Emergency Exit Lighting - Case Study Example

Emergency Exit Lighting Name & ID Course Name & Code Instructor’s Name 11 December 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Emergency Exit in Homes 3 Testing Emergency Lights and Exit Signs 5 Types of systems 7 Emergency Luminaire 8 How Much Light 10 Sitting of Luminaire’s 10 Servicing & Testing 11 Routines, Inspections & Tests 13 Commissioning certificate 14 Maintenance 15 Testing Strategies 15 ‘Cry Wolf’ Syndrome 15 Reducing the Cry Wolf Syndrome 16 Introduction Hazards are inherent in real life situations and these hazards are disastrous to properties and other economic development. Thus, development of numerous strategies that assists people to escape from scenes of accidents especially in buildings is important and hence the presence of Integrated emergency fire exit lights that aids civilians to exit a hazardous area. The aim of this project is to combine numerous electronic components to develop an integrated device, which is modernised and updated with the current technologies. Emergency lighting system can be defined as a lighting system that is mainly used situations of emergencies and at a time the building power supply fails; it may fail because of service supplier power cut or the fire may have caused the fail. Thus, power failure during time of emergency may be disastrous since unnecessary movements that are filled with panic may occur resulting in collision and physical danger to the occupants or people who want to exit the area. In most cases, emergency lighting system should be automatic land able to provide enough light that can be used by all people; people may have different complications and thus the lighting system should gather for. Current new buildings are developed with the idea of emergency lighting system and most of designs are conceptualised by local authority, registered architect and/or property consultant. Emergency Exit in Homes Emergency at homes have continuously been reported but there are shortcoming that the designers included into the design of the building and thus, this may inhibit evacuation or exiting from the incident area. For example, in 1987, a fire broke out in Phoenix area and four members of family perished instantly. Fire investigations later revealed that security bars had covered all the windows and thus were not able to escape through the windows. Hence, it calls for the need of installing security bars that can be released easily by just a pull of a plug or clutch. In fact, more considerations and special requirements should be put in place in those conditions that there are disadvantaged people such as young children, infants or even the elderly who may need assistance during emergencies; formulation of a design that brings these people into consideration will ensure that risks threats are minimised. It could also be important for home planners and residents to plan an escape plan in case of incidents. This can be achieved by drawing up the floor diagram of the building with clear indications of regular and emergency exit routes. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that there are more than one exit routes in a room or a building. People within the building and in the cause of houses and homes, all members should be informed on the way in which the exit routes are operated and if any emergency problem is detected it is paramount to repair or replace the problem. Some strategies that family members should employ include means of breaking out of building on fire when the widow is stuck. They may be informed that a hard object can be used to break the window and protective clothing placed on the sharp edges. Moreover, numerous and safety procedures that are proven have been developed to be used during exiting in an emergency case. These may include sliding the feet out and stomach first before the head and hands, hand on both of the hands until a comfortable position is reached in which the hands are left and the person jumps out. When the person nears landing, the person should fold the knees to absorb the landing shock. After successful exiting or evacuation (even if it is not that much successful) a specific location should be established and all the family members should known the location. This will prevent the family members from wondering or losing compass of localities of other family members. Moreover, specifying the location will prevent risks such as family members going back into the house to look for other members of the family. Roles and responsibilities should clearly be defined in advance such that there should be a point person in the family who is responsible for reporting the incident situation. Moreover, if anyone is missing it is appropriate to ensure that the case is reported to fire department so that the fire department can come and assist looking for the missing person. Overall, no family member should be allowed to go back to the incident area. It is paramount to ensure that the family members have clear demonstration and approach towards escaping from an incident. This can be achieved by practising the family members on means and ways of escaping. In addition, communication systems may be developed that will inform the family members that incident of fire have been reported. Communication systems may include the use of fire alarms and smoke detectors that relays information automatically; sometimes the family members may be asleep and cannot switch on the passive fire systems. Testing Emergency Lights and Exit Signs Most emergency lights that are installed in homes or business premises are the use electronic devices with own power supply means e.g. a small battery. The device may be connected to the power supply system and in case of power failure, the circuit will automatically trigger activation of lights that are for emergency purposes and designed such that it can warn occupants by either lighting in a funny way or blinking. Generally, most of these emergency light systems work for an average of thirty minutes after the initial power failure. Exit signs are also important since it guides occupants to evacuate from a building. Most signs are connected to the power of the building and usually the signs have two bulbs one lights up when there is presence of power while the other will light on if there is a power failure. A power failure sign is evident in that the light will be dimmer and thus the problem or incident will be sensed. Technological development has ensured that maintenance of the emergency signs is encouraged through routine testing and most the testing should be done when a specified contractor is servicing the generator. Regulations and government codes on emergency services have been stipulated and should be adhered. These codes state that it is crucial to inspect and test the emergency system in monthly basis and should include a mandatory thirty-second testing. Additionally, annual testing should be carried out in which the emergency lights and signs should be tested for more than thirty minutes to determine whether it meets the threshold of emergency. One strategy that can be used to test the emergency