As a healthcare facility it is important to make sure that all of your building’s fire protection systems are working and up to date with the code. Especially, for those who cannot be easily evacuated from the building during a fire emergency. But what about those who are able to evacuate from the building? If the exits aren’t clearly marked, occupants could become disoriented and unsure of which way to head towards safety. That’s why photoluminescent (PL) egress path marking system and exit signs should be a part of a healthcare facility’s fire and life safety plan.
Photoluminescent egress path marking system and exit signs are a non-electrical system that helps visibility in smoky or blackout conditions. It create an outline of steps, landings, handrails and any other obstacles that could potentially cause someone to have an accident. Occupants are more likely to slip, trip, or bump into something if they can’t see where they are going. So, PL allows a building to have continuous visual support for up to 48 hours by producing sunlight or recycling existing electrical light. Not only does PL require no electricity, but it is made of quality material that is engineered to last the lifespan of your facility. This is important in the event of a fire, especially in hallways and stairwells where accidents are more likely to occur during a fire emergency. Because of this, more buildings today are being required by building codes to have photoluminescent egress path marking systems and exit signs installed. In fact, The International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) requires that, “buildings having floors that occupy more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle must be provided with luminous egress path markings”.
Many hospitals, especially those in big cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago will have multiple floors filled with patient rooms. Patients, doctors and nurses that occupy a higher floor, would take longer to evacuate. And since smoke rises, they are more likely to face smoky and blackout conditions in the event of a fire. This is why PL markings and exit signs in hallways, and stairwells are the best way to ensure that patients, nurses and doctors will evacuate quickly and safely.
