Latest edition of BS 5266-1 issued by British Standards Institution

The British Standard’s core aim is to promote a consistent approach to emergency lighting so that people can safely exit or remain in a building during emergencies, while also supporting the use of essential safety equipment.

BS 5266-1:2025 is a full revision of the previous edition, BS 5266-1:2016. The principal change introduced is the expansion of the scope. It now covers local area lighting and standby lighting in addition to emergency escape lighting.

This update reflects changes in related European standards (ie EN 1838 and EN 50172) and ensures BS 5266-1 remains relevant as the guidance document for their application in the UK. The revision strengthens the British Standard’s role in supporting fire safety and public safety commitments.

BS 5266-1:2025 is intended for a broad range of stakeholders who are responsible for (or involved in) the design, regulation and operation of buildings with public or communal access. These include local authorities and regulators, trade bodies and insurers, safety and fire safety professionals, built environment specialists, contractors, developers and engineers and ‘Responsible Persons’.

Applications for BS 5266-1:2025

BS 5266-1:2025 applies to emergency lighting systems used for three key purposes:

*assisting evacuation (helping occupants to leave a building safely during an emergency)

*protecting occupants who remain (ensuring safety when people stay in the building during an incident)

*supporting continued operations (enabling normal activities to continue if the normal lighting fails)

It also gives recommendations for lighting in areas with fixed seating and emphasises that it doesn’t apply to private dwellings, although it does cover common access routes in blocks of flats and maisonettes.

Key aspects include ensuring that escape routes are clear and illuminated, fire safety systems (eg Call Points and firefighting equipment) are accessible and panic risks are minimised in confined spaces such as lifts.

Legal and regulatory alignment

Using BS 5266-1:2025 ensures:

*legal and regulatory alignment (it supports compliance with UK fire safety requirements)

*public safety (helps to safeguard people in emergencies by ensuring reliable lighting in evacuation and refuge scenarios)

*consistency (encourages uniform application of emergency lighting systems across different premises)

*risk reduction (minimises hazards, panic and confusion during power failures or emergencies)

*adaptability (provides tailored guidance to suit varied categories of premises and occupant familiarity)

By following the updated British Standard, organisations will demonstrate a commitment to safety, resilience and Duty of Care.

*Further information is available online at www.bsigroup.com