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BS 5266
Emergency Lighting Standards
BS 5266 is the British Standard code of practice for emergency lighting in premises. It provides guidance on how emergency lighting systems should be designed, installed, tested and maintained so people can escape safely if the normal lighting supply fails.
Emergency lighting is an important part of fire safety because power failure, smoke, panic or poor visibility can make evacuation much harder. A suitable emergency lighting system helps illuminate escape routes, exits, stairways, changes in level, fire alarm call points and important safety equipment.
For businesses, schools, public buildings, warehouses, industrial premises and managed sites, BS 5266 helps support safer evacuation and stronger fire safety compliance.
Download the Up to Date Regulation/Standard HERE:
What BS 5266 Covers
BS 5266 provides guidance for emergency lighting systems used to protect people during an emergency.
This can include:
- Emergency escape lighting
- Escape route lighting
- Open area lighting
- High-risk task area lighting
- Exit route visibility
- Emergency lighting design
- Installation and wiring
- Inspection and testing
- Maintenance and record keeping
The aim is simple: if the normal lighting fails, people should still be able to find their way out safely.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
Emergency lighting is not just there for power cuts. It is there to support safe evacuation when normal lighting cannot be relied on.
This matters in buildings where people may be unfamiliar with the layout, where escape routes are long or complex, or where staff, visitors, pupils, contractors or members of the public may need clear guidance during an emergency.
Poor emergency lighting can create serious problems, including:
- Dark escape routes
- Confusion during evacuation
- Increased risk of slips, trips and falls
- Poor visibility of exits and stairs
- Difficulty locating fire alarm call points
- Reduced confidence during an emergency
- Weaker fire safety compliance evidence
Testing and Maintenance
Emergency lighting systems need regular checks to make sure they will work when needed.
The exact testing programme should suit the premises, system type and fire risk assessment, but emergency lighting should not be installed and forgotten about.
A good maintenance approach should include:
- Routine functional checks
- Periodic duration testing
- Inspection of fittings and signs
- Battery condition checks
- Fault recording
- Remedial action where needed
- Clear maintenance records
Records are important because they help show that the system is being managed properly.
How Westgate Fire Services Can Help
Westgate Fire Services can support businesses across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands with emergency lighting testing, maintenance and fire safety compliance guidance.
Where emergency lighting links to escape routes, fire alarms, fire doors, signage or wider fire risk assessment findings, Westgate can help identify what needs attention and advise on practical next steps.
BS 5266-1:2025 is the current code of practice for emergency lighting of premises.
Emergency lighting helps people find escape routes, exits and safety equipment if normal lighting fails.
Systems should be designed and installed to suit the building layout, risks and escape strategy.
Emergency lighting should be checked, tested and maintained so it remains reliable.
Test results, faults and remedial works should be recorded as part of compliance management.
Emergency lighting works alongside fire alarms, signage, fire doors and escape route planning.
Key Takeaway:
BS 5266 helps ensure emergency lighting systems are suitable, reliable and properly maintained.
For building owners and responsible persons, emergency lighting is a key part of keeping people safe during evacuation and supporting wider fire safety compliance.