The most frequent emergency lighting error includes failure to perform monthly/annual testing.  Installing the lighting above the walking surface is another major reason. Other factors include placing exit signs in the wrong position. Additionally, ignoring the 90-minute battery runtime outlined in NFPA 101 is also a common mistake. All of these are potential mistakes for people evacuating a building. They may not be prominent when a building looks to be following the rules.

What Are The Requirements For Emergency Lighting?

The following requirements for the lighting are outlined by the U.S Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 

• Provide proper exit route illumination to allow an employee with normal vision to see down the exit route. 

• Each exit sign should be lit so that it achieves 5 foot-candles (54 lux) from a reliable light source.

• It should have a distinct color. 

• An alternative is self-luminous or electroluminescent signs.

What Is The Reason Behind The Failure To Pass Inspections?

There are the following reasons behind the failure:

• First, the door of the exit route must be clear of hurdles and decorations. These block the visibility of the exit route door.

• Second, the ceiling height of an exit route must be a minimum of 7 feet 6 inches high. Any hanging from the ceiling must not extend less than 6 feet 8 inches from the floor. So, low-hanging signage and ductwork can cause a violation. 

• Employees may also ignore the markings. Any passage that looks like an exit must be marked “NOT an EXIT”.

Do Exit Signs And Emergency Lighting Have The Same Requirements?

No, there are different requirements for both. Signage has a specific lettering standard: 

• Each exit sign shall contain the word "exit" in legible form.

• It must be at least 6" high.

• The principal strokes should be at least 3/4" wide. 

It does not mean that the path under the sign is also lit.  For this reason, it is possible to have appropriate signage but a totally dark path under the sign at the same time. 

What Are The Placement Errors?

If the exit signs are placed above the doorway, the floor beneath them appears dark. The state and local building departments usually follow model fire and building codes that specify a minimum run-time of lighting after a power loss. It should be checked by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any special requirements because it can be different in each state.

What Lighting Measures To Take During Repairs?

While facilities are in the process of retrofitting or replacing fixtures, they must be suitably illuminated with effective light sources. They also should have active exit routes. For maintenance crews, a portable 60W LED Linkable Work Light 5000K 100–277V Yellow with US Plug is a convenient option to cover a corridor. 

What To Do About These Gaps?

The following measures can be taken to fill the gap: 

• Ensure all exits remain free of visual hurdles and comply with OSHA’s lighting requirement.

• Confirm that exit signs provide at least 5 surface foot-candles.

• Check ceiling height and projections along all exit routes for headroom violations.

• Put a sign on any door or passage that might be confused with an exit.

• Check state-specific rules and durations of lighting with local AHJ.

For businesses that require a safer approach to emergency exit lighting design, it is necessary to consult an expert. CIRC Lighting has a proven history of planning compliant, well-mapped layouts that are fit for inspection.

Conclusion

Emergency lighting mistakes can be dangerous to the safety of a building. These mistakes usually occur due to many reasons. The main reason is ignoring the regulatory requirements for the lighting. Others include the wrong placement of lights and mixing up the requirements for “exit” and “emergency”. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an expert on it to ensure the safety of a building.