Properly installed and maintained emergency exit signage can quickly lead your employees to safety, as disorientation is common in smoke-filled or darkened rooms and halls. When a fire or other emergency occurs, every second is critical. Newer, innovative, dynamic exit systems are a major advancement in life safety design.
Proper lighting installation and maintenance ensure that your emergency exit signage and lighting complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which require you to have two emergency exit routes clearly marked with emergency and exit lighting.
Traditional Emergency Exit Signage and Lighting
Emergency exit signs and lighting are essential safety features in buildings. They must remain lit even during a power outage. Traditional exit signs and lighting are effective but can be overlooked due to familiarity. Dynamic signage is an alternative that may be more effective. Traditional exit signs should be checked monthly to ensure they are well-lit and unblocked, and any issues should be addressed promptly.
Dynamic Emergency Exit Signage and Lighting
Dynamic exit signs can deter occupants from following a direction of travel that may be blocked or otherwise unsafe due to a hazardous condition, such as a fire or structural collapse. The development of dynamic emergency exit systems has been driven by the need for exit signs and lighting that can adapt to evolving emergencies, attracting people's attention and redirecting them to the best exit route. These systems are becoming increasingly necessary as advanced systems become more prevalent, and they are addressed in codes like the NFPA 72® National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®.
Unlike traditional lighted exit signs, dynamic exit signs utilize sensors, controls, and artificial intelligence algorithms to display information based on real-time conditions within complex buildings. In the event of a hazard, such as a fire or structural collapse, dynamic exit signage and lighting can guide people away from blocked paths, potentially preventing injury or death.
Taking Care of Your Equipment
Emergency exit signage and lighting is essential for safety and requires monthly and annual inspections to make sure it meets the required standards. These inspections are part of regular maintenance and help identify deficiencies. Don't overlook your emergency exit lighting system; ensure it functions properly as part of your overall maintenance plan.
CertaSite offers expertise in fire protection systems, including emergency exit signage and lighting, to ensure your business stays compliant and protected. Our industry-trained experts provide inspection, installation, maintenance, and service to create protection plans that keep your business up to code, compliant, and confident.
