Can surplus emergency lights be left not operational?

[Guest Daniela M]

We've been repairing our emergency lighting within our London office. it needed widespread repairs and there are a few lights (i think 6) that the company we are using just cannot source. They have said that we have the required amount of emergency lighting so they are going to finish there. Where does the legislation stand on this? Are we ok if the emergency lighting is sufficient but 6 units aren't operational?

I'd be very grateful for your input!

Thank you.

[Tom Sutton]

You only require a level of illumination as required by BS 5266-1: 2011 Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises and if the remainder of the emergency lighting provides that level then that would be satisfactory but I would remove the unnecessary emergency lights to prevent confusion.

I would also suggest you take a second opinion from an approved emergency light installer who would leave the premises conforming to the above BS with all the necessary certificates.

Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/emergency-lighting/