system is through triggering their inbuilt “Push to test” button that was included during manufacturing period. In order to determine whether the emergency system operates effectively, triggering the emergency button will require that the light should be bright and inform and it is supposed to last the entire period of testing and mostly should not be less than thirty seconds. However, if the lights dim or show other conditions that were originally not require, it means that corrective measures should be instituted immediately. Another method of testing the emergency system may be through locating the fuse or circuit breaker and turning it off. It is supposed that the emergency systems should operate effectively for the best thirty seconds or in the case of annual testing, should last for thirty minutes. The aim of testing the bulbs for a period of more than thirty seconds is to determine whether bulbs are good since most defective bulbs last for only a few seconds. Types of systems Emergency lightning systems can be classified in three ways, which are: Non-maintained – such systems illuminate every time there is a power failure Maintained – these operate continuously even if there is presence or absence of emergency. Sustained – such systems usually have twin set of lamp. One of the lamps operate on AC voltage while the other operate on DC. When there is a problem with AC voltage it will run on DC voltage, and vice versa These emergency systems are usually abbreviated in terms of time so that during purchasing or deciding to purchase, it provides a convenient means of differentiating the system, and determining the most appropriate system for consumer’s main aim. These abbreviations may include: M4-Maintained System, means that the emergency duration should be 4 hours NM3-Non-maintained system means that the emergency duration should be 3 hours S2-sustained stem means that the emergency duration should last 2 hours Emergency Luminaire Emergency luminaire may be of two types; one type may bring together its components with the slave and is called self contained or body to a central system in which the lamp is connected to the luminaire body while the power supply is from different but central source. These two types of emergency system comes with its benefits and weaknesses. Advantages of self-contained It is easier to install and can be run at low cost The wiring system is usually standard Single wiring system is supported Hardware, service and maintenance cost is low Disadvantages of Self contained Operation range is usually restricted because of effect of temperatures on the batteries used The life of battery is usually small Testing of Luminaire factors into consideration testing of individual component Advantages of central type Maintenance and routine testing is easier since a specific point is considered It usually has a superior battery life that can last between 5-25 years It can operate effectively on different temperatures and thus any environment It is cheaper to purchase the large batteries and thus cheaper per unit of power Disadvantages of central system Usually expensive to install since many equipments and wiring system is required A large part of the system may be disabled if a small problem occurs More space and environment control is required since these equipments should be specifically installed in a room that has enough ventilation because of the acid used. Voltage drop in any location on the luminaire wire may make the entire emergency system to be inconsistent Generally, the appropriate technology or emergency system that can be deployed is determined by cost factors. Determination of the cost implications will be determine by the resources that the company has and future plans of the building. In the case, the project is for long periods and it is large in nature, the appropriate emergency system is central while for smaller projects the most preferred emergency system is self contained luminaire. How Much Light Specific conditions are provisions have been stipulated in that BS5266 recommends that horizontal illumination within the areas of escape should not be less than 0.2 and for areas that are described as anti panic should not be less than 0.5 lux. Nevertheless, it is recommended that fifty percent of the building should be illuminated by light of a minimum of 0.1 lux, these are the basic rules. However, actual illumination amount should be determined through analysis of design of the building, nature and type of occupants within the building bring such factors as age and disability, and the use of the building such as is it a supermarket, pub, hospital or even a discotheque. Sitting of Luminaire’s It is important to determine the nature of the building and its application so that bits is easy to determine sitting of the lighting units and factoring into consideration the exiting signs within the building. Moreover, understanding the sitting of light units will form a strong basis that will be used to determine equipment selection process. Thus, the equipments and appliances should be strategically located so that it clearly shows the routes that leads to the final exits within the building. However, if the exits are tricky to trace it is important to include additional measures that will aid people to exit safely. Moreover, other signs should pinpoint toilets, stairways, control rooms and lifts, and addition equipments should be used to indicate the fire alarm points and firefighting devices. The firefighting devices should clearly be labelled and should have instructions on how to use it. Countries formulate and implement legislative measures that ensure emergency system operate effectively. In Europe and specifically in United Kingdom, emergency lighting requirements have been provide specifying particular areas that they can be used. For example, the emergency lighting system should cover emergency escape signs, escape routes, each of the exit door, changes in floor level, fire alarm focal points, fire fighting equipments, and the equipments that should be shut down during emergency cases. Additionally, the lighting system should cover areas such as premises that have devoices that operate in more that 60m2 such as the lifts. Generally, it is difficult to provide lighting system for all of these devices and equipments. Thus it is important to ensure that sufficient emergency lighting is provided for and should be visible during emergency situations. Servicing & Testing In any testing activity, it is important to simulate the testing process as if the actual incident has occurred. Thus, during testing , simulation should be carried out in such a way normal power failure within the lighting circuits, and this will then trigger the emergency lighting and thus the entire emergency system will start using the backup power automatically. To fulfil this requirements, two approaches can be used, which are either manual or automatic. Manual testing is achieved through disconnecting the circuit either through unplugging electrical cable or switching off. Non-maintained system has a central switch that is used to control whole circuit within the