Chapter 26 of New York City Charter outlines the minimum requirements in regards to photoluminescent marking of exit path. This comes in handy to help in organized and quick exit from a building in an event of failure of both the electricity and the power backup. Normally, photoluminescent materials charges when exposed to light. It is therefore a requirement for every building within New York to comply with NYC local law 26.
Among many other requirements, the materials used should emit light enough to provide signs and outlines that can guide the occupants along the path, handrails, stairs and obstacles in dark conditions. Other considerations such as low locations of the marking for visibility in case of smoke or crowd have also to be considered. It is important to understand that requirements are just additions to those already under Building Code and not a replacement of any of them.
The New York Department of Buildings is the body that deals with the compliance of these standards. MEA is a body under this department that issues a compliance certificate to the materials under a MEA number which should assist the constructors when selecting the material to use for this purpose.
The photoluminescent materials used are also expected to comply to the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and those of American Disability Act (ADA). One of the OSHA requirements for instance is that stairs in a building are made of slip-free materials; this covers the photoluminescent used on the exit paths like stairways too.
The materials used on the stairways and other exit paths are normally exposed to a lot of friction which contributes to fast rate of wear and tear. In addition to regular scratches when cleaning and when on use, they are also affected by the other environmental elements like temperature changes. For these reasons, the materials used as markers are expected to be highly durable, with lifespan of over 10 years.
The markers should be placed in strategic locations where they remain visible even in smoky conditions and in large crowds. Periodic cleaning and inspection for repair is also a requirement. This is significant given that accumulation of dirt on these materials reduces their light absorption rate and will be therefore less effective in their performance. Less light absorption means less reflective effect and hence difficulty of visibility.
Other than for the code compliance reasons, the chosen photoluminescent stairway marking system should have slip-resistance properties for occupant protection and to minimize the liability that may arise from the slip-and-fall accidents. The resistance should be for both the dry and wet conditions. Water primarily flows through stairs on activation during fire emergencies. If the materials used on stairs are not slip resistant, escape will be very difficult and may increase injuries.
It is therefore important for building owners to ensure that their buildings comply with NYC local law 26 as this is the only way for the building to get the certificate of safety. Such compliance is also to the benefit of the owner as it reduces liabilities in case of accident and increases chances of survival for the building occupants.
Among many other requirements, the materials used should emit light enough to provide signs and outlines that can guide the occupants along the path, handrails, stairs and obstacles in dark conditions. Other considerations such as low locations of the marking for visibility in case of smoke or crowd have also to be considered. It is important to understand that requirements are just additions to those already under Building Code and not a replacement of any of them.
The New York Department of Buildings is the body that deals with the compliance of these standards. MEA is a body under this department that issues a compliance certificate to the materials under a MEA number which should assist the constructors when selecting the material to use for this purpose.
The photoluminescent materials used are also expected to comply to the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and those of American Disability Act (ADA). One of the OSHA requirements for instance is that stairs in a building are made of slip-free materials; this covers the photoluminescent used on the exit paths like stairways too.
The materials used on the stairways and other exit paths are normally exposed to a lot of friction which contributes to fast rate of wear and tear. In addition to regular scratches when cleaning and when on use, they are also affected by the other environmental elements like temperature changes. For these reasons, the materials used as markers are expected to be highly durable, with lifespan of over 10 years.
The markers should be placed in strategic locations where they remain visible even in smoky conditions and in large crowds. Periodic cleaning and inspection for repair is also a requirement. This is significant given that accumulation of dirt on these materials reduces their light absorption rate and will be therefore less effective in their performance. Less light absorption means less reflective effect and hence difficulty of visibility.
Other than for the code compliance reasons, the chosen photoluminescent stairway marking system should have slip-resistance properties for occupant protection and to minimize the liability that may arise from the slip-and-fall accidents. The resistance should be for both the dry and wet conditions. Water primarily flows through stairs on activation during fire emergencies. If the materials used on stairs are not slip resistant, escape will be very difficult and may increase injuries.
It is therefore important for building owners to ensure that their buildings comply with NYC local law 26 as this is the only way for the building to get the certificate of safety. Such compliance is also to the benefit of the owner as it reduces liabilities in case of accident and increases chances of survival for the building occupants.
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