Emergency lighting test log
A printable log for routine emergency lighting tests in communal areas, hotels, offices and other premises — one row per light fitting per test.
Use it for the short monthly function test (often called the “flick test”) and the annual full-duration test. Your servicing contractor’s own reports sit alongside it.
Free to use and print. No sign-up needed.
Emergency lighting — what the official guidance says
- Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, where necessary, escape routes that need lighting must have emergency lighting of adequate intensity if the normal lighting fails, and fire safety equipment must be kept in efficient working order and good repair.
- GOV.UK fire safety guidance says testing would typically include a monthly function test — operating the test facility long enough to make sure each emergency lamp lights — and an annual full discharge test.
- GOV.UK notes that batteries typically take 24 hours to recharge after a full discharge test, so plan the test for a time when the lighting will not be needed straight afterwards.
- The guidance says a competent person should test and maintain the emergency lighting, and that it is good practice to keep a record of tests.
General guidance from the official sources below, not legal advice.
Emergency lighting test log
checktasks.app/templates/emergency-lighting-test-log- Building / site:
- Area or floor:
- Test switch location:
- Rated duration (e.g. 3 hours):
- Month / year:
| Date | Fitting ref / location | Test (monthly / annual) | Lit on test? (Y/N) | Lasted full duration? (annual) | Fault found | Action taken | Initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
If a check fails
- Write down which fitting failed and what you saw (did not light, went out early, damaged, missing).
- Report it to the person responsible for the building and to your emergency lighting contractor.
- Have the fitting repaired or replaced by a competent person, and consider whether the area needs other measures in the meantime, in line with your fire risk assessment.
- Re-test the fitting after the repair and record the result.
Stop chasing paper sheets
Schedule the monthly test as a round with a QR or NFC checkpoint at each test switch or floor. Each check is time-stamped, faults can be photographed, and a missed month is flagged to managers.
Lettings & residential blocksFrequently asked questions
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
GOV.UK fire safety guidance says routine testing would typically include a daily visual check of any central controls, a monthly function test and an annual full discharge test, with a competent person testing and maintaining the system. It points to BS 5266-8 for further guidance.
What is an emergency lighting flick test?
It is the common name for the monthly function test: you operate the test facility, often a key switch near the fuse board or light switches, for long enough to see that every emergency lamp lights.
Can I test emergency lighting myself?
GOV.UK guidance says that, depending on the type of installation, you should be able to carry out most routine tests yourself, and that if you are not sure how to do them you should contact your supplier or another competent person.
Do I need to keep records of emergency lighting tests?
GOV.UK guidance says it is good practice to keep a record of tests, and suggests keeping a log book of all fire safety maintenance and testing.