Through a Tier 1 facilities management partner, phs Compliance delivered a large-scale emergency lighting replacement and compliance programme across a fully operational Royal Air Force base.
The project involved surveying, replacing, commissioning and re-testing several thousand emergency lighting units across a diverse estate comprising operational air-side facilities, accommodation blocks and administration buildings. Key project achievements included:
The project ensured that emergency lighting systems across this strategically important defence facility complied with BS 7671 obligations while improving reliability, performance and long-term operational efficiency.
The RAF base required a comprehensive review and upgrade of its emergency lighting infrastructure to ensure ongoing compliance, operational safety and system reliability. A significant number of emergency lighting units had either failed inspection requirements or were approaching the end of their operational lifecycle.
As a critical defence site operating around the clock, the base needed a partner capable of delivering extensive electrical works in highly secure environments without affecting military activity. The project demanded a solution that would restore compliance, improve emergency evacuation safety and minimise future maintenance requirements.
In addition, all work needed to be completed within strict Ministry of Defence security protocols, budget constraints and programme deadlines, while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential air-side and operational facilities.
Delivering compliance works within an active military environment presented several unique challenges.
The project covered 174 buildings with varying operational requirements, requiring careful coordination of access arrangements with military personnel and site representatives. Many of the buildings were located within air-side operational areas where access restrictions, security procedures and safety requirements were particularly stringent.
All phs Compliance engineering and project management personnel were required to obtain Ministry of Defence security clearances before attending site. Air-side driving permits, training certification and specialist insurance documentation also needed to be secured in advance to prevent project delays.
Maintaining uninterrupted military operations throughout the programme was another critical consideration. Work needed to be scheduled and managed carefully to ensure no loss of functionality across essential infrastructure, while still delivering a large volume of replacement and testing activities within the required timescales.
phs Compliance provided a fully managed, self-delivered project solution, supported by security-cleared engineers, dedicated supervisory teams and experienced project managers.
The programme began with detailed surveys across all 174 buildings, enabling the team to assess the condition of existing emergency lighting systems and identify failed or non-compliant units. Working closely with site stakeholders, tailored access arrangements were developed for each area to ensure safe and efficient delivery of replacement works.
Phase one focused on inspecting, repairing and certifying compliance for failed emergency lighting units. Following successful completion of this work, phase two involved replacing existing fluorescent emergency fittings with modern LED alternatives throughout the estate.
To maintain control of project risks and customer expectations, dedicated supervisory and project management resources remained on-site throughout the programme. Weekly project review meetings were held with client representatives and RAF stakeholders to monitor progress, address challenges and ensure programme milestones remained on track.
All site personnel held the required MoD security clearances, while air-side training, permits and insurance documentation were secured before works commenced. This proactive approach ensured a smooth mobilisation process and prevented delays to project delivery.
The project was completed successfully, on schedule and within budget, delivering significant safety, compliance and performance improvements across the RAF base.
Emergency lighting systems throughout the estate were restored to full operational compliance, ensuring adherence to BS 7671 requirements and providing confidence in the site's emergency evacuation capabilities.
The upgrade from fluorescent to LED emergency lighting delivered multiple long-term benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance requirements and a significantly extended operational lifespan. Improved lux levels also enhanced visibility during emergency situations, supporting safer evacuation routes and building occupancy management.
Importantly, all works were completed without disrupting military operations. Critical infrastructure remained fully functional throughout the programme, enabling the RAF base to maintain operational readiness at all times.
The new systems are expected to remain in optimal working condition for a minimum of five years, providing long-term value and reducing future maintenance expenditure.
This project demonstrates phs Compliance's ability to deliver complex compliance and electrical infrastructure programmes within highly secure and operationally sensitive environments.
By combining technical expertise, robust project management and security-cleared engineering capability, phs Compliance successfully upgraded emergency lighting systems across a major RAF facility while maintaining uninterrupted military operations. The result is a safer, more efficient and fully compliant estate that supports the ongoing operational requirements of the UK's defence infrastructure.
A lot of bad advice can get repeated as fact when it comes to electrical and fire safety. Some compliance myths start with a grain of truth, then get simplified until they become misleading, and
Waiting until something goes wrong often costs more, causes more disruption and costs more than ensuring your appliances are in working order. Not only that, but it can also make it harder to keep
Safety checks and sustainability work are, understandably, treated as separate jobs, but there's actually more overlap between them than people expect. A well-maintained building tends to run more
Amendment 4 to BS 7671 is now published and in force. From 15th October 2026, it becomes the only standard that counts. Here’s what’s changed and what you need to do. Key deadline: 15 October
This site uses cookies that enable us to make improvements, provide relevant content, and for analytics purposes. For more details, see our Cookie Policy. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies.
