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In 1994, following the first terrorist bomb attack in the World Trade Center basement parking garage, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey installed Permalight® photoluminescent markings on the steps, landings and handrail top bars of their emergency staircases.
During the 9/11 World Trade Center New York City evacuation, 33% of survivors in WTC Tower I and 17% of survivors in WTC Tower II were aided by the Permalight® photoluminescent markings on the steps, landings and handrails. (see NIST study at http://wtc.nist.gov/NCSTAR1/PDF/NCSTAR%201-7.pdf. Based on the NIST findings, the New York City Department of Buildings developed a range of improvements, enforced by Local Law 26 of 2004, which included photoluminescent exit path markings.
Since then, both NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ICC (International Code Council) have added photoluminescent exit stair path markings to their domestic codes.
Follow the lead of the Code-writing organizations and improve life safety in your buildings, using Permalight® photoluminescent egress path markings. Take precautions now! Once the emergency occurs, it is too late!
Contact our Customer Service team for a complimentary consultation, more detailed product information or a customized price quote.
ICC (International Code Council) is a US membership association committed to fire prevention, building safety and energy efficiency.
ICC develops a wide range of codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. These I-Codes (International Codes) enable safety, health and welfare for people at home, at school, in the workplace and in public assemblies. Most US states, counties and cities choose the I-codes for their building safety. Fifty states and the District of Columbia have adopted the I-Codes at the state or jurisdictional level. Federal agencies including the Architect of the Capitol, GeneralServices Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration also enforcethe I-Codes. The Department of Defense references the International Building Code for constructing military facilities, including those that house U.S. troops, domestically and abroad.
Every three years, an updated version of the I-codes gets publiSHEd. The 2009 edition of the IBC – International Building Code and 2009 IFC – International Fire Code contain significant code additions relating to increased safety in the means of egress.
IBC addresses construction and design of new buildings and major renovations
IFC addresses completed, existing buildings
The 2009 IBC and 2009 IFC require luminous egress path markings in all assembly, business, educational, institutional/ hospital, mercantile and hotel / motel buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Per Section 1024 in the 2009 IBC and Section 4604.2 in the 2009 IFC, luminous markings are required in all exit enclosures on the steps, landings, handrails, as perimeter demarcation lines, on obstacles and doors from exit enclosures.
The IBC and IFC requirements are enforced by building inspectors and fire code officials.
The extensive PERMALIGHT® emergency evacuation product range encompasses photoluminescent raw materials, printable substrates as well as safety markings made from aluminum, polycarbonate, PVC, polyester, metal, epoxy resins and more. With our large variety of products, we are able to address your specific building marking needs while staying within your budget.
The quality of our photoluminescent products is the result of extensive research conducted at our laboratory in Germany and supported by an in-house luminance quality control laboratory in the U.S. Furthermore, a stringent ISO 9001-certified manufacturing process assures that only approved products of the highest quality leave the plant.
PERMALIGHT® is a financially strong company with long-time, knowledgeable employees. Our experts are intimately familiar with domestic and international codes and standards. We are experienced in conducting thorough customer needs analyses and generating custom solutions. Therefore, whether you have a new project or an existing project to retrofit – contact us!
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