emergency-lighting-testing-and-uk-legal-requirements
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- The signature of the person who carried out the test.
- Details of any remedial action taken to fix defective fittings.
If an enforcing authority visits your premises—such as the local fire and rescue service—these records will serve as your primary evidence that you are actively maintaining your life safety systems.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Navigating fire safety compliance can be complex, especially when managing multiple systems across a busy premises. At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors can help you identify deficiencies in your emergency lighting during a comprehensive fire risk assessment. We provide clear, practical recommendations to ensure your escape routes remain safely illuminated in an emergency.
With fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT and 48-hour reports, we make it straightforward to stay on the right side of UK law. To get a court-defensible, RRO 2005-aligned assessment, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.
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Your duties under the RRO 2005 on emergency lighting
- Escape routes must be lit if the main supply fails (BS 5266-1).
- Monthly flick-tests and annual full-duration tests should be logged.
- Emergency lighting is part of the Art. 17 maintenance duty.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.
*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*
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What a competent fire risk assessment covers
A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:
- Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
- Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
- Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
- Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
- Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.
HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.