Chapter 26 New York City Local Law clearly set standards in regards to the direction marks in the buildings all round the city. It requires that photoluminescent materials that meet specific standards are employed in marking the exit path along the stairs, around the obstacles, and along the paths in attempt to guide the occupants out of the building in case of failure of the main electricity supply and the backup power source. Failure to comply with NYC local law 26 therefore may cost the building owner dearly.
Photoluminescent marks are made of pigments that charges when exposed to light. The pigments are then able to emit light when other sources of light goes off. As much as the light emitted is not enough to illuminate the building, it is enough to show the direction of exit path out of the building. The standards set for such marks are meant to facilitate the easier exit out of buildings in dark conditions.
In order to comply with NYC local law 26, the photoluminescent to be used should have passed all the standards set by NY Department of Buildings and have a MEA certification number as the evidence for this. MEA is a unit under the department and is responsible in assigning MEA number to the compliant materials in building.
The next group of compliance has to do with the American Disability Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). In addition to all other OSHA requirements, the markers on the stairs are expected to be made of materials that are slip-resistant. The materials that satisfy the ADA and OSHA requirements are usually given a MEA number.
When it comes to durability, the standards consider a lot of friction that markers along the stairways are exposed to. This is largely contributed by frequent cleaning and walking along the stairways system which are the main causes of wear and tear. Other environmental factors such as temperature are some of the factors that contribute to rapid deterioration of these materials. The stairway markers system and other markers are therefore expected to be made of highly durable materials with lifespan of more than 10 years.
When it comes to location of markers, it is required that they are strategically at points close enough where they remain visible under all conditions such as under heavy smoke or large crowds. They should also be easily cleanable as allowing dirt to accumulate on them affects their functionality. The markers will absorb too little light when covered with dirt. The result is that less light will be emitted in dark condition. The duration of illumination too reduces significantly.
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 no longer a choice but a requirement to comply with NYC local law 26 for any building within New York City to be certified as safe for occupation. The compliance is also beneficial to the building owners and much safer to the occupants too.
Photoluminescent marks are made of pigments that charges when exposed to light. The pigments are then able to emit light when other sources of light goes off. As much as the light emitted is not enough to illuminate the building, it is enough to show the direction of exit path out of the building. The standards set for such marks are meant to facilitate the easier exit out of buildings in dark conditions.
In order to comply with NYC local law 26, the photoluminescent to be used should have passed all the standards set by NY Department of Buildings and have a MEA certification number as the evidence for this. MEA is a unit under the department and is responsible in assigning MEA number to the compliant materials in building.
The next group of compliance has to do with the American Disability Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). In addition to all other OSHA requirements, the markers on the stairs are expected to be made of materials that are slip-resistant. The materials that satisfy the ADA and OSHA requirements are usually given a MEA number.
When it comes to durability, the standards consider a lot of friction that markers along the stairways are exposed to. This is largely contributed by frequent cleaning and walking along the stairways system which are the main causes of wear and tear. Other environmental factors such as temperature are some of the factors that contribute to rapid deterioration of these materials. The stairway markers system and other markers are therefore expected to be made of highly durable materials with lifespan of more than 10 years.
When it comes to location of markers, it is required that they are strategically at points close enough where they remain visible under all conditions such as under heavy smoke or large crowds. They should also be easily cleanable as allowing dirt to accumulate on them affects their functionality. The markers will absorb too little light when covered with dirt. The result is that less light will be emitted in dark condition. The duration of illumination too reduces significantly.
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 no longer a choice but a requirement to comply with NYC local law 26 for any building within New York City to be certified as safe for occupation. The compliance is also beneficial to the building owners and much safer to the occupants too.
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