The short answer
In England and Wales, the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, usually the employer, owner or person in control of the premises, must make sure emergency lighting is provided and maintained where escape routes need it. Scotland and Northern Ireland place similar duties under their own laws.
By nation
| Nation | Main legislation |
|---|---|
| England and Wales | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Scotland | Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 |
| Northern Ireland | Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 |
Shared and multi-let buildings
Where several businesses share a building, responsible persons must cooperate. Typically the landlord or managing agent looks after common parts such as stairs and corridors, and each tenant looks after its own area. Check your lease and agree who tests what.
What the responsible person should do
- Include emergency lighting in the fire risk assessment.
- Make sure the system is designed and installed to suit the premises.
- Arrange monthly and annual tests and keep records.
- Fix faults promptly and review the system after alterations.
Questions
Can a contractor take on the responsibility?
A contractor can carry out the testing and repairs, but the legal duty stays with the responsible person.
Related services
Emergency lighting installation
Escape route lighting and exit signs designed to BS 5266-1.
Emergency lighting testing
Monthly function tests, annual duration tests and certificates.
Lighting maintenance contracts
Planned maintenance, emergency lighting tests and reactive repairs.
Lighting surveys and lux testing
Lux readings, condition surveys and energy audits for existing lighting.
Last reviewed 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or engineering advice for a specific site.