Why Emergency Lighting Testing is Essential for Your Building

When the lights go out, your emergency lighting is what guides people safely out of the building. It is not something most people think about day to day, but in an emergency it can make the difference between a safe evacuation and chaos.

That is why regular emergency lighting testing is not optional. It is a legal requirement.

The Legal and Compliance Obligations

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a duty on employers, landlords and managing agents to ensure that premises are equipped with appropriate fire safety measures. This includes maintaining emergency lighting systems so they remain fully operational at all times.

Guidance such as BS 5266-1:2016 sets out the standards for the design, installation and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. Among the key requirements are:

• Monthly function tests – a short check to confirm that every light operates correctly

• Annual full duration test – usually lasting 3 hours, proving the system can run for the required emergency period

• Record keeping – every test must be logged, with remedial actions recorded and acted upon

Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, invalidated insurance and, most importantly, an increased risk to the safety of your staff, tenants and visitors.

The Practical Challenge for Property Managers

While the regulations are clear, carrying them out is not always straightforward. If you manage remote sites, multi-tenanted buildings or large property portfolios, you will know the challenges:

• Accessing different areas of the property to complete tests

• Coordinating with tenants to avoid disruption

• Logging results accurately and keeping them audit ready

• Following up quickly on remedial works

For busy landlords and letting agents, it can quickly become a burden.

How Hawes Property Services Makes it Simple

At Hawes Property Services, we specialise in working with landlords, letting agents, and property managers, so we understand the complexities of multi-tenanted and remote buildings.

Here is how we help:

• Scheduled testing – monthly and annual tests carried out on time, every time

• Detailed reporting – clear records for your compliance files, ready for insurers, auditors, or regulators

• Remedial works – if a fault is found, we repair or replace as needed, keeping your building compliant

• Minimal disruption – our experienced team works around tenants and site schedules, so you stay compliant without hassle

Peace of Mind for Property Professionals

Emergency lighting is not just a tick-box exercise. It is a life-saving system that must be ready when it is needed most. By partnering with Hawes Property Services, you can be confident that your properties are safe, compliant, and fully documented, with the hassle taken off your hands.

Contact us today to arrange your emergency lighting testing programme.

01274 317917

www.hawes.services

info@hawes.services