In the hustle and bustle of operating a small business, safety measures can sometimes take a
back seat. However, one crucial element that should never be overlooked is emergency lighting.
Emergency lighting plays a vital role in ensuring safety and security within small businesses.
It provides illumination during power outages, ensuring that employees and customers can safely navigate through the premises. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or natural disaster, emergency lighting can be a lifesaver, guiding everyone to the nearest exits and letting them
evacuate quickly and safely.
Beyond emergencies, emergency lighting also helps in preventing accidents and injuries during unexpected power failures. Particularly for small businesses that have customer foot traffic, but even for those that don't, the importance of emergency lighting cannot be overstated. Emergency lighting:
• Offers backup lighting in case the standard power supply fails
• Illuminates the escape routes for evacuation
• Is helpful for fire responders as they will locate things more easily
• Helps reduce panic created by darkness
Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is not just a recommendation but a necessity for small businesses. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC) set stringent guidelines that businesses must follow.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties. Moreover, non-compliance can also lead to increased liability in the case of accidents or emergencies. Therefore, understanding and adhering to requirements is crucial for your business.
Consult with a professional to ensure that the system you choose meets all regulatory standards and is tailored to your specific needs.
There are options for the form of the emergency power system. For example, it may be a generator,
a battery-powered inverter, or individual units that have battery backup.
Location is important. The codes call for emergency lighting in specific spaces, such as at stairs, exits, and hallways leading to exits. You may need additional emergency lighting if your business has systems that must be monitored or places where people work on high-risk processes.
There are performance requirements too. Minimum illumination must be met, and the emergency lighting must be able to remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes after the start of a power failure.
Regular maintenance and testing of your emergency lighting system are essential to ensure its effectiveness. Most regulations require that emergency lighting systems be tested monthly to ensure that they are operational. This includes checking the battery life, light bulbs, and overall functionality
of the system. An annual test lasting 90 minutes is also needed.
Conducting periodic maintenance can help identify and rectify issues before they become critical.
It is also beneficial to keep a log of all maintenance activities and tests, as this documentation can
be useful for compliance purposes and in the event of an inspection by your local fire marshal.
Emergency lighting is essential for any business, whether big or small. You must have a functioning emergency lighting system for your own safety and the safety of other occupants.
Contact us today and we will do proper installation and testing for you at an affordable rate.