Are your evacuation routes marked? If the lights go out in the next five minutes would everyone in your building be able to

• Find their way out?


• Move through aisles and halls without bumping into something?


• Find the stairwells? And know which stairwell they're in? The floor they're on? And all points of re-entry and exit?


• Identify the primary exits?


• Find emergency communication devices?


• Locate first-aid kits, blankets, and areas of refuge?

Add smoke to your lights-out emergency. People must crawl, not walk. Now, go back and answer those same questions knowing that most of your emergency exit signs cannot be seen through the smoke.

Emergencies happen every day. The stress of having to evacuate quickly can make it difficult for people think clearly and act calmly -- underscoring the importance of having evacuation routes mapped out and marked with unmistakable clarity.

The Key: A Low-Level Photoluminescent Marking System

Low-level pathway markings made from advanced photoluminescent technology can help guide people along evacuation routes and to the appropriate exit -- and complement your existing program to create a thorough, well-designed evacuation plan.

A typical low-level system includes strategically placed ASTM-compliant directional tape, anti-skid product, and egress markings in tandem with NFPA 170 Fire Safety Signs, exit signs listed to UL 924, and general safety signage . . . all the markings you need to help ensure an emergency evacuation is rapid, orderly, and safe.

Why Photoluminescent Markings?

Advanced photoluminescent technology takes advantage of a patented formula that enhances the afterglow performance of the material. The improved materials glow brighter and longer than previous photoluminescent technologies, making them a widely-accepted and practical solution for reliable egress marking.

Photoluminescent markings require no electricity, they have lower installation costs (no rewiring), no operating costs (no electricity or batteries), and are virtually maintenance free. Best of all, the material is 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly.

How do these products work? Photoluminescent products absorb and store energy from normal ambient light (the normal light that you get in a room when you turn on the lights), then release this energy in the form of light when the room is darkened.

Photoluminescent Technology: Changing the Way We Think About Safety

Patented in the mid-1990s, a new photoluminescent technology using strontium oxide aluminate pigments brought unprecedented performance to signs, tapes, directional markings, and other products. This new formula outperformed previous technologies by as much as 2500% in terms of luminance and afterglow -- changing forever the way companies design their emergency egress strategies.

Photoluminescence Timeline

• In 1989, California adopted a law requiring pathway marking and low-level exit signage in new assembly, educational, health care, and hospitality facilities. In 1993, following a cruise ship fire that killed 158 people, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) passed a similar requirement.


• In 1997, the FAA authorized the use of photoluminescent egress markings in airplanes in lieu of electric-powered lights.


• In 1998, the U.S. Navy mandated the use of photoluminescent markings delineating egress routes and surrounding firefighting equipment in their ships.


• In 1999, The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed a standard 2030-99, Guide for Recommended Uses of Photoluminescent Safety Markings, with recommended applications of photoluminescent safety markings to illuminate pathways.


• In 2000, the Dept of Defense adopted ASTM 2030-99 as the standard for use in military installations.


• In 2001, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) revised their Standard 924 for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment to provide qualifying standards for Photoluminescent EXIT signs. Photoluminescent EXIT signs that meet the UL 924 Standard can be used as code-compliant alternatives to electric EXIT signs.


• In 2003, The World Trade Center Building Code Task Force submitted its report of the 9/11 attack. One of the recommended changes to building codes is to improve marking of the egress path, doors, and stairs with photoluminescent materials.


• In 2004, New York City passed legislation mandating the use of photoluminescent markings in stairwells of all high-rise Class E buildings 75 ft or higher.

Clear Evacuation Routes Critical In Today's World

The National Research Council of Canada has stated that photoluminescent pathway markings "appear to be a cost-effective addition or even a potential replacement for traditional electrical emergency lighting, since it does not consume energy, requires no wiring, needs minimum maintenance, and is totally reliable, provided it is installed in locations where permanent full lighting is provided."

We now live in an era in which previously unthinkable attacks are possible. That, along with more common emergencies, such as power outages, fires, and weather situations, underscores the critical nature of having evacuation routes marked with absolute clarity.