In an emergency, proper lighting can point the way to safety. This is one reason why some local jurisdictions have mandated that Exit signs be located at waist height and illuminated. Lowering signs reduces the likelihood that during a fire it will be obscured by smoke.

Proper illumination in work spaces have been shown to help reduce eye fatigue and having good illumination when working with various tools contributes to safety. In these various settings light is generally expressed in terms of lux units which measure the amount of light over an area.

Action to Take Before an Emergency:

In Canada, there are  industry standards and building codes that govern the proper application of emergency lighting at the national level; and many local regulations. For example the National Building Code of Canada specifies some guidelines.

As in all cases, local regulation and ordinances take precedence over national or regional codes. Check with your local building inspector for more information on the codes that apply in your area.

Even though emergency lighting regulations may appear to be in conflict, the safety principles behind the rules have a common base. Review the following checklist to see how your organization scores in terms of safe lighting.

• Are your Exit signs illuminated by a light source that will continue to operate even if there is a loss of power? Battery powered lights are acceptable but check local codes to determine how long they must stay lit.
• Are your Exit Routes marked with signs and arrows showing the way to the nearest exit?
• Are the indicators used in the Exit Routes distinctive enough to be visible throughout the immediate area? Some jurisdictions specify the amount of light, generally expressed in units of lux, required for different settings such as hallways, business offices and stairwells.
• Stairways must be illuminated and in some locations the duration of the light at a certain lux rating, is specified. Do your stairways meet these requirements?
• Is your facility equipped to automatically provide emergency lighting in the event of a power failure?
• Are your Exit signs distinctive in color and easily distinguished from decorations, interior finish and other signs?
• Have you marked doors, passageways and stairways that are neither exits nor a way to an exit, but which can be mistaken for an exit, are marked “Not an Exit”?
• Do you maintain a written record of visual inspections and by the facility owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction over this issue?

Other Emergency Lighting Suggestions:

It is advisable to have emergency lighting in the following locations. How does your facility rate?

• Near fire and other types of alarm systems.
• Near fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and AEDs.
• In locations where hazards exist such as explosives, caustic chemicals, uneven floors.
• Areas undergoing construction.
• Control rooms.
• Elevators/lifts.