Emergency light inspection checklist

Failing to conduct regular inspections can result in significant fines from regulatory bodies, increased liability in case of injuries during an emergency, potential insurance claim denials, and most importantly, compromised safety for building occupants. Regular inspections are legally required and essential for maintaining life safety compliance.

Replace emergency light batteries when they fail to maintain adequate illumination during the full duration of either monthly or annual tests, when they show visible signs of damage or corrosion, or when they’ve reached manufacturer-recommended replacement age (typically 3-5 years). Some units have indicator lights that signal battery degradation requiring attention.

If lights fail during inspection, immediately document the failure and implement repairs. Replace bulbs, batteries, or entire fixtures as needed. After repairs, conduct another full test to verify proper function. If multiple fixtures fail, consider evaluating your entire system for systemic issues like power supply problems or aging components that may require broader updates.

This checklist helps you maintain the same documentation fire marshals look for during inspections, including test dates, durations, results, and maintenance records. By consistently using the checklist, you’ll identify and address issues before official inspections, demonstrate a pattern of compliance, and have organized records ready to present to authorities.