In industrial spaces, safety is of paramount importance. One of the essential safety features in any industrial space is exit signs. These signs serve as a guide to help people evacuate a building safely in the event of an emergency. However, not all exit signs are created equal. In this blog, we’ll discuss the requirements for emergency exit signs in Vancouver industrial areas, including the types of signs available, their placement, and their illumination.
Types of Exit Signs
Exit signs come in various types, but they all serve the same purpose: to direct people to safety. The most common types of exit signs are:
- Non-Electric Exit Signs
These signs don’t require electricity and are often found in areas where power is not available or reliable. They are typically made from reflective materials and rely on external light sources, such as flashlights or emergency lighting, to be seen in the dark.
- Electric Exit Signs
These signs are connected to a power source and are often found in areas where electricity is readily available. They use internal illumination, usually from LED lights, to be visible in the dark.
- Photoluminescent Exit Signs
These signs use a special type of material that absorbs light and then glows in the dark. They are often used in areas where electricity is not available or reliable, but they can also be used in combination with other types of signs.
Placement of Exit Signs
Exit signs should be placed in locations that are easily visible and in areas where people are likely to look for them. The placement of exit signs should be in accordance with local building codes, which often specify the minimum height, width, and letter size of the sign.
The exit signs should be placed in the following locations:
- Above each door or exit
- Along each corridor or hallway, at intervals of no more than 100 feet
- At every change of direction
- At every intersection
- Near any stairway or escalator
- Near any hazardous area, such as a chemical storage room or a flammable liquid storage area.
Illumination of Exit Signs
The illumination of exit signs is critical, especially in industrial spaces where power outages or emergency situations can occur. The level of illumination required depends on the type of sign and the environment in which it is located.
Electric exit signs should have a minimum illumination of five-foot candles (FC) measured at the sign face. Photoluminescent signs should have a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot-lamberts (ftL) measured after 60 minutes of total darkness. Non-electric signs do not have a specific illumination requirement, but they should be visible under emergency lighting conditions.
It’s also essential to ensure that nothing obstructs the view of the exit signs, such as machinery or equipment. Regular maintenance of the signs, including cleaning and testing, is necessary to ensure they remain visible in an emergency.
Other Considerations
In addition to the requirements discussed above, there are a few other considerations when it comes to exit signs in industrial spaces.
Language – In areas where workers speak different languages, it may be necessary to include exit signs in multiple languages to ensure that everyone can understand them.
Arrows – Exit signs should include an arrow indicating the direction of the nearest exit. The arrow should be visible from a distance and clearly point in the direction of the exit.
Emergency Lighting – Emergency lighting is crucial to ensure that exit signs are visible in the event of a power outage. Emergency lighting should be installed per local building codes and tested regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Summing Up
Exit signs are a critical safety feature in industrial spaces, and their importance cannot be overstated. They serve as a guide to help people evacuate a building safely in the event of an emergency. By following the necessary requirements for exit signs, employers can provide a safer work environment for their employees and protect them from potential hazards. Lumistep is your one-stop destination for buying photoluminescent fire exit signs at affordable prices. With them, you can rest assured that you are getting a superior product that meets your safety needs and regulatory requirements.