Educational checklist examples for safety, equipment and operational tasks — what a checklist covers, who uses it and how it connects to forms, inspections and training. Informational only — template examples to adapt, not official documents or legal advice; completing a checklist does not guarantee compliance and employers remain responsible.
What an emergency lighting checklist is
An emergency lighting checklist is a list used to confirm that emergency lighting — luminaires and illuminated exit signs on escape routes — comes on and illuminates the way out when the normal supply fails.
This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, and a routine check does not replace the periodic testing and maintenance carried out by a competent person at intervals set by the applicable law and standards.
Purpose
- Confirm emergency luminaires and exit signs operate on test.
- Check that escape routes and exits would be illuminated on power failure.
- Identify failed, dim or damaged units.
- Record the check and flag units needing attention.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer for routine checks.
- Longer-duration tests and maintenance are a separate competent-person task.
- The employer decides who carries out checks and arranges testing and repair.
- Defects are reported to whoever can act on them.
When it is used
- On the routine check cycle the employer sets.
- After electrical work, alterations or a reported failure.
- Alongside (not instead of) periodic duration tests.
- As part of broader fire and emergency checks.
Typical items
- Luminaires and illuminated exit signs present along escape routes.
- Units operate when tested (e.g. via the test facility).
- No obviously failed, flickering, dim or damaged units.
- Signs legible and not obstructed.
- Failures flagged for repair; longer-duration test scheduled separately.
- Example items only — adapt to your installation and the applicable standards.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a quick check instead of the required periodic tests.
- Leaving failed luminaires unrepaired.
- Obstructing or removing exit signs.
- No record of which units passed or failed.
Document workflow
The emergency lighting checklist sits alongside the fire safety and evacuation readiness checks and draws on the fire risk assessment, which identifies the routes that need illumination. Failures feed maintenance and the testing record, and recurring issues may trigger a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after an emergency lighting checklist.
Retention (high level)
Lighting checks and test records are usually kept for a period alongside maintenance and fire records, in line with the employer’s obligations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Emergency lighting checks are commonly recorded and stored as PDFs alongside the fire log and test records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Provide emergency lighting suitable for the escape routes.
- Arrange routine checks and separate periodic testing and maintenance.
- Make sure failed units are repaired promptly.
- Keep check and test records together.
Worker notes
- Report any emergency light or exit sign that is out or damaged.
- Do not obstruct or cover exit signs and luminaires.
- Know your escape routes in case lighting is reduced.
Country considerations
Requirements and standards for emergency lighting, its testing and records vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer (or person with control of the premises) is responsible for suitable emergency lighting, its testing and maintenance, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not replace competent testing and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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