Emergency lighting in block of flats

[Guest JohnStei]

I am chairman of our residents association and we run the block ourselves. The block is 40 years old and purpose built - comprising 12 flats.

Is it a legal requirement that emergency lighting should be installed in the common parts of the building?

Thank you

[Tom Sutton]

Is emergency lighting required if it is then it is a requirement what does your fire risk assessment say. Check out Sleeping accommodation Page 28, 103 for information on this subject.

[Safelincs]

The LACoRS guide to fire safety in housing states that emergency lighting will be required in HMOs/Shared houses of this size.

I would also assume that the fire risk assessment will demand emergency lighting. See our emergency lighting guide for helpful tips

[Tom Sutton]

The description states "The block is 40 years old and purpose built - comprising 12 flats" consequently it is unlikely to be a HMO/Shared house more likely to be self contained flats therefore only the RR(FS)O will apply.

[Safelincs]

Hi Tom

You might be right about self-contained flats. In this case it depends on the number of floors. The LACoRS guide asks for emergency lighting for self-contained flats from five floors upwards.

[Tom Sutton]

Hi Harry

I have looked through the guide and cannot find any references to purpose built self-contained only converted self-contained and there is a subtle difference.

[Guest Ryan Mcmullan]

Hi

Just to inform you, you may wish to take a look at Fire safety in purpose built flats which is more current and relevant, it also takes into consideration the guidance in the LACORS manual and works along side it.

[Tom Sutton]

You can download "Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats" from http://www.local.gov.uk/publications from their website. I agree with Ryan and is a highly acclaimed document and when the firenet forum says nice things about Colin T then it must be good.