Emergency Lighting Test Record

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What an emergency lighting test record is

An emergency lighting test record documents the testing of luminaires that light escape routes and exits when the normal supply fails — confirming they operate and last for the required duration.

This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not set the test regime — the employer and the applicable standards decide what testing is needed.

Purpose

• Record that emergency lighting operates when normal power fails.
• Confirm luminaires illuminate escape routes and exits.
• Identify failed fittings, batteries or chargers for action.
• Support safe means of escape as part of fire safety.

Who completes it

• A responsible person carries out routine functional tests.
• A competent person carries out the longer duration tests and maintenance.
• The employer arranges testing and acts on findings.
• Failed fittings are reported and repaired.

When it is used

• On the routine functional-test cycle.
• On the longer duration-test cycle set by the standards.
• After installation, alteration or repair.
• The employer is responsible for keeping testing on schedule.

Typical fields

• Premises and the area or circuit tested.
• Date, the person and the type of test carried out.
• Luminaires checked and whether each operated correctly.
• Failures found, action required and when it was done.
• Next due date and sign-off.
• Example fields only — adapt to the system and the applicable standards.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the longer duration test that checks battery endurance.
• Testing at a time that would leave the building unsafe if a fitting failed.
• Not repairing failed luminaires promptly.
• No record, so missed tests and recurring failures go unnoticed.

Document workflow

The test record works with the fire risk assessment, the fire extinguisher and alarm records, and the fixed electrical inspection. A failed luminaire should trigger repair and re-test; results feed the fire-safety file.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after an emergency lighting test record.

Retention (high level)

Test records are typically kept for a period set by the employer and any applicable rules. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Records are commonly stored as PDFs in the fire-safety file. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the test official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Arrange routine and duration testing of emergency lighting.
• Repair failed luminaires promptly.
• Test at times that keep the building safe.
• Keep test, fire-risk-assessment and electrical records together.

Worker notes

• Report emergency lights that look damaged or do not work.
• Keep escape routes and emergency fittings clear.
• Know the escape routes for your area.

Country considerations

Requirements for emergency lighting, testing and the official authority vary by country. 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 responsible person is responsible for fire-safety arrangements, including emergency lighting and safe escape, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not test anything and does not transfer responsibility.