Safety & Compliance · SOP

Exit Sign And Emergency Lighting Monthly Test

Comprehensive procedure for verifying the operation of exit signs and emergency lighting units under NFPA 101 / Life Safety Code. Includes visual inspection, battery endurance test, and documentation requirements for industrial facilities.

Estimated Time

30 min

Difficulty

Beginner

Regulation

NFPA 101, CSA Z32

Version

1.0

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Purpose

To ensure all exit signs and emergency lighting units in the facility are functional, adequately illuminated, and compliant with NFPA 101 and local fire codes. Monthly testing identifies battery degradation, lamp failures, and physical damage before an actual emergency occurs.

Scope

This procedure applies to all permanently installed exit signs (self-luminous and electric) and emergency lighting units (including remote heads and central battery systems) within the main production building, warehouse, office areas, and exterior egress paths. It covers the monthly 30‑second functional test and the required visual inspection. Annual 90‑minute full discharge tests are covered under a separate SOP. This procedure is for use by maintenance technicians, safety coordinators, and designated floor personnel.

Safety Precautions

LOTOBefore disconnecting power to emergency circuits, verify that normal lighting is present in the area. If testing a single circuit, ensure other emergency units in the zone remain active per code.
LADDERUse an approved step ladder or ladder lift to reach ceiling-mounted units. Never stand on a forklift or makeshift platform.
PPEWear safety glasses when handling lamps or batteries. Gloves required if replacing glass tubular lamps or sealed batteries.
CMPDo not touch exposed terminals on battery connections. Short‑circuit current can cause arc flash. Wear rubber gloves rated for DC voltage if handling connections.

Required Tools & Materials

Step ladder (as required for unit height)
Flashlight (for visual inspection)
Digital timer or stopwatch
Facility map with all exit signs and emergency lights plotted
Log sheet (paper or digital) – with columns for date, time, unit ID, visual check pass/fail, 30‑sec test pass/fail, remarks
Replacement lamps (LED or incandescent as per unit spec)
Replacement batteries (sealed lead‑acid or Ni‑Cd as per unit spec)
Insulated screwdrivers, small insulated pliers
Anti‑static wrist strap (if handling circuit boards)

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Gather tools and materials. Collect the ladder, flashlight, timer, facility map, and log sheet. Ensure you have replacement lamps and batteries available if any units fail.

2 Perform visual inspection before power-down. Walk the entire facility and inspect each exit sign and emergency light. Check for: physical damage, missing or burned-out letters, correct orientation (exit path), and absence of foreign material blocking light output. Document any deficiencies on the log.

3 Simulate power failure for battery test. Activate the test switch on each unit (or trip the dedicated circuit breaker for zone testing). Start a 30‑second timer. Ensure all normal lighting in the area remains on (if testing a single unit) – or that area lighting is adequate for safe movement during the test.

4 Observe emergency light performance. After exactly 30 seconds, verify that all exit signs and emergency lights remain illuminated at rated brightness (≥ 1 foot‑candle for egress paths). Look for flickering, dimming, or any sign of battery failure. If a unit does not illuminate at all, note the unit ID and proceed to Step 6.

5 Restore power and log results. Return the test switch to “normal” or close the breaker. Wait 10 seconds for the charger to resume float voltage. Record date, time, unit ID, visual check result, 30‑second test result, and any remarks in the log sheet. Use a PASS / FAIL notation.

6 Initiate repair for failed units. For any unit that failed visual or performance check: tag it OUT OF SERVICE, remove the lamp and/or battery, and install a replacement from stock. For LED units, replace the entire lamp head if the LED array is integrated. Document the deficiency and replacement details in the log. Schedule a retest within 48 hours.

7 Review and file the completed log. Ensure all units on the facility map are accounted for. Submit the log to the safety manager. File the paper copy or sync the digital log to the compliance folder. Retain records for a minimum of 3 years as per regulatory requirements.

Exit Sign And Emergency Lighting Monthly Test

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