25

Mar
2019

Are Emergency Light Inspections Required in Vancouver?

March 25th, 2019 | by Vancouver Fire | in |    3   

Emergency lights are an integral part of a buildings safety system and fire protection system. These lighting systems are designed to automatically switch on in the event of a power outage or fire. Fortunately, these events (especially the latter) do not occur often. With this in mind, you probably do not think about or give much thought to those emergency lights.

Emergency lights are powered through the use of a battery and are therefore prone to failure. This is not good, as these are very important in guiding victims safely to an exit should a fire occur.

In Vancouver, emergency light inspections are a requirement in all commercial buildings as well as any high occupancy residential buildings. Inspections must be conducted monthly, as well as a more comprehensive annual inspection.

The monthly inspection includes:

- functional check of light

- check for corrosion

- battery clean and dry

-pilot lights work and are not obstructed

The annual inspection is more comprehensive and includes:

- full inspection of all components

- comprehensive battery test

- verification of charge voltage and current leading to battery

And more.

While the monthly inspection may seem simple, the annual inspection is much more comprehensive and must be documented with an inspection sticker. In a large building there can be dozens of emergency lights.

If you own or are in charge of a commercial or residential building in Vancouver, the importance of properly maintaining your emergency lights can not be overstated. Make sure if you are due for an inspection that you contact Vanfire and rest easy having peace of mind that should an emergency occur, your fire protection systems will be fully functioning.