PERMAGLO® SIGNS

DESIGNING A SELF-LIT EMERGENCY ESCAPE SIGN SYSTEM

Illustrated guidance for the positioning of self-luminous emergency escape signs, together with a summary of the legislation governing their siting and use.

Positioning of emergency lighting

1. Direction signs should be positioned at all critical points as follows:
1.1.At each Exit door.
1.2.Near any change of direction to indicate the way forward.
1.3.Near each intersection to indicate the way out.
1.4.At each change of floor level (where it drops).
1.5.On each staircase – so that all treads and risers receive direct light from self-luminous sign.
1.6.To indicate exit and safety routes and first aid points.
1.7.Near each Fire Alarm call point.
1.8.Near fire-fighting equipment.
1.9.Inside disabled toilets to show exit route.
1.10.Within toilets having a total floor area in excess of 8 sq. metres or with no natural light, to indicate the way out.
1.11.Near lift cars and inside them indicating that LIFTS ARE NOT TO BE USED DURING FIRES OR AFTER DESTRUCTIVE PHENOMENA.
1.12.By escalators and moving walkways to indicate direction of escape.
1.13.Within control and plant rooms to indicate Exit.
1.14.In rooms without any natural light to indicate escape route.
1.15.A minimum of two fittings per fire compartment pointing to the way out.

The following diagrams illustrate the above 15 points:

SITING AND USE OF SELF-LUMINOUS EMERGENCY SIGNS Siting Diagrams
GUIDANCE ILLUSTRATIONS 1.1. At each exit door to indicate escape route. 1.2. Near any changes in direction of escape. 1.3. Near each intersection of escape routes.
Siting Diagrams
1.4. At each downward change of floor level. 1.5. On each staircase - so that all treads and risers receive direct light. 1.6. To indicate exit and safety routes and first aid points. 1.7. Near each
fire alarm call point.
Siting Diagrams
1.8. Near firefighting equipment. 1.9. Within disabled toilets. 1.10. In toilets with a floor area in excess of 8 sq.m or with no natural light. 1.11. Near lift cars and inside to deter their use during emergency.
Siting Diagrams
1.12. By escalators and moving walkways. 1.13. In control rooms, plant rooms and electrical cupboards. 1.14. In rooms with no natural light. 1.15. A minimum of two fittings per fire compartment.

Emergency Escape Lighting Regulations

2. The Emergency Escape Lighting Regulations and considerations which cover these requirements are expressed in the following terms:
2.1. Emergency Lighting is provided for use in those incidents where the supply to the main or normal lighting fails and is therefore necessarily powered from a source independent of that supplying normal lighting. Emergency lighting is regarded as a generic term which incorporates a number of specific forms:
2.1.1.Luminaries for emergency lighting.
2.1.2.Emergency escape lighting systems.
2.1.3.Relevant safety colours and safety signs.
2.2. The definitions governing the purposes may be set down herewith:
2.2.1.Emergency Lighting is lighting provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails.
2.2.2.The escape route is a way designated for escape in the event of an emergency.
2.2.3.Escape route lighting is that part of emergency escape lighting provided to ensure that the means of escape can be effectively identified and safely used when the location is occupied.
2.2.4.An emergency exit is a way out that is intended to be used only in an emergency.
2.2.5.A safety sign is a sign which gives a general safety message produced by a combination of colour and geometric shape and which, by the addition of a graphic symbol or text, gives a particular safety message.
2.2.6.Internally illuminated safety exit signs are those lit permanently by an internal source.
2.3. Emergency escape lighting (self-luminating) is generally to provide visible evacuation indicators whose lighting is contributing to safety in the volume of the space. Signs which are intended to be provided at all exits intended to be used in an emergency and along escape routes are to be illuminated so as to indicate unambiguously the route of escape to a point of safety. Where direct sight is not possible an illuminated direction sign (or series of signs) shall be provided to assist progression towards the emergency exit. Such indication shall be sited to provide clear way guidance near each exit door and at positions where it is necessary to emphasise potential danger or safety equipment. These positions are:
2.3.1.At each exit door intended to be used in an emergency.
2.3.2.Near (within 2m horizontally) stairs so that each flight of stairs receives direct light.
2.3.3.Near (within 2m horizontally) any other change in level.
2.3.4.At mandatory emergency exits and safety signs.
2.3.5.At each change of direction.
2.3.6.At each intersection with corridors.
2.3.7.Outside and near (within 2m horizontally) each final exit.
2.3.8.Near (within 2m horizontally) each first aid post.
2.3.9.Near (within 2m horizontally) each site of fire fighting equipment and call point.
2.4. Escape Route Lighting:
2.4.1.The disability glare of such lighting shall be kept low within the field of view.
2.5. Safety signs for emergency and escape requirements shall conform to the requirements of ISO 3864. The luminance of the safety colours of the signs shall be easily visible in all relevant viewing directions and the ratio of the maximum to the minimum luminance shall be adequate.

Issued with the knowledge of Douglas Williams
(Group President, Alsigns-Surelite Ltd)