Building safety discussions often revolve around fire prevention, structural integrity, and emergency protocols. Yet, one critical aspect that frequently escapes the spotlight is lighting itself. Here, Phil Brown, Director of Product and Marketing at NVC Lighting, discusses its importance and the role that lighting plays in creating the safest environment possible.

When you think about lighting in commercial buildings, the aesthetics of the fittings, how they integrate into smart building systems and how energy efficient they are usually top specifier’s wish lists. However, lighting also plays a vital role in ensuring occupant safety and security within buildings.

A good starting point for this conversation is emergency lighting; a crucial part of a safety critical system designed to protect those inside a building in the event of an emergency.

It is essential that emergency lighting is properly maintained in the form of monthly function tests and an annual duration test. A function test uses a momentary power interruption to show the lighting works under loss of power condition.

Duration tests are an annual requirement lasting three hours, where your primary light circuit must be switched off and your emergency lights left on for the full duration, with any defects to be reported and resolved as soon as possible.

Luckily, product manufacturers have strived to make testing as easy as possible, with self-test emergency lighting automatically performing tests to ensure that it will function correctly in the event of a mains failure.

With transparency, accountability, and the Golden Thread high on the building safety agenda, it is crucial that building and facilities managers understand that there’s no time like the present to take stock of their emergency lighting system.

The two standards which form part of the BS 5266-1 Emergency Lighting guidance, namely EN 1838 and EN 50172 are currently being updated and expected to be ratified this year.

However, when we talk about building safety, we're not only talking about emergency lighting.

Buildings often operate round the clock, accommodating various activities and occupants. As such, lighting solutions must be tailored to meet diverse needs, balancing energy efficiency with safety considerations - true safety encompasses the creation of an environment that minimises risk and maximises occupant well-being.

In this context, lighting again emerges as a pivotal safety factor. Proper illumination serves multiple crucial functions beyond merely brightening spaces or safety guidance.

It can aid visibility and wayfinding and help deter crime as well as facilitating swift evacuation during emergencies.

For example, well-lit exteriors and car parks not only enhance the perceived safety of a building but also make it less of an attraction to potential intruders.

Illuminating vulnerable areas minimises hiding spots and increases the likelihood of detection, bolstering security measures without the need for additional resources.

Furthermore, lighting design should be integrated into the broader safety framework of a building, alongside fire suppression systems, structural reinforcements, and emergency response protocols.

Viewing lighting as an isolated element neglects its interconnectedness with other safety measures. A holistic approach ensures that lighting complements and enhances overall safety strategies rather than functioning in isolation.

Building codes and regulations play a crucial role in promoting safety standards, including lighting requirements. However, compliance with minimum standards should not be the sole objective.

Embracing a proactive approach to lighting design enables organisations to go beyond regulatory mandates, prioritising occupant safety and well-being.

At NVC Lighting, we advocate for a collaborative approach to lighting design, involving architects and specifiers, electrical contractors, facility managers, and other stakeholders from the outset.

By integrating lighting considerations into the initial planning stages, potential issues can be identified and addressed proactively, avoiding costly retrofits or compromises in safety.

In conclusion, lighting is not merely an afterthought or aesthetic embellishment; it's a fundamental component of building safety. From emergency lighting to crime prevention and occupant comfort, lighting influences various aspects of building functionality and occupant well-being.