Ecoglo: Better Visibility Blog
Luminous Egress Path Markings: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Before starting any project, it is imperative to ask the right questions and get all the information needed. Creating a code compliant luminous egress path way in your facility is no different!
Still considered a new technology, we get many questions about photoluminescent egress lighting and ecoglo®’s range of products. Outlined below are all the answers that will help you start off your new project on the right foot.
A Visibly Better Solution For Your Building
As a critical part of every building, emergency exit signs play an important role in keeping patrons, occupants and visitors alike, safe from harm. Whether simply trying to find the way out to the parking lot or navigating towards the exit discharge in an emergency, when used correctly, exit signs can be a big help to all.
For exit signs to successfully fulfill their role in human safety, they must always remain visible, in all lighting conditions and in all scenarios. Unfortunately, however, this is where many emergency exit lights may fail.
Why do I Need to Install Luminous Egress Path Markings in my Building?
Ranging from glow in the dark exit signs to photoluminescent step-edge markings, luminous egress path markings are now considered a mainstream safety feature of high-rise commercial buildings, not only across the United States but around the world.
Most architectural specifiers, builders, and facility managers are up to date on code compliance guidelines and building code regulations, and know where luminous egress path markings are required, but why do you need them in your building?
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Luminous Egress Path Markings
Luminous egress path marking isn’t a term you hear every day, and maybe something you haven’t even considered for your own facility! Now required by international fire, building and life safety codes, here are 5 things you may not have known about luminous egress path markings. Luminous egress path markings are a fail-safe option for emergency back up lighting.
Ecoglo vs Photoluminescent Paint
The requirement of luminous egress path markings by the International Building Code [see IFC 1104.25, 1025] has recently been adopted by many local building codes. The somewhat recent change of requirements may leave you feeling uncertain about which photoluminescent egress system to use, and feeling the pressure of bringing your building up to code quickly.
Luminous egress path markings are used to delineate the exit path, and must operate independently of the building’s electrical circuits. Luminous, or photoluminescent egress systems, absorb light from a natural or artificial light source so when the power fails, the exit path remains lit and easily visible.
Ecoglo vs Photoluminescent Tape
Ecoglo® is an industry leader for our luminous egress products and we guarantee high-performance and durability with each and every product we offer. We understand that each project is unique in a variety of ways such as location, amount of usage, etc., and our customers purchase based on these factors. Let’s be honest – cost is and always will be the main factor when determining the products purchased for a project. Ideally, everyone would be satisfied with paying the lowest cost for the highest quality product, but this is not realistic. Thankfully, Ecoglo® offers a range of high-quality and extremely durable luminous egress products for every price range.
What is Required for Luminous Egress Path Marking Code Compliance?
The requirement for luminous egress path markings are quickly being adopted around the nation, but what does it take for a photoluminescent product to be considered code compliant?
Photoluminescence is defined as a glow in the dark light, that is emitted only after having been exposed to either a natural or artificial light source. Relying on this explanation it’s easy to assume any glow in the dark sign or glow in the dark tape can be used as a luminous egress path marker. Before you settle on an egress product for your building however, ensure it is code compliant!
How to Choose the best stair Nosing for your Application
When it comes to enhancing the stairway safety in your facility, there are so many stair nosings options to choose from, that you may not even know where to begin! There are simple options available to provide a non-slip grip and enhance step-edge visibility, and more advanced options to renovate and upgrade the look and feel of your facility.
Aside from providing anti-slip protection, aluminum stair nosings protect the step-edge from damage caused by wear and tear, further adding to their importance in stairway safety….
Section 1025: Luminous Egress Path Markings
This document provides a detailed overview and guidance as to the requirements for luinous egress path markings in new and existing high-rise commercial buildings in accordance with the 2018 International Building and Fire Codes. Compliance with these code sections will ensure a safe evacuation of residents during emergency conditions-potentially saving lives in the process……
The Dos and Don't of Installing Egress Path Markings
When you first begin to educate yourself on emergency exit stairwells and building compliance, it may seem like having to learn an entire new language. Egress signage, luminous egress path markings, and photoluminescent strips could all be new terms to you, and can feel overwhelming. Providing a safe mean of egress in your facility is essential, and luminous egress path markings play an important role in doing do! Read on below to learn the do’s and don’ts of installing luminous egress path markings in your facility……
What is a Luminous Egress Path Marking?
You may have noticed in the latest editions of your local or state building codes the requirement for luminous egress path markings in new and existing high-rise commercial buildings. The requirement comes from the adoption of the International Building Code [see IFC 1104.25, 1025]. The term luminous egress path marking may seem unfamiliar, but it is likely you have seen them installed in a number of facilities or even already know them by a different name!
Simply put, a luminous egress path marking product, such as directional signage, step-edge markings or perimeter markings clearly mark the path of egress within any facility. What sets luminous egress path markings apart from traditional exit signage is the fact that they do not require any electricity, wiring, circuits or batteries to shine the way in the dark….
Are Stair Nosing Really Necessary?
Seemingly simple, or maybe even an afterthought, is the installation of stair nosings in your facility really a necessity?
Within high-rise buildings, stairways act as one of the facility’s biggest safety features, allowing occupants to exit safely in any condition. Stairway safety is key in emergency egress and there are several ways stair nosings work to increase safety in all stairways…..
How to Create a Code Compliant Luminous Egress Pathway in Your Facility
After the 2001 World Trade Center Tower attacks, survivors noted the luminous egress path marking systems installed in the building were one of the keys to exiting in the building and getting to safety.
A few years later the use of luminous egress signage and path marking products become required by the International Building Code, as well as the International Fire Code. The National Fire Protection Association also adopted the use of photo luminescent guidance and pathway marking products. Consequently, many states and local building codes have adopted this measures to require the use of luminous egress path markings.
The use of photoluminescent egress signage and path marking products has proven to be a safer choice for a variety of reasons. These path marking products operate completely independently from a building’s electrical system, providing a bright, easy to follow path long after the building has lost power. Photoluminescent light takes the guess work out of egress in all conditions, as it does not cast shadows and can easily cut through smoke. Lastly, these products require very little to no maintenance to perform their best…..
Why should I install Non Slip Stair Nosing?
The level of safety added to your building because of anti-slip stair nosing is two-fold. Firstly they improve step edge visibility. The color of the anti-slip grip contrasts the substrate of the stair tread which clearly defines the step-edge. Many anti-slip stair nosing come with a photoluminescent strip, which further aids in step-edge visibility, especially in low light conditions…..
Best Practices for Luminous Egress Path Markings
You may have heard the term before, but what exactly are luminous egress path markings?
In the event the electricity goes out during an emergency, luminous egress path markings act as the only source of light within a building’s emergency exit pathway…..
Ecoglo Makes your Facilities Safer
Imagine the power in your office building goes out and you hear a fire alarm. All you know is that you must leave the building as soon as possible. Luckily your office space is located next to a window, so you can easily find your way to the elevator. You see your colleagues frantically pressing the down button to no avail before deciding to head to the emergency staircase…..