Graphic Products,

Transcription

1 Graphic Products,

2

3 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION What does Photoluminescent Technology Provide? What is Photoluminescent Technology? 5 2 PHOTOLUMINESCENT GLOW PROPERTIES How does Photoluminescent Technology Work? 3 USE OF PHOTOLUMINESCENT LABELS Why Use Photoluminescent Labels? 9 CODES & STANDARDS Resources and References 7 The information presented in this guide was obtained from sources whom we deem reliable and the best available sources; Graphic Products, Inc. has made every effort to ensure this information is correct. However, we do not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Graphic Products, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied. Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Graphic Products, Inc. disclaims all warranties and any liability for damages of any kind and any liability whether in contract, tort under statute or otherwise for any injury, damage or loss whatsoever. No reliance should be placed on information contained or to be implied or inferred in this guide, and users of this guide should verify all information with NFPA, ANSI and OSHA sources directly. - i -

4 INTRODUCTION What Does Photoluminescent Technology Provide? Photoluminescent technology provides a way to clearly mark exit pathways and provide emergency information that will be visible in smoky conditions and when lights fail. Since no power is required, photoluminescent labels and signs provide a reliable and safe means to mark pathways, identify hazards, provide directions, and display needed information during a power outage or an emergency. What Is Photoluminescent Technology? Photoluminescent labels are commonly known as glowin-the-dark, absorb energy from a light source during normal conditions. When the light source is removed the labels glow, serving as a reliable source of information when lighting fails due to power outages, obstruction from smoke, or in other types of emergencies. They are commonly used to mark exit pathways throughout a building to orient and direct people during evacuation. Photoluminescent signs and markings are typically placed in multiple locations, including along walls near 1. Photoluminescent technology is not intended to illuminate an area, but to outline an area and provide information. Photoluminescent labels and signs can be recharged over and over again and, for indoor applications, can last for decades. 1 doors, the sign is to be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door, with the nearest edge of the sign within 4 in. of the door frame

5 PHOTOLUMINESCENT GLOW PROPERTIES How Does Photoluminescent Technology Work? Photoluminescent technology involves mixing light-storing crystals into labeling and sign making materials. Strontium oxide aluminate crystals are often used in glow-in-the-dark toys. Three key factors effect luminance: used to charge photoluminescent labels and signs: Fluorescent and halogen lights charge photoluminescent material more effectively than incandescent lights. Although sunlight is the most effective light for charging photoluminescent materials, the UV in sunlight causes deterioration of the sign or label. Labels used indoors can last for twenty years or more, where as the typical outdoor life for a photoluminescent label is three years. where the label or sign is located (measured in lux or foot candle): The greater the intensity, the faster the charging rate. As little as 5-foot-candles (the amount of light that comes from a 15 watt bulb) are needed to charge strontium oxide aluminate photoluminescent labels and signs. in minutes: The greater the intensity of the light, the less time required to fully charge the label or sign. Typical recharge times are in the range from 30 to 60 minutes. This will provide a full eight hours of glowing. NFPA requires that exit enclosures where photoluminescent materials are installed be continuously illuminated for at least 60 minutes prior to periods when the building is occupied. the human eye naturally adapts to the darkness. A person s eyes will compensate enough to essentially eliminate any noticeable difference in luminance

6 USE OF PHOTOLUMINESCENT LABELS Why Use Photoluminescent Labels and Signs? Strongly adhere to metals, plastics, rubbers, paints, vinyl, glass, etc Lead free Maintenance free The DL9000 MSHA Labeling Kit Need BIG signs? Check out the DuraLabel 9000 and print on 4" - 9" Tape widths

7 HAZARD STATEMENTS What Types of Facilities Most Often Use Photoluminescent Signs and Labels? Industrial buildings Utilities power generation Manufacturing facilities Ships Aircraft Airports Railway & subway stations Trains & buses Military bases Parking garages Hospitals Hotels Arenas & stadiums Public buildings Theaters Museums Government buildings Schools Typical Photoluminescent Label and Sign Applications: First aid kits Directional Door frames Flashlights Description Emergency kits Arrows & symbols Stairways & handrails Doors and exits Exit signs Landings Stairwells Rooms Phones Light switches Dangerous areas Windows Emergency phones with emergency# Machinery Procedures Distance to exit Fire Extinguishers Protruding objects Elevators When Are Photoluminescent Labels and Signs Used? New commercial construction During renovation projects Now before an emergency happens Who Already Requires Using Photoluminescent Markings? New Jersey, Chicago, and many other jurisdictions are reviewing standards for photoluminescent exit safety markings and adopting into their current building codes. Many jurisdictions and municipalities are beginning to view safety measures, such as photoluminscent markings, as normal & necessary

8

9 CODES & STANDARDS International Building Code (IBC) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintain luminescence Means of Egress for further details and additional standards. stair path markings be installed using photoluminescent materials. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) installation possibilities and provides drawings to highlight typical applications in corridors, staircases, and as signage Underwriters Laboratories (UL) California Building Code (CABC) structural safety. order to provide a visible delineation along the path of travel

10 HIGH VISIBILITY SUPPLIES BoldGlo Phosphorescent Tapes Recommended for indoor use Photoluminescent Non-Skid Floor Marking Tapes Phosphorescent Tapes Ideal for emergency labeling Recommended for indoor use Fluorescent HiViz Tapes Fluorescent Outdoors HiViz Tapes Excellent for use in construction sites DL4000 Pink & Green Indoor and outdoor use Orange & Blue Indoor and outdoor use Use with clear vinyl, allowing the show through mounting 50+ DuraLabel Supplies - BoldGlo Phosphorescent Tapes DuraTag LOTO tag Stock Electrostatic Dissipative Tapes Embossable Poly Tapes Floor Marking Tapes GHS Labels Health & Safety Labels LN 2 Poly Tapes Magnetic Supply Marine Label Tapes Nylon Label Tapes Oily Surface Tapes Phosphorescent Tapes Pipe Grabber Sleeves Premium Vinyl Tapes Premium DuraLabel Ribbons Repositionable Tapes Sign Blanks Tyvek Tag Stock XPressPeel Vinyl Tapes

11 CODES & STANDARDS New York City but rather will provide luminescent signs and outlines of the egress path, stairs, handrails, and obstacles, so that occupants can The National Institute of Standards and Technology 2 reported that they were helped by photoluminescent markings. The discrepancy between towers may be due to the fact that Connecticut Sources & References: stairway markings in buildings. Excellent source

12