Emergency Lights and Emergency Lighting Service

Introduction to Emergency Lighting Service

Local, State and National Codes, along with insurance company requirements, dictate that all commercial, industrial, institutional and certain multifamily residential facilities have appropriate means of egress marked with readily visible signs installed and properly maintained. In certain cases, emergency lighting of the means of egress must also be provided. Additionally, a facility owner is required to inspect the fixtures monthly, arrange for annual test and maintenance and have equipment maintenance records available. Fireline can accomplish all these requirements for a facility owner under the Fireline Total Compliance Program.

Requirements

A variety of National, State and Local Codes may apply, depending on type of facility, occupancy, and hazard classification. The following serve as the basis for detailing minimum requirement:

• National Fire Protection Association publication NFPA 101-Life Safety Code (2000 Edition) Sections 7.8 and 7.9
• National Fire Protection Association publication NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (1999 Edition)
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.35-1910.38

Provide Appropriate Equipment

Fireline can assist the facility owner in analyzing the various requirements within a facility and selecting the appropriate types, sizes, and locations of the exit and emergency light fixtures. The requirements will vary by type of facility, classification of occupancy, and means of egress.

Inspect Fixtures Monthly

A facility owner is required to insure an inspection is conducted at least monthly of all exit and emergency lights and a 30-second functional test be conducted on all battery powered fixtures. If deficiencies are noted, immediate corrective action must be taken. Personnel making inspections must keep records of all units inspected, including those found to require corrective action. Fireline can accomplish the monthly inspection and/or corrective actions for a facility owner.

The inspection must include at least the following:

• Test the integrity of the lamp and battery through test button for 30 seconds
• Check each light for physical damage
• Align beams and tighten if necessary
• Check AC and charge lamps if applicable
• Replace burnt out bulbs

Annual Maintenance

All battery powered exit and emergency lights must be maintained at least annually per code requirements plus the manufacture’s directions, and includes a full function test on every battery powered exit and emergency lighting system. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test. Steps include, but are not limited to:

• 90 Minute full function test
• Disconnect AC power supply to each unit
• Check battery and lens for sulfation/corrosion
• Clean unit and lens
• Adjust beam for proper alignment
• Check charging system voltage
• Check battery voltage output
• Troubleshooting/ repair may include, but is not limited to checking charging system voltage and adjusting to correct level, checking battery output voltage and checking line voltage to remote fixtures

Recordkeeping

Codes require that written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Fireline will maintain a computer-based survey of all exit and emergency lights in a facility, type of fixture, battery type, and location in facility, and maintenance dates. An inspection label will also be placed on the unit by Fireline to document the annual test and maintenance. Copies of work orders will be maintained.

Removal And Disposition Of Old Batteries

Fireline will remove all discarded batteries from the work site. They will be disposed of in an appropriate manner, in keeping with laws and regulations dealing with rechargeable batteries.

Fireline Guarantee

Fireline guarantees that all service work performed on exit and emergency lights will be as specified or we will do the work over at no charge. All work will meet NFPA/OSHA standards.