As a result of extensive laboratory testing and field trials, Escape Safe are able to offer a comprehensive photometric testing service for low-level lighting (LLL) systems, using procedures developed in consultation with and carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), as defined by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee Resolution A 752 (18), adopted on the 4th November 1993, and also the International Organisation for Standardisation Document ISO / CD 15370.
Our standard survey covers three main types of LLL system:
- Aluminium / strontium strips in a variety of widths
- Zinc sulphide photo-luminescent strips in a variety of widths
- Electrically powered light-emitting diode (LED) strips
A number of representative samples of photo-luminescent material are evaluated and these are measured to ascertain the rate of decay over the required one-hour period.
Electrically powered LEDs evaluation
A number of electrically powered LEDs are also evaluated. These tests are carried out after the LEDs have been run on emergency supply for one hour to determine the condition of the batteries. The test procedures for electrically powered systems conform to the Commission International De L’Eclairage 121 (1996), which specifies methods of photometric testing, as applied to ISO 15370.
Testing is carried out using apparatus designed to facilitate laboratory accuracy in a service environment. Additionally, the test procedure has been designed to be quick and unobtrusive, allowing testing to be carried out whilst the vessel is in active service and without the need for blackout conditions or restriction of movement to passengers or crew.
Upon completion of the tests, we will issue a full report that includes the test results, location of samples / areas that have been tested, lux levels found at the test sample sites and a certificate of calibration for the test equipment.
If the systems comply with the requirements of ISO 15370, then a certificate of conformity shall also be issued, which will be valid till the next five-yearly test.
The testing is an accurate evaluation of system performance, but it must not be regarded as a comprehensive check of serviceability in all areas. In accordance with ISO 15370 and IMO Resolution A 752 (18), the crew are required to make regular service inspections and carry out appropriate maintenance when required.
Visual inspection of LLL systems
In addition to the photometric testing, Escape Safe can also carry out a visual inspection of the LLL systems to determine whether they have been correctly installed in accordance with ISO 15370 and IMO Resolution A 752 (18).
Supply and installation of photo-luminescent LLL systems
Escape Safe can also supply and install photo-luminescent LLL systems, which are Marine Equipment Directive (MED) and Lloyd’s type approved.
Companies for whom we have carried out the photometric testing of their vessels’ LLL systems include P&O Ferries, Stena Line, Irish Ferries, Celtic Link Ferries, Norfolk Line, Meridian Marine Management and Maersk Ship Management.
In January 2009, we carried out photometric testing of the LLL systems on-board the MV Ave Liepaja ferry whilst the vessel was en route from Travemunde in Northern Germany to Liepaja in Latvia. We then tested her sister ship the Ave Luebeck in Sheerness, UK, in March 2009.
We have also installed new 50mm-wide photo-luminescent LLL systems on a number of the above-mentioned companies’ ferries.