An emergency light is a direct current, battery-packed lighting device that automatically switches on when a primary power supply fails in a building. It is usually placed on the emergency exit to provide a clear path during an evacuation.
How Emergency Light Works?
When emergency incidents like fire and earthquake hit a building and cause a power outage, emergency lighting will immediately activate the battery. Afterward, it will utilize to charge up the emergency light up to 3 hours. It is enough time to ensure that everyone inside the building will find their way out safely. Once the regular power is turned on, the emergency lights will then recharge until such time it will be ready to use again.
Emergency lights are usually placed above exit signs, fire extinguisher location signs, exit doors, and escape routes and stairways.
Why is Emergency Lighting Important?
Emergency lights are essential assets in giving effective fire safety in your area. For instance, when a fire occurs, and the power supply goes off, it is reasonable to panic. Since thick smoke fills up the area, finding your way out of the building without proper lighting can be difficult. However, with the use of an emergency light, it will guide you safely and effectively. Next, we need to consider as well the obstruction in the evacuation route. Still, without proper vision during emergencies, this can cause severe injury and may block the evacuation area. That is why emergency is significant because it will illuminate the way and prevent these obstacles so that any probable injuries can be avoided.
Kinds of Emergency Lighting Systems
There are different kinds of emergency lighting to choose from:
· Escape Route Lighting
This lighting is also known as bulkhead lighting and helps to provide the safest and fastest route to a fire exit. These lights are usually found in the ceiling so they can illuminate the way, helping you to avoid any obstacles.
· Open Area Emergency Lighting
This type of emergency lighting is also known in some countries as anti-panic lighting. The primary purpose of this emergency lighting is to reduce panic stress by providing more illumination for the tenants in the building to reach an escape route and exit safely. Open area emergency lights are placed in public areas of the building so that when building occupants are evacuating, there is enough light.
· High-Risk Task Area Lighting
The high-risk task area lighting is required for factories and other industrial buildings. Workers performing high-risk tasks like operating machinery or working with tools should be able to adequately see what they are doing to allow for a safe shut down of the equipment. Without this lighting, it can be hazardous when the power goes out. The worker would be unable to see correctly, and this can pose a threat of injury to themselves or others.
· Standby Lighting
This type of lighting can supply adequate lighting to ensure that normal activities can continue in case of a power cut. An emergency generator usually provides standby lighting.
SummarySince most of these emergency lights are required by law, you must have an effective system in place to illuminate your escape routes. You can talk to Preventive Fire Company to provide Lake Park emergency lighting requirements of your premises.