Overview of BS EN 1838
BS EN 1838 specifies the luminous requirements for emergency escape lighting and standby lighting systems installed in premises or locations where such systems are required. It is primarily applicable to locations where the public or workers have access.
Key Objectives and Scope
- Safe Evacuation: Ensuring that escape routes are safely and effectively illuminated in the event of failure of the normal lighting supply.
- Identifying Safety Equipment: Illuminating safety equipment, such as fire alarm call points, fire extinguishers, and first aid stations, so they can be readily located.
- Preventing Panic: Providing sufficient lighting to prevent panic in public spaces and ensure orderly movement towards exits.
Core Areas Covered
The standard details specific requirements for different aspects of emergency lighting:
- Escape Route Lighting: Minimum lux levels on the centre line of the escape route to ensure safe movement.
- Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting: Requirements for larger spaces (typically >60m²) or areas with an escape route passing through them.
- High Risk Task Area Lighting: Lighting needed to safely terminate potentially dangerous processes before evacuation.
Key Metrics
- Illuminance (Lux): Minimum required light levels for different zones (e.g., 1 lux minimum along the centre line of an escape route).
- Response Time: Maximum time allowed for the emergency lighting to reach the required illuminance level after a power failure (typically 50% within 5 seconds and 100% within 60 seconds).
- Duration: The minimum time the emergency lighting must remain active (e.g., 1 or 3 hours depending on the building type and evacuation strategy).