Safety lighting ensures that people can find their way around the building and leave it safely in the event of a fire, despite an interruption in the power supply. Emergency and escape route lighting must function perfectly at all times. For this reason, the installation, testing and maintenance of safety lighting is subject to numerous legal regulations and standards.
Responsibility for emergency lighting in an emergency lies with the operator of the control system or the employer in accordance with the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and the Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance.
Safety lighting: Testing is a must
The testing of safety lighting in workplaces is defined in § 4 of the ArbStättV and requires a regular check of the functionality. The safety lighting must be inspected by an expert before it is put into operation. In accordance with the applicable standards and technical inspection regulations, the expert checks whether all components and parts are functioning properly. During operation, the safety lighting system must be checked at regular intervals.
The operator or employer is responsible for the regular inspections. This task is derived from the ArbStättV and the technical rules for workplaces ASR A. 3.4/3 and ASR A1.3. The test intervals for the maintenance of safety lighting are also specified. However, the intervals vary from daily to annually depending on the risk assessment, manufacturer specifications and components.
Safety lighting testing
The inspection intervals for safety lighting systems vary widely.
Emergency lighting must be checked as follows:
Daily:
Visual inspection of the power supply system indicators
Weekly:
Function test of all connected lights (incl. emergency power)
Monthly:
Maintenance of the monitoring device of the central battery system
Annual:
Maintenance of the luminaires over the complete required operating time as well as the charging device
Every 3 years:
Expert inspection of the entire safety system
Qualified inspection of the safety lighting
The inspection and maintenance of the safety lighting must be handed over by the operator or employer to a competent person.
According to VDE, this should be a specialist for safety power supply systems for testing the power supply system as well as a competent person for testing the emergency lighting according to § 14 of the BetrSichV (Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health) and TRBS 1203 (Technical Rules for Industrial Safety and Health).
Do you need assistance with testing your safety lighting?
The fire protection experts at CWS will be happy to take care of the necessary tests. With a maintenance contract, we automatically take care of the maintenance of your safety lighting for you. Get in touch now.
Expert inspection of safety lighting according to VDE 0108
In addition to the maintenance of the safety lighting, an expert inspection of the safety system in accordance with VDE 0108 and DIN 50172 is required every three years. This involves a comprehensive check of all functions of the entire system, including emergency luminaires and power sources.
Note: The expert inspection of safety lighting should be carried out on a day and at a time when the risk of fire is as low as possible - e.g., outside peak hours.
Documentation in the test book
The inspection and maintenance of safety lighting systems requires detailed documentation in accordance with VDE. Thus, an inspection book must be kept for the safety lighting system. The inspection book serves as proof of compliance with the statutory maintenance regulations. The inspection book is kept by a so-called responsible person, who is appointed by the employer or operator of the system. The inspection book must be kept for four years and it should be possible to inspect it at any time (DIN V VDE V 0108-100).
Dokumentation im Prüfbuch
Escape route signs as a supplement
In the event of danger, escape and rescue route signs show people the way in addition to emergency lighting. Unlike lighting, these signs do not require a power supply. As a rule, they are made of photoluminescent, reflective material - just like fire protection signs - so that they remain clearly visible in smoke-filled rooms. The size, recognition range and design of the signs are specified in ASR A1.3.
There are no maintenance requirements. Nevertheless, operators or employers are responsible for ensuring that escape and rescue routes are always clearly visible. Safety signs, for example, must be visible at all times. This means that they must not be obstructed or taken down; signs that have fallen down or are damaged must be reattached.
Our experts will be happy to support you in the selection, placement and installation of escape and rescue route signs. We reliably ensure a safe way out into the open. Contact us now.
