Why Monthly Emergency Lighting Tests Are a Legal Must — and a Lifesaving Habit

James Dwight-Evans
Apr 15
4 min read

When the power goes out, will your emergency lighting step up — or let you down?

In a fire, panic spreads fast. Thick smoke. Total darkness. People scrambling to escape. That’s when your emergency lighting becomes more than a compliance checkbox — it becomes a literal lifeline.

But here’s the catch: emergency lighting only works if it’s regularly tested. And the British Standard isn’t vague about this. According to BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8, monthly testing is a mandatory requirement for all non-domestic premises in the UK.

Failing to carry out and log these simple tests can expose your business to legal penalties, invalid insurance, and worst of all — catastrophic loss of life.

In this article, we’ll explore:

What monthly emergency lighting tests involve
Why they’re critical for safety and legal compliance
What the British Standard and fire regulations demand
How to stay compliant without the hassle

The Role of Emergency Lighting — Why It’s Mission-Critical

When mains power fails during a fire or other emergency, emergency lighting activates to illuminate:

Exit routes and stairwells
Escape signage
High-risk areas and equipment
Firefighting equipment like extinguishers or dry risers

This ensures building occupants can evacuate safely, even in smoke-filled, power-deprived environments. But even the most advanced lighting system is only as reliable as the last time it was tested.

What the Law and British Standards Say About Monthly Testing

The key standards to know are:

BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8 – The Code of Practice for Emergency Escape Lighting
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Requires systems to be maintained in an efficient state

These regulations mandate monthly functional testing of emergency lighting systems. According to the standard:

“A brief functional test shall be carried out monthly to ensure that each emergency lamp illuminates.”

This involves:

Simulating a mains failure
Observing that all emergency lights illuminate
Ensuring lights are free from obstruction or damage
Logging the results in a fire safety logbook

5 Reasons Monthly Emergency Lighting Testing Is Non-Negotiable

1. It’s a Legal Requirement

There’s no room for interpretation — if you’re the “responsible person” for a premises, you are legally obligated to test and maintain emergency lighting. Non-compliance can result in enforcement notices, prosecution, and serious consequences if an incident occurs.

2. Evacuation Depends on Visibility

Imagine trying to escape a burning building in total darkness. Emergency lighting can mean the difference between orderly evacuation and chaos. Monthly tests ensure your system will work when it matters most.

3. Proves Due Diligence and Protects Your Liability

In the event of a fire or investigation, your logbook becomes evidence. A clean, consistent testing record shows you’ve fulfilled your duty of care, which can protect you legally and in insurance claims.

4. Catches Faults Before They Become Failures

Emergency lights are often installed in ceilings or corners, left unchecked for months or years. Monthly tests catch issues like:

Blown bulbs
Battery failures
Wiring faults
Physical obstructions

Early detection is key to system reliability.

5. It’s Quick and Cost-Effective

A monthly test takes just a few minutes and requires no specialist tools. It’s a low-effort, high-impact habit that massively improves your fire safety posture.

Who Should Carry Out the Monthly Test?

Monthly tests can be performed by a competent person — often a trained member of staff. The responsible person (as defined in the Fire Safety Order) must ensure they are trained and the results are recorded in an accessible fire logbook.

For larger or more complex buildings, or if in-house training isn’t practical, outsourcing to a professional fire safety provider like Fitzroy Fire Safety ensures consistency, compliance, and peace of mind.

What Does a Monthly Emergency Lighting Test Involve?

Here’s what should happen during a proper test:

Simulate a mains failure using the system’s test switch.
Verify that all emergency lights illuminate (within 5 seconds).
Check for:
- Flickering or dim lights
- Damaged lenses or enclosures
- Obstructions blocking the light
- Signage visibility
Restore mains power and ensure lights revert to standby.
Log all findings in the emergency lighting section of your fire logbook, including any faults or maintenance requirements.

What Happens If You Don’t Test Monthly?

Ignoring this obligation can lead to severe consequences:

Legal Action: Fire authorities can issue enforcement or prohibition notices for non-compliance.
Insurance Invalidation: Lack of test records can void your commercial insurance in the event of a fire claim.
Increased Risk: Unchecked systems may fail in a real emergency — endangering lives and property.
Reputational Damage: A preventable fire incident can destroy years of business trust.

Fitzroy Fire Safety: Your Partner in Emergency Lighting Compliance

At Fitzroy Fire Safety, we’re more than just a fire safety contractor — we’re your compliance partner. We help ensure your emergency lighting systems are tested, maintained, and documented in full alignment with British Standards.

Our services include: ✅ Monthly & Annual Emergency Lighting Testing✅ Digital and Paper Fire Logbooks✅ Staff Training for In-House Testing✅ Remedial Works & System Upgrades✅ Full Compliance Audits

Whether you're managing an office, retail space, residential block, or industrial site — we tailor our services to keep your business protected and legally covered.

Don’t Wait for the Lights to Go Out

Are you confident your emergency lighting will work when the power fails?

Let’s make sure. Fitzroy Fire Safety offers monthly testing packages that take the pressure off your team and ensure full compliance, complete documentation, and total peace of mind.

📧 Email: Admin@FitzroyFire.co.uk📞 Phone: 07794354838📍 Address: 11 Russell Court, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0LL