Emergency Power Systems - Testing and Inspecting
What is the requirement for testing the battery feature of egress lights?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The Joint Commission standard EC.02.05.07 EP 1 requires functional testing be performed on battery-powered emergency lighting systems used for exit signs, egress, and task lighting, at least monthly for at least 30 seconds in duration. Visual inspections of other exit signs are also required at least monthly.
In addition to the monthly 30 second test, the battery-powered emergency lights are tested every 12 months for a minimum duration of 90 minutes.
In locations that have undergone renovation, or modernization, and in new construction, where deep sedation and general anesthesia are administered the battery-powered lighting are tested annually for a duration not less than 30 minutes.
The test results and completion dates are documented.
Additional Resources:
EC.02.05.07
LS.02.01.20
NFPA 101-2012, 7.9, 7.9.3, 7.70.9,
NFPA 99-2012: 6.3.2.2.11.5
The Joint Commission standard EC.02.05.07 EP 1 requires functional testing be performed on battery-powered emergency lighting systems used for exit signs, egress, and task lighting, at least monthly for at least 30 seconds in duration. Visual inspections of other exit signs are also required at least monthly.
In addition to the monthly 30 second test, the battery-powered emergency lights are tested every 12 months for a minimum duration of 90 minutes.
In locations that have undergone renovation, or modernization, and in new construction, where deep sedation and general anesthesia are administered the battery-powered lighting are tested annually for a duration not less than 30 minutes.
The test results and completion dates are documented.
Additional Resources:
EC.02.05.07
LS.02.01.20
NFPA 101-2012, 7.9, 7.9.3, 7.70.9,
NFPA 99-2012: 6.3.2.2.11.5
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Environment of Care EC
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: October 26, 2021
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on May 11, 2023
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
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Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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