Complying With Required Egress Trail Markings Is Vital to a Safe Exit

Luminous path markings are the most useful method for making a buildings exit enclosures visible to occupants in an urgent situation. IBC and IFC polices demand egress pathway markings to be used for step, landing, as well as handrail identification. These markings must be luminous to meet program code requirements. Pathway markings enhance two aspects of an evacuation when they are placed in compliance with the established regulations of the IBC and IFC. Occupants get out of the structure in a timelier manner and with a lower risk of injuries. It is not difficult to apply luminous stripes in appropriate locations. By using the guidelines established within these codes, an evacuation is more likely to be followed through as planned.

Steps, Hand Railings, as well as Landings Have To Have Properly Established Path Markings

The luminous stripe placed on steps needs to be a solid color and continuous. It should be installed on the steps leading edge horizontally across its entire length. Stripes have to be one to two inches wide. Placement of the stripe must be one half inch or less from the steps leading edge. They can overlap the edge up to 50 % an inch down the face area of each step. Landing edges and handrails must also be marked with luminous stripes comprising one or two inches in width. Stripes should cover the top surface of the rail and should be a minimum of an inch wide. The stripe must extend across the length of the rail and be continuous. Handrail extensions and post caps are contained in the code regulations from the IBC and IFC. In any location in which the rail bends or wraps around a corner, stripes should not have a gap that extends more than four inches.

Properly applied egress path markings are essential for safety in the course of an evacuation especially when a building is identified as a high rise. The defined IBC and IFC regulations ensure appropriate application of luminous lines as well as indicators to ensure that occupants are safe within these much larger buildings. Structures of great sizes have larger numbers of occupants and therefore are prone to egress jams along with other issues of safety. Trampling because of individuals panicking can result in serious injuries and even deaths. If you own a larger building, these codes can ensure safe evacuation during an emergency which will help prevent injuries that may result in a law suit.

Many states now utilize these codes; however, if your state hasn't, these codes can nonetheless be used to put egress markings in place. Back up lighting and other common egress route assistance items don't invariably work for fire along with other types of evacuations. If support lighting fails, other marking methods may not be visible. Even with back up lighting working, visibility is low in a smoke filled building. You can make your present exit strategy more effective by installing luminous markings and signs. These methods are visible in every type of emergency and may be the only help occupants have available during an urgent situation. Installing these items in compliance with IBC and IFC codes enforces a good exit strategy and provides probably the most useful assistance to building occupants.

Egress path markings show the corridors, walls, stairs, and doors to be used for safely exiting your building. These IBC compliant components must be luminous to provide the very best visibility.

While conducting research for this article, I learned about luminous egress markings and photoluminescent egress markings at www.globritesystem.com.