Why We Need Emergency Life Safety Lighting
One to thousands of employees, customers, contractors, vendors,
or visitors may be in a building at any particular time. Responsible
parties cannot ignore the possibility of severe weather, fires, tornados,
bombs, explosions, earth quakes or other unforeseen events that could
potentially lead to a power failure, and subsequent lighting failure.
It is required by law; National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Code
Emergency lighting, when properly selected and installed, will illuminate
egress pathways and exits during an emergency where a power failure,
and subsequent lighting failure has occurred.
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WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF PROPERLY ILLUMINATED EGRESS PATHWAYS AND EXITS DURING AN EMERGENCY?
A. Reduced risk of falls and potential serious injury
B. Reduced panic level that occurs during an emergency
C. Rapid exits from buildings where necessary
D. Better security
E. Facilitates any medical emergency or life-threatening event where time is crucial.
F. Reduced insurance premiums due to lower frequency of accidents that occur as a result of power and subsequent light failures
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE BATTERY-POWERED EMERGENCY LIGHTS TESTED EVERY 30 DAYS AND ANNUALLY FOR 90 MINUTES?
The 30-day and annual testing frequency is required
according to the NFPA Code.
Because batteries, bulbs, circuit boards, and other components are
subject to periodic failure, it is important to conduct a monthly test
to ensure proper function.
During a power failure, NFPA Code requires emergency lights to
function for 90 minutes in most situations. The annual test is
designed to ensure proper function for that time frame.
REGARDING EMERGENCY LIFE SAFETY LIGHTING, HOW CAN I BE PREPARD FOR AN EMERGENCY?
Consult with a company that specializes in emergency life safety lighting.
As building designs vary greatly, proper fixture selection and placement
is best determined by the professionals. A variety of options are available.
Adhere to the NFPA code. Test the battery-powered lighting every 30
days for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Contract a company that specializes in emergency lighting to conduct
the annual 90-minute test. Choose a company who will thoroughly inspect
each unit to ensure that all components are functioning properly and will
work when most needed – during an emergency.
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