premise and/or other times different switches are available. However, in this case it will be required that simulating the mains failure requires going around the entire building to check whether the emergency systems is operating efficiently. In addition, after restoring the entire emergency system, the contractor has to go around determining whether the system is re-charging properly. After the entire process has been completed, it is important to log off the emergency system. Automatic testing removes the disadvantages that are associated with manual testing such as disruption and requiring numerous technicians to accomplish the task. Automatic system has a control panel that has a remote unit per luminaire that reports to the main panel, and it is capable to hold more than 500 Luminaire. These different remote units can either be maintained or non-maintained fro some periods and tests frequency time may also be set in advance. However, it is compounded by numerous restrictions on testing. The advantage of this system is that all information can be logged on the main panel; sometimes this information can be printed, and the logs may have entries of up to 1000; a back up battery controls the entire system. The information is usually stored in the EEPROM and thus information can be accessed even if the battery power supply runs out. It is important to ensure that emergency systems come with features that help during testing conditions; however, some issues have to be addressed, which may include: Qualified staff and technicians should be available. The nature and level of testing should be tabulated Testing time should be performed outside normal working hours so that disruptions can be minimised within the building. All information should be documented and stored properly Routines, Inspections & Tests Carrying out tests is usually a risk factor that should be analysed in determining and determining the most appropriate time that the test can be effective and not have side effects. This is because power failure may occur shortly after the testing process. Thus, it is paramount to carry out the testing and inspections works at the time of low risk to allow for the battery re-charges just in case of blackout occurring. Frequent inspections on the indicators of the central power supply should be carried out. Data obtained from the short test should be recorded and used in future procedures and tests. The internally illuminated exit and Luminaire’s signs should set to their emergency mode so that the battery power can last for long periods. This approach will ensure that depiction of normal power failure situation can be analysed relative to specific lamp. Moreover, the system monitors should be observed within the central battery systems. When the automatic testing devices (annually) have been used, it is important to record this annual information, and the documentation may involve: Make sure that the illuminated signs and luminaire are tested monthly as per instructions that are in place. After every test, normal lighting should be restored so that the charging system can operate. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the charging system functions efficiently and effectively. The day the test was carried out should be documented plus the results that were obtained Commissioning certificate Within European Union (EU), specified standards are in place that requires written declarations of compliance of emergency system regulations, and this inspection comes with a certificate that may have: Installation quality – IEE regulations and conditions should be fulfilled Declaration of a Satisfactory Test of Operation – this means that all system test and results should be documented, which means that commissioning forms and logbook test should be available. Photometric Performance – evidence of complying with light levels and provisions should be determined by system designer The installer will issue Installation Certificate to the owner of the building or building management after all, the requirements of emergency system are met. Maintenance After installation of the emergency system, it is important to ensure that frequent maintenance is championed to ensure durability is achieved and also to reduce repair cost. Other parts should be replaced as they wear out. Testing Strategies Some precautions that should be taken include ‘Cry Wolf’ Syndrome The aim of fire alarm testing in view of fire protection industry is positive in nature such that it is designed to uncover faults and increase reliability. On the other hand, the public think that fire alarm testing is something that is negative; it is associated with nuisance and interruption of their work and lives. Hence, their perception is that the testing itself is a false alarm and thus nuisance alarms. The ‘Cry Wolf’ syndrome is evident when someone is subjected to a high ratio of false-to-real alerts; false means that any form of non-fire or non threatening activation of the resident notification faction of a fire detection and alarm unit. When actual fire or any form of threat activation of the system of alarm happens, resident response and behaviour relies upon their confidence within the system. This means that the ‘Cry Wolf’ syndrome makes the occupants to question negatively the validity of the alarm. Thus, employing a strategy that reduces false-to-real alerts may increase confidents of the inhabitants and thus may translate in improvement of credibility. Moreover, numerous false activations commonly referred as nuisance alarms slow occupants’ response when the actual incident occurs. Nevertheless, fire service, fire alarm and other organisations that deal with emergency settings have developed means of reducing these nuisance problems. This means that it is important to ensure that an emergency system that is appropriately designed, installed and maintained tends to be more stable reducing effects associated with alarms. Reducing the Cry Wolf Syndrome The aim of every occupants is to stay in an environment that is safe and that can provide advance alarm in case of incidents, installation of notification system may increase the Cry Wolf syndrome, this means that emergency system has its benefits and shortcomings. This means that the wiring system should be checked without sounding the alarm. In addition, some incidents are caused by the failure of the appliances or devices themselves; such failures may include blocking the sound speakers or some bulbs may not operate effectively, but not all this can be detected by the help of electrical means. However, such problems can be identified through physical inspection and this will drastically reduce the Cry Wolf syndrome. Different sources should be used to inform staff and other people on occurrences of emergencies. For example, it is important to notify the occupants and staff before hand on the nature of duty and the benefits associated with the strategy. Occupants can be informed in advance the impending testing and stating the date that testing and other repairs will take place, this will reduce surprises and hence the syndrome effect can be reduced. Read More