Emergency lighting in commercial properties is a safety feature and legal requirement that ensures occupants can safely exit a building during a power outage or emergency. Neglecting proper upkeep can lead to fines, liability, and most importantly, endangering lives. Below are essential emergency lighting tips to help building owners and facility managers maintain compliance and safety.

Understand Legal Requirements

Emergency lighting and standby power are required by law. Codes such as NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and the International Building Code (IBC) set clear standards for emergency egress lighting. Exit paths must have a minimum average brightness of 1 foot-candle (2 foot-candles in New York City) at the floor level. Emergency lighting must also engage within 10 seconds of a power outage and last for a minimum of 90 minutes. These rules are enforced by fire inspectors, building inspectors, and OSHA. Non-compliance can result in OSHA fines up to $7,000 for first-time violations and as much as $70,000 for repeat offenses.

Keep Exit Paths Clear and Well-Lit

Exit routes, including corridors, stairwells, and exit discharges, must always remain visible and unobstructed. During construction or renovations, temporary barriers must not block or obscure exit signage. Emergency lights should be strategically placed in areas such as bathrooms, changing rooms, lobbies, and stairwells to ensure all occupants can follow the egress path safely.

Prioritize Exit Signs and Signage

Exit signs must remain illuminated during outages for at least 90 minutes. Monthly battery checks and an annual full discharge test are required to ensure reliability. In addition, braille signage is mandatory for accessibility, and if an exit path is not immediately obvious, directional exit signs should be installed. To avoid confusion, doors or pathways that are not exits must be clearly labeled with signage such as “Not an Exit.” Clarity is a critical aspect of compliance and safety.

Maintain Batteries and Lighting Equipment

Emergency lighting batteries degrade over time, particularly when exposed to vibration, temperature changes, or frequent discharges. Regular testing is required every 30 days, with a more thorough annual inspection that includes load testing, battery terminal checks, and voltage measurements. If a battery test fails or lights flicker during testing, immediate replacement is necessary. When upgrading equipment, consider retrofitting older incandescent or fluorescent units with LED technology for longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs.

Establish a Maintenance and Inspection Plan

A consistent inspection schedule is essential. Monthly inspections should include a visual check and functional test of all emergency lighting units. Annual inspections should include in-depth battery and system testing, as well as bulb replacements when needed. NFPA 101 requires that inspection activities be documented. A logbook should include asset tags, equipment locations, inspection dates, test results, corrective actions, and technician signatures. This documentation not only helps maintain compliance but also protects building owners from liability.

Develop a Systematic Review and Documentation Process

A written emergency lighting plan should be implemented and followed. Assign specific personnel or vendors to conduct inspections, log results, and schedule follow-ups. In the event of an audit or emergency, proper documentation demonstrates compliance and preparedness. If in-house staff cannot perform testing, partnering with a qualified service provider ensures inspections and repairs meet legal requirements.

Final Thoughts

Emergency lighting in commercial properties is too important to overlook. By keeping exit paths illuminated, maintaining exit signs, testing batteries regularly, and documenting inspections, you protect both occupants and your business. Beyond compliance, these emergency lighting tips provide peace of mind, ensuring that in a moment of crisis, your building is ready to guide everyone safely to the exit.

Click here to read the full article, originally published by Exit Expo.