Overview of BS EN 50172
BS EN 50172 (also referred to as BS 5266-8 in the UK) specifies the requirements for the provision, testing, and maintenance of emergency escape lighting systems. It works in conjunction with BS EN 1838, which sets out the luminous requirements.
Key Objectives and Scope
- System Reliability: Ensuring that emergency lighting systems are properly installed, regularly tested, and adequately maintained to guarantee they function when needed.
- Record Keeping: Mandating the creation and upkeep of detailed records, including logbooks, for all testing and maintenance activities.
- Compliance and Safety: Providing a structured approach to managing emergency lighting assets to meet statutory safety obligations.
Core Requirements
The standard outlines essential procedures for system management:
- Routine Testing: Specifies the frequency and type of tests required, including daily (visual checks), monthly (short duration functional tests), and annual (full duration discharge tests).
- Logbook Maintenance: Requires a dedicated logbook to record details of the system, responsible persons, test results, faults, and corrective actions taken.
- Servicing and Repairs: Guidelines for addressing faults promptly and ensuring that any replacements or repairs maintain system integrity.
Why is it Important?
Compliance with BS EN 50172 is crucial for building owners, facility managers, and employers to demonstrate due diligence in fulfilling fire safety legislation (such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in the UK). It ensures that the life-saving infrastructure remains operational throughout the building's lifecycle.