Emergency Light Testing & Emergency Lighting Inspection

BS 5266-1 compliant emergency lighting testing for blocks of flats, HMOs, workplaces and commercial premises across Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset and Hampshire — so your escape routes stay lit when the power fails.

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Our certificates & Accreditations

Who Needs Emergency Light Testing?

Emergency light testing is a legal requirement for every building with an emergency lighting system. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5266-1:2016, the responsible person must ensure emergency lighting is tested at the correct intervals and that every test is recorded in an onsite logbook. When the mains supply fails — whether through a power cut or a fire — emergency lighting keeps escape routes visible and highlights fire safety equipment such as manual call points and extinguishers. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, invalidated insurance and unsafe evacuation conditions.

Blocks of Flats & Communal Areas

Stairwells, corridors and communal lobbies must stay lit so residents can find their way out, especially at night.

HMOs & Rented Property

Shared escape routes in HMOs need tested emergency lighting and a logbook record of every check.

Offices & Commercial Premises

Employers must ensure staff can evacuate safely if the lights fail during working hours.

Retail & Hospitality

Shops, restaurants and hotels need reliable escape lighting to guide customers and guests to safety.

Schools & Education

Classrooms, halls and corridors need working emergency lighting to protect pupils, staff and visitors.

Industrial & Warehousing

Large, windowless spaces become hazardous in a power cut — tested lighting keeps exits visible.

What Our Emergency Light Testing Includes

We carry out the full testing schedule set out in BS 5266-1. Each month, a flick test using a secure fish key simulates a mains failure to confirm every lamp switches on correctly. Once a year, a full three-hour duration test confirms batteries sustain the rated duration and lamps maintain adequate lux levels. Every test and fault is logged, remedial actions are clearly recommended, and your records are stored digitally so they are ready for inspectors, fire authorities or insurers on request.

1. Book & Get a Free Quote

Tell us about your property and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.

2. Monthly Flick Tests

A short functional test simulating mains failure to confirm every lamp illuminates.

3. Annual Duration Test

A full three-hour drain-down test to verify battery performance and lux levels.

4. Logbook & Digital Records

Every test and fault recorded, with clear recommendations for any remedial work.

Google Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Casey Craig 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted Safetec Protection feeling rather desperate, needing rapid assistance with some fire door inspections and I was immediately put at ease by Dean. He secured an appointment for me and Harvey attended to deal with the inspections only a few days later. Amazing!

Not only that, but they managed to get the written report over to me really quickly as well because they knew the timescale I was up against. They helped me out so much and truly went above and beyond and I am so grateful.

I would highly recommend Safetec Protection to anyone, excellent service!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Collins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After 2 years of complete lies from bogus FRA companies in Portsmouth -we finally decided to get a local report in our area .

The report and service we received from Dean was Outstanding !
We Highly recommend this company!

An Honest-Transparent -friendly and fairly priced company that we will be using from now on for all of of FRA inspections  ✅
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joshy Cho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reliable, easy to communicate with and professional service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emily Harte 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted Dean on the Friday morning for a Fire Risk Assessment. The assessment was carried out on the Monday, with the report in my email inbox by Wednesday morning. Brilliant service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous service by Dean and the team. Dean has been very professional, friendly and helpful in helping me gain the fire assessment for our property. He arrived on time and as advised, produced a timely professional report and offered advice on remedial works which I intend to follow up on. If you need any help with this type of service in the area I can highly recommend the Safetec team, thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carpet Barn Bed Store 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service from start to finish.
They were efficient when surveying for our requirements and provided a competitive quote quickly.
They since carried out the works to our stores and delivered as promised.
Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   4 A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. George attended our building and was friendly, professional and helpful. The report he produced was comprehensive and shows where we need to make improvements, would definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Raymond Hatchard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class business dealt with my priority situation immediately would have  no hesitation in recommending Safetec Protection,
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nigel Ward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic business gave me some expert advice highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Granger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to deal with and reliable with routine testing of emergency lights and fire alarms.

Services we offer

Fire Door Inspection

Emergency lighting guides people along escape routes; fire doors keep those routes protected. Our fire door inspections check, photograph and log every door on the way out.

Health & Safety

Faulty lighting and dark communal areas are common findings in our health and safety reports, which also cover security, electrics and everyday hazards.

