If emergency lighting fails a test, the priority is to manage risk on escape routes, log the fault, then repair and retest. Industry guidance also highlights putting alternate safety procedures in place until repaired and keeping a clear logbook of tests and actions.
This comes up a lot on school sites. A monthly functional test flags a dead fitting on a stair core or the annual duration test shows batteries dropping out early. The good news is most failures follow predictable patterns and a calm process keeps the school safe and the paperwork tidy.
For schools that like to keep everything joined up (EICR, emergency lighting, PAT and remedials), it usually sits under Electrical Statutory Compliance.
Step 1: Treat it as an escape route issue first
On school sites, the same failure can mean very different things depending on location.
High priority locations (deal with these first):
stairwells and landings
main corridors used for evacuation
final exits and exit signage
routes used for evening lettings (halls, sports areas)
Lower priority (still log it, still fix it):
small stores and cupboards off-route
low-occupancy rooms with good adjacent coverage
A simple way to think about it: if it affects how people would leave the building safely, it moves up the list.
Step 2: Know what kind of failure you’re looking at
Most emergency lighting faults fall into one of these:
1) Dead on the monthly functional test
The fitting or sign doesn’t illuminate when the test is triggered.
Common causes: failed driver, failed battery connection, damaged fitting, local supply/charging issue.
2) Comes on, but looks wrong
Flickering, dim output, slow start or uneven light.
Common causes: battery nearing end-of-life, loose connection, internal component failing.
3) Fails the annual duration test
It illuminates, then drops out early during the full rated duration test.
BAFE’s guidance calls for a full rated duration test at least annually.
The Fire Protection Association notes the annual duration test requirement is typically three hours.
When a school sees a cluster of duration failures, it’s usually not “bad luck”. It’s often batteries ageing out across a corridor or block.
Step 3: Log it properly the moment it’s found
This is where sites either stay organised or end up chasing history later.
monthly functional checks
annual full duration tests
logging failures and recording all testing and repairs in a logbook
introducing alternate safety procedures until repaired
A strong log entry doesn’t need to be technical. It needs to be clear:
date and time
test type (monthly functional / annual duration)
exact location (block, floor, corridor/stair reference)
what was observed (dead / dim / intermittent / sign out)
action taken (removed from use? job raised? temp measure?)
repair date and retest result
If the logbook is consistent, audits become straightforward and caretaker handovers are far less painful.
Step 4: Put temporary measures in place where needed
This is the bit many online guides don’t spell out clearly, but it matters.
BAFE’s guidance explicitly references introducing alternate safety procedures until repaired.
In practice, temporary measures depend on the building and fire risk assessment, but common sensible steps on school sites include:
prioritising repair before evening lettings if the affected route will be used
temporarily keeping a route clear and well managed (no stored items, no blocked signage)
if appropriate, limiting use of a particular stairwell or corridor until the fitting is restored (site-specific decision)
The key point is that the site can show it didn’t ignore the failure while waiting for repair.
Step 5: Repair and retest (then close it out)
After a repair, a quick retest should confirm the fitting behaves correctly, then the logbook should be updated with:
what was repaired/replaced (plain English is fine)
date repaired
retest pass confirmation
If faults are found during broader compliance testing, it often makes sense to batch them into planned works rather than repeat one-off callouts. That’s where Electrical Remedial Work tends to sit naturally in the process.
When to repair vs when to plan a tidy-up
A useful rule seen across London school estates:
One fitting fails in an otherwise healthy area → repair and move on
Several fittings fail in the same corridor or block → plan a grouped visit
Multiple duration failures at annual test → likely battery end-of-life across that zone
If your site is large, the IHEEM pocket guide also notes annual full duration testing can be phased through the year, which can make planning easier for big schools and trusts.
Keep testing safe while you do it
Testing and fault-finding needs the same calm approach as any other electrical work. The HSE’s guidance on electrical testing is aimed at people who manage or carry out testing and focuses on controlling risks during these activities.
For schools, that usually means:
agreeing access and timing in advance
clear communication on what’s being tested
keeping routes tidy and controlled
working when pupil movement is minimal
Support for education sites
For schools, trusts and local authority estates teams that want emergency lighting testing and repairs kept organised (with the right records in place), more information is here: Electrical Services for Schools and Education.
If you’d like a quote for a specific site (annual duration test, fault repairs or a full compliance plan), you can Contact Us.