Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Your Facility
In any commercial or industrial facility, the safety of every individual is paramount. During an emergency, such as a power outage or fire, clear and reliable guidance can be the difference between a safe evacuation and a catastrophe. That’s where exit signs and emergency lighting become critically important. These systems are not just a matter of compliance; they are fundamental components of a building’s life safety infrastructure, designed to prevent panic and illuminate the path to safety when it’s needed most.
Why Reliable Egress Systems Are Non-Negotiable
Properly functioning exit and emergency lighting systems are essential for guiding occupants out of a building safely during emergencies. When main power is lost, these systems activate automatically, reducing confusion, enabling a swift evacuation, and assisting first responders navigating the facility. In environments filled with smoke or darkness, these illuminated beacons cut through the chaos, providing clear, unambiguous direction. Neglecting their maintenance or compliance can lead to significant risks, including potential injuries, legal liability, and regulatory fines.
At IFW Supply, we understand the critical role these safety products play. Our commitment is to provide contractors, distributors, and facility managers with the high-quality components needed to build robust and compliant safety systems across the United States, from Boise to Seattle.
Understanding Regulatory Standards: OSHA and NFPA
Compliance with national safety standards is mandatory. Two primary authorities set the requirements for emergency egress systems in the United States:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA mandates that all workplaces provide clearly marked and illuminated exit routes. Key requirements include that exit signs must be lit and legible, with letters at least six inches high. The path of egress must be adequately lit at all times, ensuring employees can find their way out safely during an emergency.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, provides more detailed guidelines. It stipulates that emergency lighting must activate within 10 seconds of a power failure and remain operational for at least 90 minutes. The lighting must provide an average of at least one foot-candle of illumination along the path of egress at floor level. For comprehensive fire protection systems, adhering to NFPA standards is crucial.
Types of Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting
Choosing the right technology for your facility depends on factors like ambient light, environmental conditions, and budget. Modern solutions offer enhanced reliability and efficiency.
| Technology Type | Description & Best Use Cases |
|---|---|
| LED (Light-Emitting Diode) | The most common type, LED signs and lights are highly energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and require minimal maintenance. They are ideal for nearly any indoor application and come with battery backups to ensure they remain lit during power failures. |
| Photoluminescent | Also known as “glow-in-the-dark,” these signs absorb ambient light and use it to glow during a blackout. They require no electricity or batteries, making them a cost-effective and highly reliable option in well-lit areas. Their glow can be more visible through smoke than some electric options. |
| Self-Luminous (Tritium) | These signs use tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, to generate a constant glow without any external power source. They have a lifespan of 10-20 years and are excellent for remote locations or areas where electricity is unavailable. |
Essential Maintenance and Testing Procedures
Installation is only the first step. Regular maintenance is legally required and essential for ensuring your systems work when needed. A proactive maintenance plan protects your investment and, more importantly, the people in your building.
Monthly Visual Inspections
Conduct a 30-second push test on all battery-powered units to ensure the lights illuminate correctly. Visually inspect signs for any damage or obstructions.
Annual Full-Load Test
Perform a 90-minute test to simulate a long-term power outage. This verifies that the batteries can hold a charge and sustain illumination for the required duration.
Record Keeping
Maintain detailed logs of all tests, inspections, and repairs. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance to inspectors and regulatory bodies.
Did You Know?
The color of exit signs can be either red or green. While red is often associated with “stop” or “danger,” it is highly visible. Green is associated with “go” and safety and is becoming more common internationally. OSHA does not mandate a specific color, only that the sign is distinctive and contrasts with its background.
Partner with IFW Supply for Your Safety Needs
From industrial facilities and commercial buildings to waterworks projects, ensuring safety is a universal need. IFW Supply is a customer-focused supplier providing a comprehensive range of fire protection, safety, and industrial products from leading manufacturers. Whether your project is in Denver, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City, our team is equipped to provide the technical guidance and product availability you need.
Our export sales support also ensures that contractors and distributors around the globe can access the best safety solutions on the market.
Ready to Enhance Your Facility’s Safety?
Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your egress systems are inadequate. Contact the experts at IFW Supply today for guidance on the best exit signs and emergency lighting for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do emergency lights need to be tested?
Emergency lights require a 30-second functionality test monthly and a full 90-minute battery drain test annually to ensure they meet NFPA and OSHA standards.
Where should emergency exit signs be installed?
Exit signs must be placed above designated emergency exit doors and in any location where the direction to the nearest exit is not immediately clear, such as in long corridors or at intersections.
What is the difference between “maintained” and “non-maintained” emergency lighting?
Maintained emergency lights are always on and stay on during a power failure, often used in public spaces like theaters. Non-maintained lights only activate when the main power supply fails, which is common in many standard workplaces.
Are photoluminescent signs compliant with building codes?
Yes, photoluminescent signs that are UL 924 listed are compliant with major building codes like IBC and NFPA 101. However, they must be installed in an area with sufficient ambient light to maintain their charge.
Glossary of Terms
Egress: The action of going out of or leaving a place; a path or opening for going out.
Foot-candle (fc): A unit of illuminance or light intensity, equivalent to the illumination produced by one candle at a distance of one foot.
NFPA: The National Fire Protection Association, a global nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.
OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.
Photoluminescence: The emission of light from a substance that has absorbed light. In exit signs, this technology allows them to glow in the dark after being charged by an ambient light source.