External lighting condition and adequacy checklist

Use this checklist where external routes, entrances, parking, playgrounds or other school areas are used in conditions where lighting is needed for safe use.

Record the inspection date, time, weather or site conditions, inspector and areas included in the inspection.

Record the times, activities or conditions in which each inspected area is expected to be used and external lighting is needed for safe use.

Check each relevant entrance and record whether lighting allows the entrance, approach, threshold, steps, changes in level and door area to be used safely in the conditions identified.

Check each relevant pedestrian route and record whether lighting allows the route, surfaces, changes in level, obstacles and junctions to be used safely in the conditions identified.

Check each relevant parking, drop-off, service or vehicle area and record whether lighting supports safe movement by pedestrians and vehicles in the conditions identified.

Check each relevant playground, games area, sports area or other external activity area and record whether lighting supports safe use in the conditions identified.

Check other external areas used by pupils, staff, visitors, contractors or vehicles, including access points, bin areas, delivery areas and boundaries where relevant to safe use.

Identify dark areas, gaps in coverage, shadowed sections, intermittent operation or lighting that does not cover the full relevant route or area. Record the location and circumstances.

Inspect visible lamps, luminaires, columns, brackets, guards, covers and associated visible equipment for damage, looseness, obstruction, contamination or other defects. Do not interfere with electrical equipment.

Where safe and authorised, check the relevant switches, timers, sensors or other controls and record whether the lighting operates when required.

Record vegetation, signs, temporary structures, stored items, vehicles or other obstructions that reduce the effectiveness or coverage of external lighting.

For every fault or area that is not sufficient for safe use, record the location, defect or deficiency, affected users or activities, and any relevant photographs, work orders or other evidence.

Where lighting is defective or insufficient, record the interim controls put in place while the issue is being addressed, such as restricting access, changing the route, changing the activity or providing supervision.

Escalate without delay where a lighting defect or deficiency creates an immediate concern for safe use, and record who was notified and what action was taken.

For each repairable defect, record the required repair, responsible person or contractor, work-order or reference number, planned completion date and status.

Where repair is not sufficient or coverage remains inadequate, record the required replacement, repositioning, extension or other improvement, together with its owner, reference, planned date and status.

After repair, replacement or other control, recheck the affected area in the conditions in which lighting is needed and record whether it is sufficient for safe use.

Record outstanding actions, responsible persons, review date and any further inspection or maintenance required.