Exit signage is required by NFPA 101 Article 7.10 . The system must operate continuously anytime the building fire alarm system is activated with intent of providing a clearly identifiable exit path if the pathway is filled with smoke and the only viable means out is very low to the floor.
Where do exit signs need to be placed?
Exit or directional signs, or both, shall be provided at every exit door, at the intersection of corridors, at exit stairways or ramps and at such other locations and intervals as are necessary to provide the occupants with knowledge of the various means of egress available.
Do exit signs need battery backup?
Battery backup: The batteries in backup power sources will eventually run out , rendering your exit signs useless in the event of a power outage. The technician will test all backup batteries to ensure proper function.
Is fire exit a safety sign?
An exit sign is a pictogram or short text in a public facility (such as a building, aircraft, or boat) denoting the location of the closest emergency exit to be used in case of fire or other emergency that requires rapid evacuation. ... Exit signs are designed to be absolutely unmistakable and understandable to anyone.
Where are exit signs required NFPA?
NFPA 101 also requires egress signage to be provided in most occupancies—including, but not limited to, assembly, educational, hotels, mercantile, and business— on exits other than main exterior doors that are not obvious and identifiable as exits.
How are exit signs clear on both sides?
Sometimes the lenses are mirrored but seem transparent. ... To combat this, you insert an opaque lens between the two sides of the panel . Another interesting aspect ordering double sided signs is the arrows.
Do exit signs need to be on a dedicated circuit?
They must be on a dedicated circuit back to the panel . 2. Like emergency lighting, they must be on the un-switched side to the lighting circuit for the area that they serve.
Can a fire exit be used as a normal exit?
The name is a reference to when they were frequently used, however, a fire exit can also be a main doorway must be able to be unlocked from the inside of the room . A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, mounted to the outside of a building.
What are the requirements for a fire exit?
What are the requirements for exits? Exits must be separated by fire resistant materials —that is, one-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and two-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects more than three floors.
Can you block a fire exit?
Fire exit doors must never be blocked, even temporarily . Exit routes should never be blocked by materials, equipment, or locked doors, or have dead-end corridors. All safeguards used to protect employees during an emergency must be maintained and in good working order.
What height should fire exit signs be?
3) Specify that all signs shall be posted at a height no greater than 48 inches above the floor level to the bottom of the portion of the sign containing emergency evacuation information.
Are glow in the dark exit signs legal?
The requirements for the illumination of exit signs are set out by the NFPA in their life safety code, or NFPA 101. ... Externally, internally, and photo luminescent illuminated signs are all permissible . There must be at least 1.5 hrs. of emergency light if the building lighting fails.
How often should exit signs be checked?
According to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 101: Life Safety Code, all exit lights and emergency lights must be inspected and tested both monthly and annually .
How do see through exit signs work?
Photoluminescent exit signs take in photons from their surroundings, store the energy, and then release it in the form of a green glow as a building becomes dark .
How do edge lit exit signs work?
The effect is achieved by a row of LEDs located at the top of the panel shooting light down into the panel . The edge of the Exit panel is often lined with a reflective strip that accentuates the effect by reflecting light back up into the panel where the light illuminates the word EXIT.
How do exit signs work?
The most common type of exit sign is made of economical thermoplastic and is illuminated with LEDs . ... The signs have a strip of LEDs located either at the top or the bottom of the word EXIT and generally use a battery which is located on board to stay illuminated in the event of a power outage.
