NFPA Journal - Summer 2023 - 53

path-has driven the development of a new generation
of advanced, dynamic exit signage systems.
Unlike the static nature of conventional exit signs,
a dynamic exit sign is able to leverage technological
advancements in sensors, controls, and artificial
intelligence algorithms to allow the exit signage
system to adapt and display different
information based on the
real-time conditions in complex
buildings. This can present
a series of tradeoffs between
static and dynamic exit signage,
however, which has resulted in
debate among regulatory bodies.
For dynamic exit signage, the
potential benefit is that it can
deter occupants from following
a direction of travel that may be
blocked or otherwise unsafe due
to a hazardous condition such
as a fire, structural collapse, or
an active shooter. Conversely,
others worry that more complex
egress signage could also create
confusion and increase the time
required for safe egress.
Although dynamic exit signs
are beginning to gain traction,
the concept is still poorly
defined, with limited academic
research, minimal acknowledgement
or adoption in codes and
regulations, and sparse applications
in existing buildings. The
construction industry has also
pushed back on the use of this
technology. Despite barriers,
progress continues. The sophisticated
implementation of the
technology has a long way to go,
but many observers believe it is
on a promising path.
The design requirements of conventional exit signs
are generally fixed, apart from a few local variances
around the world. UL 924, Standard for Safety of Emergency
Lighting and Power Equipment, specifies how
static exit signs are to be designed and manufactured;
requirements set by standards such as NFPA 101®
Life Safety Code®
,
, or the InterCONFERENCE
SESSIONS
A Review of Dynamic
Exit Signs: Challenges
and Perspectives
Date
Monday, June 19, 3-6 p.m.
Speaker
Ho Yin Wong
Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
(POSTER) Improving Tunnel
Fire Evacuation by a Smart
Dynamic Exit Sign System
Date
Monday, June 19, 3-6 p.m.
Speaker
Ho Yin Wong
Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
A Review of Dynamic
Exit Signs: Challenges
and Perspectives
Date
Tuesday, June 20
8-8:30 a.m.
Speaker
Ho Yin Wong
Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
EXIT SIGNAGE
OLD AND NEW
For nearly a century, exit signage
has been a fundamental
element of building and life
safety through its role of demonstrating
clear egress routes in
emergencies. For decades, the
NFPA and ICC standards have
required occupancies with two or more required
exits or exit accesses to be provided with illuminated
signs that readily identify the location of, and indicate
the path of, travel to the exits. Most conventional
exit signs include a static light source powered by
the building's electrical system. These signs have no
controllable elements, however, as their appearance
and illumination are fixed regardless of the situation.
Technological Advances
in Exit Signage
Date
Tuesday, June 20, 2-3 p.m.
Speaker
Victoria Hutchison
Fire Protection Research
Foundation
national Building Code (IBC),
define the performance of exit
signage primarily through placement
and visual characteristics.
In support of broad awareness
and recognition of exits, the type
and simplicity of the signage,
visual accessibility, architectural
features, and other characteristics-including
font types and
sizes, shapes of pictograms and
styles, and the illuminance and
colors of the light-are generally
standardized and regulated
through codes and standards.
Code requirements for the
type, characteristics, and
placement of exit signage
typically assume traditional
designs, without differentiating
between simple and complex
buildings. Despite the rapid
innovation in architectural
design and the increasing complexity
of modern buildings,
the design of conventional exit
signs has remained unchanged
for decades and lacks the ability
to adapt to changing environments
or emerging threats that
may arise in complex assembly
occupancies. Given the
speed of fire development and
spread and the rapid evolution
of other potential hazards,
what may typically be a safe,
useable egress route could be
blocked or impaired during an
emergency. Due to its static
nature, however, traditional
exit signage can convey a persuasive
message regardless of
the threat situation down the
egress pathway or through the
exit door. This has been illustrated
in an array of fire incidents, including the
Beverly Hills Supper Club (1977), the Scandinavian
Star disaster (1990), the Station nightclub fire
(2003), the Daegu subway fire (2003), and others.
Additionally, recent research has found that fewer
than four in 10 people perceive conventional static
exit signs and use them to find their way out of a
building under emergency conditions, even when
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