We are a small charity. We operate from one small building which was previously a small shop premises. The building comprises of a small front area where general office work takes place and where we initially see clients dropping into the centre for help. We also have two smaller rooms where we see clients in private. We have a bathroom and a longish passageway leading to the different rooms. We have a maximum of one paid worker and three volunteers locating the centre at any one time plus about two clients. We would be grateful if you could advice us of our emergency lighting requirements. Many thanks.

Jules

Check out Section 5 Further guidance on emergency escape lighting (page 100) in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and Shops, DCLG guide which can be downloaded from http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/firesafetyrisk2 .

Having read the above section and you have any further question do not hesitate to return with those queries.

Hi Jules

I would expect to see emergency lighting if it is possible for staff or volunteers to work in the dark hours. If the opening times are only during daylight hours you can argue that no emergency light is required. If you might open in the dark hours, switch off all lights as a test and see if external street light is stil lighting up the rooms (borrowed lighting). If so, again, no emergency lights are needed in these areas. if you are left with dark rooms or areas, emergency lighting would usually be required.

Harry