Emergency Light Testing in Winter: Why Seasonal Checks Are Critical for Workplace Fire Safety

Winter is the most demanding season for emergency lighting systems. Shorter daylight hours, increased risk of power outages, harsh weather, and reduced site occupancy all combine to raise the stakes for workplace safety. When normal lighting fails, emergency lights become the only guidance people have to escape safely.

This makes winter the most important time of year to review emergency light testing and compliance. In this guide, we explain why winter conditions increase risk, what emergency lighting testing involves, and how organisations can stay compliant while protecting staff, residents, and visitors.

Why Emergency Lighting Is More Critical in Winter

Emergency lighting is designed to operate automatically when the normal power supply fails. In winter, failures are more likely and consequences are more severe.

Key winter risk factors include:

• Longer hours of darkness

• Increased demand on electrical systems

• Higher likelihood of power interruptions

• Reduced visibility during bad weather

• Fewer staff on site due to holidays

• Colder temperatures affecting battery performance

If an emergency lighting system fails during winter, escape routes can become unusable within seconds. This places people at serious risk and exposes duty holders to enforcement action.

What Emergency Light Testing Involves

Emergency light testing confirms that luminaires will operate correctly during a power failure. Testing ensures that escape routes, stairwells, corridors, and high risk areas remain illuminated long enough for safe evacuation.

Emergency light testing includes:

• Visual inspections

• Functional testing

• Duration testing

• Battery condition checks

• Charging circuit verification

• Record keeping and certification

In the UK, testing must be carried out in line with BS 5266, which sets out inspection frequency and performance requirements.

Learn more about compliant testing here: Emergency Light Testing https://www.protestesltd.co.uk/emergency-light-testing.

Winter Specific Emergency Lighting Failures

Many emergency lighting faults only appear during winter. This is because systems are under greater stress than at any other time of year.

Battery degradation

Emergency lights rely on rechargeable batteries. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, meaning fittings may not achieve the required duration.

Increased test failures

Systems that pass in summer often fail duration tests in winter when batteries are weaker.

Charging circuit issues

Higher electrical loading can expose faults in charging circuits, preventing batteries from fully charging.

Physical damage

Increased movement of equipment, decorations, and deliveries can lead to accidental damage to luminaires.

Poor visibility of faults

With fewer people on site during winter shutdowns, failed lights can go unnoticed for long periods.

Legal Responsibilities During Winter

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement under several UK regulations. Winter does not reduce this obligation. In fact, it increases expectations.

Key legislation includes:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• BS 5266 Emergency Lighting Code of Practice

The responsible person must ensure emergency lighting is:

• Installed correctly

• Maintained regularly

• Tested at required intervals

• Documented accurately

Failure to test or maintain emergency lighting can result in enforcement notices, fines, prosecution, and invalidated insurance.

Emergency Lighting Testing Frequencies Explained

BS 5266 sets clear testing intervals that must be followed throughout the year, including winter.

 Monthly functional tests

A short test to confirm that each light illuminates when power is interrupted.

Annual full duration test

A complete discharge test to confirm the system operates for its rated duration, usually three hours.

Winter is often the best time to schedule annual duration testing, especially when buildings operate at reduced capacity.

Why Winter Shutdowns Are Ideal for Testing

Many workplaces operate at reduced levels over Christmas and New Year. This creates an ideal window for emergency lighting testing.

Benefits include:

• Minimal disruption to staff

• Easier access to escape routes

• Safer isolation of circuits

• Ability to complete full duration tests

• Opportunity to complete remedial repairs immediately

For multi site portfolios, winter shutdowns allow testing to be grouped into a single programme, improving efficiency and consistency.

High Risk Environments During Winter

Some environments face greater winter emergency lighting risks than others.

Care homes and healthcare

Residents may have limited mobility and rely heavily on staff guidance. Emergency lighting must perform flawlessly.

Education buildings

Schools and colleges often close or partially close in winter, increasing the risk of undetected failures.

Offices

Reduced staffing means faults may go unnoticed for weeks.

Industrial and logistics sites

Winter weather and night shifts increase reliance on emergency lighting.

Protest ES Ltd regularly delivers winter emergency lighting testing across all these environments.

Integrating Emergency Lighting With Wider Compliance

Emergency lighting does not operate in isolation. It should be reviewed alongside other safety systems.

This includes:

• Fire Risk Assessments

• Fixed Wire Testing

• Fire door inspections

• Passive fire protection systems

If emergency lighting is faulty, escape routes may be unusable even if fire doors and compartmentation are compliant.

Learn more about integrated compliance: Fire Risk Assessment https://www.protestesltd.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment

Fixed Wire Testing https://www.protestesltd.co.uk/fixed-wire-testing.

Common Emergency Lighting Remedials Found in Winter

Winter testing often highlights defects that require prompt attention.

Typical remedial actions include:

• Battery replacement

• Luminaire replacement

• Repositioning fittings to cover escape routes

• Repairing charging circuits

• Upgrading outdated systems

• Improving signage illumination

Delaying remedials increases risk and can lead to system failure during an emergency.

Managing Emergency Lighting Across Multiple Sites

For estates teams and facilities managers responsible for multiple buildings, winter planning is essential.

Best practice includes:

• Creating a winter testing schedule

• Grouping sites by region

• Using a single national contractor

• Centralising test records

• Tracking remedials digitally

• Aligning testing with shutdowns

Protest ES Ltd supports nationwide portfolios with consistent reporting and flexible scheduling.

Why Choose Protest ES Ltd for Winter Emergency Light Testing

Protest ES Ltd delivers compliant, low disruption emergency lighting testing across the UK.

Our service includes:

• BS 5266 compliant testing

• Night and weekend availability

• Winter shutdown testing programmes

• National coverage

• Clear reporting and certification

• Remedial repair capability

• Integration with wider electrical and fire compliance

We help organisations stay compliant when risk is at its highest.

Conclusion

Winter places emergency lighting systems under greater pressure than any other season. Darkness, cold temperatures, and power instability mean there is no margin for failure. Regular testing, clear records, and prompt remedial work are essential for protecting people and meeting legal duties.

By planning emergency light testing for winter and working with a competent national contractor, organisations can reduce risk, improve safety, and remain fully compliant.

To book winter emergency lighting testing, visit: Get a Quote https://www.protestesltd.co.uk/get-a-quote.