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chas  
#1 Posted : 13 November 2012 10:00:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chas

Should there be emergency lighting in all WC's or washrooms? What is the standard or expected provision? The HM Govt Fire Safety Risk Assessment guides suggest emergency lighting in WC's over 8sq M, however we are being told that all WC's and suchlike must have emergency lighting provided. Whilst I am happy to accept the outcome of a risk assessment, what is the general accepted standard? Is it that given in the HM Govt document or is there another more recent benchmark?
PH2  
#2 Posted : 13 November 2012 10:44:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PH2

Chas,
the requirements for emergency light in toilets is given in the Building Regulations (Part B1 Table 9). It requires emergency lighting in toilets where they are windowless and less than 8 square metres: and all toilets greater than 8 square metres.

PH2
bob youel  
#3 Posted : 13 November 2012 10:48:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

Chas
Be warned; The HM Govt Fire Safety Risk Assessment guides do not go far enough

Use common sense and logic as that is what you will be tested against in a court e.g. Is it logical that a room 3sq M is any different to a room that is 2.5 sq M where the same activity is being undertaken by people i.e. if the light goes out you are in the dark irrespective of the size of the room
chas  
#4 Posted : 13 November 2012 11:10:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chas

Thanks for the clarification. I have some interesting discussions ahead!
DP  
#5 Posted : 14 November 2012 07:55:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
DP

Bob - your info on the guides not going far enough is an interesting point and I would agree in some areas - however, I attended a RAFKAP (Retail and Fire Key Authority Partnerships) event a couple of weeks ago and Fire Authorities use the guides as a benchmark for prosecutions - so if you are meeting the standards set in these docs then your on solid ground, this was the advice presented to us from the regulators.
tabs  
#6 Posted : 14 November 2012 13:22:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
tabs

I know you can come up with lots of ifs and buts - however, emergency lighting is mainly to allow you to safely exit the area. Finding the door you came through in a 3 sq m room shouldn't present that many problems. As the dimensions diminish so do the problem of finding the exit.
David Bannister  
#7 Posted : 14 November 2012 13:49:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

tabs, I agree, so long as the exposed population does not contain anyone who may become disabled by panic eg young children, dementia sufferers, some mentally ill persons etc etc.

Thus risk assessment becomes crucial.
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