What is this standard about?
BS EN 1838 specifies the guidelines for emergency escape lighting and standby lighting systems installed in premises or locations where such systems are required. These locations are principally where the public or workers have access.
Who is this standard for?
- Lighting engineers
- Electrical contractors
- Landlords, employers and any individual with responsibility for premises such as hospitals, care homes, hotels, schools, laboratories, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, sports halls, libraries, shops, museums and sports stadia
Why should you use this standard?
The overall objective of emergency escape lighting is to enable safe exit from a location in the event of failure of the normal supply. The standard outlines recommendations for appropriate visual conditions and direction finding on all escape routes with a view to reducing panic and to enable safe movement from the building plus assistance with proper shut down procedures.
Use of BS EN 1838 can help save life and unnecessary anxiety and confusion can be alleviated by strategically placed visible signs indicating the way out of a location.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1838 has been fully revised by experts to bring it up to date with technological developments and industry best practice. Changes include:
- Illumination of the points of emphasis has been clarified and improved and external illuminations has been clarified as needing to extend to a place of safety
- Illumination of fire alarm call points and first aid posts are now consistent, regardless of location
- The colour and style of safety signs is amended to the revised ISO format
- A deviations of some countries has been amended
