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.
There are a variety of aspects that go into creating a dependable, potentially life-saving, luminous egress path marking system.
Luminous Egress Path Marking in Stairways
Potentially the most important aspect of any egress passage way, stairways play a crucial role in guiding occupants to safety. Within stairways, there are a few steps that should be taken to create a safe, easy to navigate luminous egress path.
Stair Treads
Step-edge visibility is extremely important in all lighting conditions, as it helps to prevent trips and fall accidents. In emergencies, or low to no-light situation step-edge visibility is even more important. The use of photoluminescent stair treads provides excellent step-edge visibility and can also work to protect the stairs in your buildings against wear and tear.
Handrail Markings
Handrails are installed to provide stability for pedestrians ascending or descending a set of stairs. Photoluminescent strips installed on handrails help to prevent accidents and add an additional level of guidance, in all lighting conditions. Because of the importance of handrails within stairways, luminous egress markings are required for handrails within an egress path.
Luminous Egress Path Marking Products
The egress path in your facility goes beyond the stairways, and so does creating a code compliant luminous egress pathway.
Luminous Perimeter Demarcation
Once the power fails it can be difficult for patrons or occupants to find their way through the dark. Photoluminescent strips used to mark the perimeter of an egress path communicates to pedestrians which part of the path is clear for them to follow.
Luminous Obstruction Markings
Once the power fails it can be difficult for patrons or occupants to find their way through the dark. Photoluminescent strips used to mark the perimeter of an egress path communicates to pedestrians which part of the path is clear for them to follow.
Luminous Egress Signage
In all lighting conditions, directional signage points occupants or residents to the nearest exit. In the case of an emergency locating the direction of the exit quickly and easily is essential. Luminous egress signage is available in a variety of forms, such as exit signs, floor identification signs, door markings and more. These signs are vital in a luminous egress pathway, as they indicate the path of egress.
Ecoglo® has been providing the United States with reliable, cost-effective luminous egress path marking products for over 20 years, long before they were required by building codes. Our wealth of experience has allowed us to develop a wide range of products, using our patented manufacturing process, to bring you the best photoluminescent properties on the market.
Rely on Ecoglo® to create a perfectly code compliant luminous egress path, at one of the most cost-effective price points in the market. Register for a free building audit today.