Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting Explained

Open area lighting — often called anti-panic lighting — provides general illumination in larger spaces when the normal supply fails. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of panic and to help occupants see well enough to reach an escape route.

Where it is used

Open area lighting is provided in spaces above a certain size where people may not be close to a defined escape route — for example open-plan offices, halls, large retail floors and assembly areas. Rather than lighting a single path, it illuminates the whole area to a level that lets people move safely toward the exits.

What it must achieve

• Enough general illumination for occupants to identify the direction of escape.
• Coverage that avoids dark areas where people could become disoriented.
• Automatic operation on loss of the normal supply.

How it fits together

Open area lighting complements escape route lighting: the open area lighting gets people moving safely across a space, and the escape route lighting guides them along the defined route to the exit. A fire risk assessment and BS 5266 determine where each is needed.