Documented design, installation, and periodic testing show you’re managing life-safety risks responsibly. This supports compliance with UK regulations and can help satisfy insurers that reasonable precautions are in place, potentially reducing disputes in the event of a claim.

Emergency lighting provides illumination if the normal mains lighting fails, guiding occupants to safety. UK systems are typically designed to BS 5266-1, covering escape routes, open areas, and high-risk task lighting so evacuation can be completed safely.

Maintained units: These are normally switched on during everyday use (such as over exit doors) and will continue operating during a power cut.

Non-maintained units: These stay off under normal conditions and only activate if the main supply fails.

Choosing between them depends on the type of premises, the level of risk, and how the overall fire strategy is set out. In practice, many buildings will use a mix of both.

Typical regimes (per BS 5266-1 guidance) for Emergency Lighting testing include monthly short functional tests and an annual full-duration test (e.g., 1 or 3 hours depending on design). Keep records of test dates, results, and any remedial actions.

Go here for more information about Emergency Lighting System Guidance.

These systems allow patients or residents to quickly alert staff through wall buttons, pull cords, or bed-mounted units. They often include features such as different levels of call priority, follow-me alerts, reporting dashboards, and audit logs. Within hospitals and care facilities, their setup is usually guided by the HTM 08-03 document to ensure consistency and patient safety.

Yes. Modern systems can distribute alerts to wall displays, DECT handsets, pagers, or smartphones, improving response times. Integration is designed to maintain resilience, privacy, and data protection.

Wired offers maximum reliability in new builds or refurbishments. Wireless is faster to deploy with minimal disruption and is ideal for occupied facilities. Many sites use hybrid approaches after a risk and radio survey.

An Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system provides two-way contact between safe waiting areas and a central control point during an evacuation. This supports mobility-impaired occupants who may need assistance, while also helping fire marshals coordinate their response. The design and installation are usually carried out in line with BS 5839-9, ensuring that communication remains clear even under emergency conditions.

Refuge points are usually set up in fire-protected areas along escape routes, such as within fire-resisting lobbies or stairwells. They must be clearly signed, well-lit, and positioned so that people waiting for assistance are safe until help arrives. Exact locations should always be determined through the building’s fire strategy and the relevant national standards.

These systems require both regular checks and scheduled servicing. Common practice includes monthly functional tests of each outstation, along with more detailed servicing at longer intervals in line with BS 5839-9. All inspections, results, and any corrective measures should be documented to maintain accountability and reliability.