Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014 - (Page 8)

SignS & Safety How Do I Get Out Of Here? Why glow-in-the-dark is not just child's play. By Aimee Harris W hen it comes to your building's signage, the most important markings are the ones that can save lives. Properly marked egress (or exit) signs, for example, are critical in guiding occupants safely out of a building in distress, says Richard Ryan, owner of Discount Signs. Ryan explains that every three years the International Code Council (ICC) revises codes to include new and innovative design ideas and technologies, modern materials and methods of construction in fire safety, life safety and structural stability. In 2009, the ICC introduced the latest editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), both of which contained significant code changes and additions to the 101 Life Safety Code. The revisions instituted new rules for means of exit path markings, safety markings and anti-slip stair treatments. The codes call for buildings, both new and existing, over 75 feet in height to install photoluminescent exit path markings in all enclosed emergency stairwells. Code requirements consist of markings on handrails, stair treads and landings, demarcation lines, exit door marking and direction signage and obstruction markings. "Luminous or photoluminescent products are especially important in the event of fire when stairwells are full of smoke and it's very difficult to see signs," Ryan says. The IBC defines an accessible means of egress as "a path available for a person to leave a building, structure or space. This route must be unobstructed, and doors along this route cannot be subject to locking from the side that people will be leaving." A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: access to the exit, the exit itself, and the actual exit of the space. "Hawaii is looking to adopt the 2009 codes, however amendments unique to the state are in the Courtesy of http://photoluminescent.co.uk. legislature," says Ryan. "Although the codes are not yet enacted law, many forward-thinking building managers and owners are being proactive and implementing the changes." New IBC/IFC Egress Regulations: The regulations state that luminous egress path markings are required in all new and existing institutional, educational, business, hotel, public assembly and R-1 residential buildings having occupied floors that are located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access (generally at least 5 stories or floor levels). Markings should be made of any material that does not require an electrical charge to maintain the required luminescence. Such materials include, but are not limited to, self-luminous and photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) materials. Photoluminescent signs are popular options because they don't require electricity and have a longer lifespan than traditional lit signs. Photoluminescent materials absorb ambient light and use this light energy to produce their characteristic afterglow when the lights go out. They also require fewer building materials, less maintenance and contain no radioactive materials. For exit signs especially, they make for a much more attractive sign option than exit signs using incandescent, LED or tritium illuminators. Courtesy of Discount Signs 8 December 2013 - January 2014 BMH www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://photoluminescent.co.uk http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014

Signs & Safety How Do I Get Out Of Here?
Signs Of A Safe Building
A Sign From The Feds
Water Savings Coming Clean With Recycled Water
Water & Energy: Two-For-One Savings
Solar Hawaii’s Leaders In Solar
Waterproofing Cementious Coating Vs. Polyurethane Foam
Sky Arches
The $1 Million Mistake
Seal The Deal
Resin Injections Save Basement
Waste Management Keeping The Trash Industry Clean
Special Offer
Assistance Animals Making Room For Rover
Green Cleaning Be Green: Resources & Tips

Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014