Emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs are critical life safety systems that guide building occupants to safety during power failures, fires, and other emergencies. OSHA requires adequate lighting of exit routes under 29 CFR 1910.37, and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) establishes specific testing requirements: monthly 30-second functional tests and annual 90-minute duration tests for all battery-powered emergency lighting. Failure to maintain these systems can result in OSHA citations, fire code violations, and most importantly, the inability to safely evacuate during an emergency. This guide covers the complete inspection and testing requirements.
Free Emergency Lighting Inspection Checklist
Download our Word document checklist covering monthly visual inspections, functional tests, and annual 90-minute duration tests.
Download Checklist (.docx)Why Emergency Lighting Inspections Are Required
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.37 — Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes
- 1910.37(b)(1): Each exit route must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.
- 1910.37(b)(2): Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit."
- 1910.37(b)(6): Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color.
- 1910.37(a): Exit routes must be maintained during construction, repairs, or alterations.
NFPA 101 Section 7.9 — Emergency Lighting
- 7.9.2.1: Emergency illumination shall be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours (90 minutes). Initial illumination not less than 1 foot-candle average along the path of egress, declining to not less than 0.6 foot-candle at 90 minutes.
- 7.9.3: Periodic testing required — monthly functional test (30 seconds minimum) and annual test (90 minutes for battery-powered systems). Written records of all tests required.
- 7.9.2.5: Emergency lighting system shall be either continuously in operation or capable of repeated automatic operation without manual intervention.
Testing options under NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3: Option 1: Manual monthly 30-second test and annual 90-minute test with written records. Option 2: Self-testing/self-diagnostic battery equipment with monthly visual inspection of status indicators. Option 3: Computer-based self-testing systems that automatically generate test history reports. All options require maintaining written records.
Monthly Visual Inspection
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Emergency light units | Indicator light (charge light) is on, confirming AC power and battery charging. No visible damage to housing, lens, or lamp heads. Lamp heads aimed correctly at egress path. Unit not obstructed by stored materials. |
| Exit signs | Illuminated and visible from all required directions. All letters legible. No cracked or missing lenses. Internal lighting functioning (all LEDs or lamps lit). Directional arrows correct where installed. |
| Combination units | Both the exit sign face and emergency lamp heads function. Charge indicator on. No damage to any component. |
| Self-testing units | Status indicator shows no errors/failures from most recent automatic self-test. No visible damage. LED or diagnostic display reviewed for any fault codes. |
| Mounting and installation | All units securely mounted. No loose fixtures, hanging wires, or visible damage to electrical connections. Mounting height appropriate for visibility. |
Monthly 30-Second Functional Test
| Test Step | Procedure and Criteria |
|---|---|
| Activate test mode | Press and hold the test button on each unit for at least 30 seconds (or disconnect AC power to the circuit). Unit should switch to battery backup immediately. |
| Lamp operation | All lamp heads illuminate on battery power. Brightness is adequate. No flickering, dimming, or failure to illuminate. LED arrays have no dark segments. |
| Exit sign illumination | Exit sign remains illuminated on battery power. All letters and arrows visible. No significant dimming compared to normal AC operation. |
| Transfer time | Transfer to battery power occurs within 10 seconds of AC power loss (NFPA 101 requirement). No noticeable delay. |
| Restore normal power | Release test button or restore AC power. Unit returns to normal operation. Charge indicator re-illuminates confirming battery charging has resumed. |
Annual 90-Minute Duration Test
| Test Step | Procedure and Criteria |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Coordinate with building management — turning off breakers will affect all devices on those circuits. Schedule during low-occupancy period. Notify building occupants in advance. |
| Disconnect AC power | Turn off the circuit breaker(s) supplying normal power to emergency lighting circuits. All battery-powered units should activate automatically. |
| Monitor for 90 minutes | Observe all emergency lights and exit signs throughout the test duration. All units must remain illuminated for the full 90 minutes. Note the time any unit fails. |
| Illumination quality | Lighting along egress paths should remain adequate for safe evacuation throughout the test. Initial illumination not less than 1 foot-candle average; permitted to decline to 0.6 foot-candle at 90 minutes. |
| Restore power and verify | After 90 minutes, restore AC power. All charge indicators should re-illuminate. Units that failed or showed significant dimming before 90 minutes must be repaired or replaced. |
| Document results | Record each unit tested (by location or ID number), pass/fail result, time of any failure, and corrective actions scheduled for any deficiencies. |
Important: The annual 90-minute test is the only way to verify that batteries will sustain emergency lighting for the required duration. Units that pass the monthly 30-second test may still fail the annual test due to aging batteries. Battery replacement is typically required every 3–5 years depending on the unit type and environment.
Corrective Actions
Replace or Repair When:
- Unit fails to illuminate on battery power during either monthly or annual test
- Unit does not sustain illumination for the full 90-minute annual test
- Charge indicator does not illuminate when connected to AC power (battery not charging)
- Lamps are burned out, dim, or flickering
- Exit sign letters are damaged, missing, or not fully illuminated
- Housing or lens is cracked, damaged, or discolored enough to reduce visibility
- Self-testing unit displays an error or failure code
- Unit is more than 10 years old (typical service life) or battery exceeds manufacturer replacement interval
Download the Free Checklist
Get our emergency lighting inspection checklist in Word format with space for monthly and annual test documentation.
Download Checklist (.docx)
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