I am looking for a good reference to the practice of

• e/m lights having escape signs stuck on them ,
  
• Escape signs being used as E/M lights.
  

The building in question has minimal lighting in the 1sy place but what is there is also being obscured by stick on escape signs (that don’t comply anyway).

Any hep appreciated

We are talking about two separate issue here, the emergency escape lighting should meet minimum illumination in accordance with BS 5266 pt 1 2011 and this can be checked with a light meter. If fire signs are reducing the light level below the standard in BS 5266 the it should be removed or additional luminaries should be fitted.

Illuminated exit escape signs tend to use the Euro-style sign which is still legal in accordance with Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 until it is amended in accordance with PR EN 7010 when it becomes a European Norm. Unfortunately for the moment we have to accept this.

Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-exit-signs/ and http://www.firesafe.org.uk/emergency-lighting/ and http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-safety-signs/