The main statutory duties in relation to emergency lighting are:

* The Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 require all employers to conduct a fire risk assessment: one of the considerations for the risk assessment to address is the need for emergency lighting.

* The Building Regulations Approved Document B, Fire Safety (which applies to all new buildings, refurbishments, alterations, etc.) states that all escape routes should have adequate artificial lighting. Essentially, all escape routes require emergency lighting: other areas specifically requiring emergency lighting are set out in a table (table 9). You can download the document (PDF format) from:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_buildreg/documents/page/odpm_breg_027756.pdf

There is an useful Q&A about emergency lighting on the website of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC):

http://www.niceic.org.uk/approved/emergency.html

With regards certification, the NICEIC recommends the following:

--

On completing the installation of an emergency lighting system, or part of it, or of a major alteration to an existing installation, an emergency lighting completion certificate should be supplied to the occupier/owner of the premises. A copy of this certificate may be required by the enforcing authority.

On completion of a three-yearly inspection and test schedule, an emergency lighting periodic inspection and test certificate should be issued to the occupier/owner of the premises. This certificate should be supplied at intervals of no more than 3 years or on the completion of a major alteration or addition to an existing installation, or at such other times as required by the enforcing authority. A copy of this certificate may be required by the enforcing authority.

A log book should be kept on the premises in the care of a responsible person appointed by the occupier/owner and should be readily available for examination by any authorized person. The log book should be used to record the following information:

a) Date of any completion certificate including any certificate relating to alterations.

b) Date of each periodic inspection and test certificate.

c) Date and brief details of each service, inspection or test carried out.

d) Date and brief details of any defects and of remedial action taken.

e) Date and brief details of any alterations to the emergency lighting installation.

--

The main guidance on emergency lighting is 'British Standard 5266, Code of Practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than private domestic premises, cinemas and certain other special premises used for entertainment'.