4. THE NEED FOR PHOTOLUMINESCENT WAYFINDING GUIDANCE SYSTEMS.
4.1 GENERAL
Photoluminescent wayfinding guidance systems provide directional
and other safety information in both normal occupation conditions
and in the case of power loss or obscurity such as smoke logging of ceiling
luminaries. Photoluminescent systems provide an instantaneous light
source in case of failure of the electrical power providing an essential
back-up to electrically powered emergency lighting and covering
any initial delay period in activation of such systems.
4.2. UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS OF OCCUPATION
Under normal lighting conditions, photoluminescent wayfinding guidance
systems, due to their characteristic yellow colour, provide a readily
recognisable escape route path. Safety signing and emergency
directional markers in photoluminescent material perform an identical
role to traditional safety signing as prescribed by National and
International Standards, as specified and as required by National and
International Fire Precaution Legislation.
4.3. IN CASE OF POWER LOSS AND AS A SUPPLEMENT
TO THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING ACCORDING TO CURRENT NATIONAL &
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Photoluminescent materials and products provide a valuable light source
in case of power loss, requiring only that they receive sufficient activating
illuminance immediately prior to the power interruption. The light emission
is instantaneous, providing an immediate sense of security and
orientation to evacuees. The functioning of photoluminescent wayfinding
systems is completely independent of electrical power from any source
during the evacuation or emergency period and will continue to emit light,
easily perceived by the dark adapted eye, for some hours, assisting both
evacuees and intervention forces. Photoluminescent materials
and products may be located anywhere where sufficient activating, normal
lighting, illuminance is provided. This allows for the specific and supplementary
highlighting of all possible obstacles to speedy evacuation, all changes
of direction, floor level or elevation, and location of
emergency equipment, fire fighting equipment, hazards, fire doors
and the final exit along an escape path. Location of photoluminescent
materials and products at floor level and between floor and eye level
provide for added security in case of smoke logging and crowding of escape
paths.
Photoluminescent safety signing and supplementary signboards
provide safety communications that can be read and understood in darkness
and in the obscurity of an emergency situation.
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