Fire Risk Assessments

Your fire risk assessment should confirm emergency lighting is adequate for your escape routes. Our PAS 79-compliant fire risk assessments review it alongside every other fire precaution.

Smoke Alarms

Lighting shows the way out, detection raises the alarm in the first place. We install, test and maintain smoke alarm and fire alarm systems, and bundle testing with your lighting visits.

Testing & Maintenance

Combine your emergency lighting schedule with AOV testing and other routine checks — one provider, one set of records and a multi-package discount.

Fire Safety Essentials from Our Shop

Record every monthly and annual test with a fire safety log book, and keep your escape routes lit with emergency light sticks — available from our shop with fast delivery.

Lightstick-White, 30 minutes, Pack of 10 (LSK1)
Emergency Lighting £48.99 Add to Cart
Sale!
Fire Safety Log Book A4
Fire Safety Documents Original price was: £9.99.Current price is: £9.04. Add to Cart
Out of stock
Fire Safety Log Book A5
Fire Safety Documents £8.99 Add to Cart
Fire Chief Fire Document Bag with A4 Fire Safety Log Book Bundle
Fire Safety Documents £18.34 Add to Cart

Areas We Cover

Safetec Protection carries out emergency light testing and emergency lighting inspections across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and throughout Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding counties. From single blocks to multi-site portfolios, our Poole-based team keeps your monthly and annual testing on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is emergency light testing required in the UK?

Under BS5266-1 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, emergency lighting testing in the UK follows a structured schedule: a monthly Emergency Lighting Flick Test to confirm lamps illuminate on power failure, and an annual full-duration emergency lighting test lasting three hours to verify battery performance. Daily visual checks are also recommended for systems with central batteries. All emergency lighting checks must be recorded in an onsite logbook.

What is a flick test for emergency lights?

A flick test for emergency lights — also called the Emergency Lighting Flick Test — is a short monthly functional test that simulates a mains power failure. A competent person uses a secure fish key to isolate the lighting circuit, which triggers the emergency lighting to activate on battery power. Testing emergency lights this way confirms the lamps switch on correctly and that the system is operational. The test result must be logged, and any faults reported and remedied promptly.

What are the legal emergency light testing requirements?

The legal emergency light testing requirements in the UK are set out in BS5266-1:2016 and enforced under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person for a building must ensure monthly emergency lighting checks (the flick test) and an annual emergency lighting inspection lasting the full three-hour rated duration. Records of all emergency lighting tests must be maintained and available for inspection. Non-compliance can result in enforcement notices, fines, or invalidated building insurance.

How much does emergency lighting testing cost in the UK?

Emergency lighting testing cost in the UK depends on several factors, including the number of fittings, the building type, and whether you need monthly visits, annual inspections, or both. At Safetec Protection, we provide competitive pricing for all emergency light testing and emergency lighting maintenance services, with discounted rates available when bundled with fire alarm testing or fire risk assessments. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your property.

Can I carry out emergency lighting tests myself?

Monthly emergency lighting checks such as the flick test can be carried out by a designated competent person on site using the correct fish key. However, the annual full-duration emergency lighting test and any faults identified should be handled — or at minimum overseen — by a qualified professional to ensure compliance with BS5266-1. Engaging a specialist for your emergency light service ensures accurate reporting, proper logbook records, and peace of mind that your emergency lighting inspection meets all legal requirements.

What happens during an annual emergency lighting inspection?

During an annual emergency lighting inspection, a competent engineer isolates the mains supply to the emergency lighting system and allows it to run on battery power for the full three-hour rated duration. Throughout this emergency lighting test, the engineer checks that all lamps remain illuminated and maintain adequate brightness (lux levels). The locations of all fittings are also verified for compliance with BS5266-1. Any faults — such as battery failure or lamp failure — are recorded, and remedial action is recommended. This forms a critical part of your emergency lighting maintenance programme and must be documented in your onsite logbook.

Emergency Lighting Compliance Made Simple

From monthly flick tests to annual three-hour duration tests, we handle your entire emergency lighting schedule — with every result logged, every fault reported and clear recommendations for any remedial work. Combine your lighting tests with fire alarm and AOV testing for a multi-package discount, and let us keep your property compliant with BS 5266-1 while you focus on managing it.