There are requirements in regards to photoluminescent marks along the exit paths in all buildings in New York. All these are clearly stated in the Chapter 26 of the New York City Charter. These requirements are meant to facilitate faster escape from a building and minimal injuries in case of failure in the main power and the backup power source. It is the duty of every owner of the building to ensure that they comply with the NYC local law 26.
Photoluminescent marks are made of pigments that charges when exposed to light. The pigments are then able to emit light when other sources of light goes off. As much as the light emitted is not enough to illuminate the building, it is enough to show the direction of exit path out of the building. The standards set for such marks are meant to facilitate the easier exit out of buildings in dark conditions.
The New York Department of Buildings is the body that deals with the compliance of these standards. MEA is a body under this department that issues a compliance certificate to the materials under a MEA number which should assist the constructors when selecting the material to use for this purpose.
The markers are usually position on the stairways and passageways. For this reason, they have to meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and those set by the American Disability Act (ADA). A good example of such requirements is the use of slip-resistant materials for the markers.
When it comes to durability, the standards consider a lot of friction that markers along the stairways are exposed to. This is largely contributed by frequent cleaning and walking along the stairways system which are the main causes of wear and tear. Other environmental factors such as temperature are some of the factors that contribute to rapid deterioration of these materials. The stairway markers system and other markers are therefore expected to be made of highly durable materials with lifespan of more than 10 years.
When it comes to location of markers, it is required that they are strategically at points close enough where they remain visible under all conditions such as under heavy smoke or large crowds. They should also be easily cleanable as allowing dirt to accumulate on them affects their functionality. The markers will absorb too little light when covered with dirt. The result is that less light will be emitted in dark condition. The duration of illumination too reduces significantly.
The other major requirement is that the materials used should be slip free in both dry and wet conditions. Water normally escape through the stairways and can make such areas very slippery. In order to minimize liabilities from slip-fall accidents, all materials included in the stairways including the marking systems should be slip free. This is also part of compliance requirement with the NYC local law 26.
It no longer a choice but a requirement to comply with NYC local law 26 for any building within New York City to be certified as safe for occupation. The compliance is also beneficial to the building owners and much safer to the occupants too.
Photoluminescent marks are made of pigments that charges when exposed to light. The pigments are then able to emit light when other sources of light goes off. As much as the light emitted is not enough to illuminate the building, it is enough to show the direction of exit path out of the building. The standards set for such marks are meant to facilitate the easier exit out of buildings in dark conditions.
The New York Department of Buildings is the body that deals with the compliance of these standards. MEA is a body under this department that issues a compliance certificate to the materials under a MEA number which should assist the constructors when selecting the material to use for this purpose.
The markers are usually position on the stairways and passageways. For this reason, they have to meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and those set by the American Disability Act (ADA). A good example of such requirements is the use of slip-resistant materials for the markers.
When it comes to durability, the standards consider a lot of friction that markers along the stairways are exposed to. This is largely contributed by frequent cleaning and walking along the stairways system which are the main causes of wear and tear. Other environmental factors such as temperature are some of the factors that contribute to rapid deterioration of these materials. The stairway markers system and other markers are therefore expected to be made of highly durable materials with lifespan of more than 10 years.
When it comes to location of markers, it is required that they are strategically at points close enough where they remain visible under all conditions such as under heavy smoke or large crowds. They should also be easily cleanable as allowing dirt to accumulate on them affects their functionality. The markers will absorb too little light when covered with dirt. The result is that less light will be emitted in dark condition. The duration of illumination too reduces significantly.
The other major requirement is that the materials used should be slip free in both dry and wet conditions. Water normally escape through the stairways and can make such areas very slippery. In order to minimize liabilities from slip-fall accidents, all materials included in the stairways including the marking systems should be slip free. This is also part of compliance requirement with the NYC local law 26.
It no longer a choice but a requirement to comply with NYC local law 26 for any building within New York City to be certified as safe for occupation. The compliance is also beneficial to the building owners and much safer to the occupants too.
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