling height
Battery acid burns from damaged or leaking emergency lighting battery packs
Blocking fire escape routes with tools and materials during installation work
Control Measures
Isolate the lighting circuit and prove dead before connecting any emergency luminaire.
Use podium steps or mobile platforms rather than ladders for overhead installation work.
Handle sealed lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery packs with care to prevent damage and leaks.
Maintain clear fire escape routes at all times — do not obstruct corridors with tools or materials.
Test each luminaire after installation to confirm it operates correctly on both mains and battery.
Ensure cable routes and fixings comply with fire-rated requirements for escape route protection.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling battery packs to protect against acid contact.
Coordinate with the building manager before starting work in occupied areas to maintain safety.
Record all installed luminaire locations, battery types, and test results in the commissioning log.
Remember
Isolate the circuit and prove dead before connecting any emergency lighting luminaire
Use podium steps or mobile platforms instead of ladders for all overhead installation tasks
Handle battery packs carefully and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against acid leaks
Fire escape routes must remain clear and unobstructed at all times during installation work
Test each luminaire on both mains and battery supply after installation to confirm operation
Record all luminaire locations, battery types, and test results in the commissioning log
Applicable Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 · BS 5266-1 (Emergency Lighting) · Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · Work at Height Regulations 2005