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?

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

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, 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.