Published: 6 October 2014
Category: Q&A
Alasdaire asks this question, which concerns emergency lighting in student accommodation, and whether it is needed in dormitory corridors. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Lighting):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: We are currently carrying out the design of electrical services associated with new build blocks of student’s accommodation under a design and build contract. The blocks comprise 10nr levels with, generally, each level containing 4nr dormitories. In general, each dormitory is made up of 6nr bedrooms arranged either side of a communal corridor with a communal kitchen located at the end. The dormitory corridor is totally internal with no ambient lighting available in the event of a loss of electrical supply.
I have sketched a typical dormitory arrangement – to see it, please use the first link below (PDF – 1.9MB).
The builder on the project has advised us that similar projects carried by them in England have not required emergency lighting within the dormitory corridors, as the students occupying the facility will be familiar with this area. In these projects, emergency lighting has been installed within the communal stairs only.
We are uneasy with this interpretation and would be grateful for your thoughts and any guidance you could offer in relation to the Scottish Building Regulations and BS 5266.
Answer: Although long-term residents may be expected to have an understanding of the layout of the premises, guests and visitors will not!
BSD Industry guidance (see attached) on 'Medium and Large Premises providing sleeping accommodation' would suggest that the premises should be provided with escape route lighting.
Emergency lighting should also be considered for such areas e.g. the kitchen.
BSD technical handbooks would require, in a residential building such as this, that escape route lighting is provided.
I hope that this PDF document attachment helps – please use the second link below (PDF – 360kB file size).
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