Yes! Fire Marshals, Building Inspectors, and OSHA Inspectors can all inspect emergency lighting and give out heavy fines if the units prove to be inoperable.
OSHA – Labor 29 CFR CH. XVII 1910.37 Means of Egress, General (q) Exit markings (1) Exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign in all cases where the exit or way to reach is not immediately visible to occupants. (5) A sign reading “Exit”, or similar designation, with an arrow indicating the direction, shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent. (7) Each internally illuminated exit sign shall be provided in all occupants where reduction of normal illumination is permitted.
NFPA – 101 Life Safety Code Section 31-1.1General Requirements31-1.1Equipment Maintenance and Testing.31-1.3.7Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment.A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for a minimum of 30 seconds. An annual test shall be conducted for the 1-1/2 hour duration. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction. – See more HERE.