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Escape route signage

Escape route signage is an essential component of fire safety and emergency safety in buildings. It refers to the system of lighting, signs, and directions that help people quickly and safely evacuate a building in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or other hazardous situation.

Objectives of escape route signage

The primary purpose of emergency exit signage is to guide people to emergency exits or escape routes , even if the surrounding area is dark or disturbed by smoke or other hazards. This is crucial for the safety of building occupants and visitors and can make all the difference in an emergency.

Components of escape route signage

Escape route signage consists of several key elements that work together to enable safe and efficient evacuation:

  1. Escape route signs :
    • These signs provide visual indications of the escape route and indicate the direction of the emergency exit .
    • They are usually lit and have arrows indicating the correct direction to the nearest exit.
    • Emergency exit signs should be placed in strategic locations within the building, such as in corridors, stairwells and at room entrances.
  2. Emergency lighting :
    • Emergency lighting is essential for the visibility of escape routes when regular lighting fails, for example in the event of a fire or power failure.
    • The lighting must sufficiently illuminate the escape route and emergency exits so that people can follow the route to the outside.
    • Emergency lighting must be able to burn for at least 1 hour , so that there is enough time for a safe evacuation.
  3. Emergency exit lighting :
    • Dedicated lighting at the emergency exits ensures that they are clearly visible, even if the rest of the lighting is out.
    • Often the emergency exits are marked with green exit signs and are illuminated with emergency exit lighting .
  4. Luminous strips and markers :
    • In larger buildings, illuminated markers and strips can be placed along the floor or on the walls to indicate the route to the exit. This ensures a clear view of the escape route, even in poor lighting or smoke.
  5. Motion sensors :
    • In some cases, motion sensors can be installed to switch on lights as soon as someone enters the escape route. This contributes to a faster and more efficient evacuation.
  6. Ensure visibility and accessibility :
    • It's important that emergency exit signs and lighting are clearly visible and not obstructed by objects or furniture. They should be clearly visible to everyone, including people with disabilities (for example, through the use of braille on signs or special lighting).

Legislation and regulations for escape route signage

Escape route signage is subject to legislation and safety standards in many countries and regions. In the Netherlands, for example, escape route signage is regulated by the NEN-EN 1838 and NEN 6088 standards, which specify how and where escape route signage should be installed. These standards cover visibility, energy consumption of lighting, and the minimum requirements for the operating time of emergency lighting.

  • NEN-EN 1838 describes the requirements for emergency lighting, such as minimum illuminance, operating time, and lighting location.
  • NEN 6088 specifies the requirements for escape route signs and symbols that must be used to indicate escape routes.

Applications of escape route signage

  1. Commercial and industrial buildings :
    • In shops, offices, warehouses, factories, and other commercial or industrial settings, a good escape route signage system is crucial. This ensures the safety of employees and customers in the event of an emergency.
  2. Hospitals and healthcare institutions :
    • In hospitals and healthcare facilities, escape route signage is even more crucial due to the vulnerability of patients and the use of beds or wheelchairs. In these cases, evacuation plans must be carefully coordinated with both healthcare staff and patients.
  3. Residential complexes :
    • In apartment complexes and other residential buildings, emergency exit signs are used to quickly guide residents to the nearest exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.
  4. Public buildings :
    • In theaters, stadiums, schools, airports, and other public buildings, clearly visible and accessible emergency exit signs and emergency lighting are essential to enable rapid evacuation.

Technology and Innovation in escape route signaling

As technology advances, emergency exit signalling systems are also becoming more sophisticated:

  • Smart emergency lighting : Modern systems use sensors and central monitoring to ensure that lighting is only switched on when needed. These systems can also automatically send notifications in the event of a malfunction or when the lighting is not working properly.
  • LED technology : More and more emergency exit signage uses LED technology , which is much more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional lighting. This is not only cost-saving but also more environmentally friendly.
  • Automated systems : Automated escape route signalling can be integrated in certain buildings with other fire safety systems, such as fire alarms and smoke detection, to make evacuation even more efficient.

Conclusion

Escape route signage is a crucial part of a building's fire safety infrastructure. It ensures that people can evacuate a building quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. By using escape route signs , emergency lighting , and other signaling elements, risks can be reduced and evacuation can be fast and effective. Compliance with relevant standards and integration of the latest technologies plays a significant role in improving the safety of building occupants and visitors.