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markryandenton  
#1 Posted : 07 September 2022 10:38:41(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
markryandenton

Hi guys, This is outside of my area of expertise and I’m hoping someone can help me. My mums recently moved in to a block of flats, however at night all of the lights in the corridors are switched off. Is there any regulation that states that communal areas have to be sufficiently lit at all times, or words to that effect? Thanks
A Kurdziel  
#2 Posted : 07 September 2022 12:07:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

Nothing in regulations, as these tend to apply to employees but the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, make it clear that there is a duty of care to all legitimate visitors(ie not trespassers) to the property. The duty is defined as:  "a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that the visitor will be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purposes for which he is invited or permitted by the occupier to be there"  and I think that includes the provision of adequate lighting. Of course this will only comes into play if someone has an accident that is cased by a lack of lighting.

I don’t think that Building Code has any thing to say about this   

peter gotch  
#3 Posted : 07 September 2022 12:27:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Mark

The are TWO approved Codes L that deal with energy efficiency under the Building Regs in England but you have to remember that these deal with new builds or alterations rather than what already exists.

So Part 1 deals with domestic buildings, but it's Part 2 that is relevant. Whilst its title mentions NON-domestic buildings it does cover the communal areas.

Comment includes:

Lighting

6.59 Any fixed lighting should achieve levels of illumination appropriate to the activity in the space. Spaces should not be over-illuminated. Lighting should be designed based on CIBSE’s SLL Lighting Handbook or an equivalent design guide.

So, I would start with CIBSE guidance for recommendations.

Note that there is probably a presumption that communal lighting should be OFF when people are not using the communal spaces.

So, lighting switched on by proximity devices or at the very least time switches, so as NOT to be on during daylight (assuming sufficient "borrowed" lighting from windows on landings etc)

thanks 1 user thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
A Kurdziel on 07/09/2022(UTC)
Kate  
#4 Posted : 07 September 2022 13:41:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I'm not familiar with the detail, but I think the Housing Health and Safety Rating System is the thing to refer to.

Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS): guidance for landlords and property-related professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

thanks 1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.
cakeholistic on 07/02/2023(UTC)
RVThompson  
#5 Posted : 07 February 2023 08:17:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RVThompson

Reported - hidden link number two from this poster.

thanks 2 users thanked RVThompson for this useful post.
Roundtuit on 07/02/2023(UTC), peter gotch on 07/02/2023(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#6 Posted : 25 July 2024 09:18:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

olivia101 REPORTED

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
peter gotch on 25/07/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 25/07/2024(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#7 Posted : 25 July 2024 09:18:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

olivia101 REPORTED

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
peter gotch on 25/07/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 25/07/2024(UTC)
peter gotch  
#8 Posted : 25 July 2024 14:12:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

I assume that Roundtuit has reported due to a hidden link.

Yet another games site if the title of the website is to go by.

Yet another domain name in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Kate  
#9 Posted : 25 July 2024 16:18:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

And recognisable from the first line as not being of human origin.

Messey  
#10 Posted : 26 July 2024 08:48:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Messey

How is the communal lighting controlled at night? Timer switches? PIR? I am coming at this from a means of escape/fire POV

 I have seen some dodgy timer switch set ups where some people who tend to move more slowly than others have to reset the lights several times when escaping from upper floors which may mean scrambling about in the dark feeling for the switch. That is plainly unacceptable  ​​​​​​​As are slow acting PIRs on staircases

Roundtuit  
#11 Posted : 26 July 2024 08:58:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

resurrected post OP last visit September 2022

Roundtuit  
#12 Posted : 26 July 2024 08:58:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

resurrected post OP last visit September 2022

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