Hi - We suffered a power cut recently in our engineering facility. This highlighted problems with the levels of emergency lighting. Until this problem is addressed, what action would you take as a band aid for the situation? Thanks for all replies. Paul.

Hi paul-ps What issues? What are you looking for the EM lights to do. It is quite a quick fix to swap out a few low performing or failed EM fittings? Not much more to stick some universal EM packs into linear fluoros if this is what you have. A band aid information and rechargeable torches/lanterns around the place? A bit more info really to give sound advice to be honest. How many people? What is the work? What is the environment? What about vehicle movements? Who designed, installed and commissioned the system? Who does the routine maintenance? Who signed the BS5266 certs as whoever did says that they designed, installed and commissioned the system in compliance with that standard, but now it seems non compliant?

Band aid has to be some rechargeable torches at key locations. Can be in place with a visit to the DIY shop, visual PAT and plug and go....

With a candle??? (Candle and lighter carried by all staff 24/7) Do I win the prize?? How long will it take to 'properly' fix the EL shortage? Perhaps following an audit, you can carry out the new/additional works in priority order. But I wouldn't necessarily panic into applying expensive but useless interim solutions. Carry out an EL audit. Make an action plan. Procure an installtion company and install asap. It may help (if a large or high risk premises) to keep a record of your actions & progress with the FRA document as an audit trail of how you are dealing with this issue. No enforcement authority will/can reasonably expect a massive issue such as fixing poor EL to be carried out overnight. If you document your actions and carry out the work in a reasonable time frame, I wouldn't worry too much

Jane wins - but how about photoluminescent tape and signs leading the way out?

Quite Zimmy, Both of us realise that for probably less than £1k (depending on the premises) plus materials a competent local electrician could make a huge difference in a very shot time-scale to the EM lighting that would stand them in good stead to move forward!

How many people are effected? For the sake of a couple quid you could issue each with small pocket LED torch. They will give more than enough light to get out of the building. (short term measure only)