by Brianna Crandall — September 9, 2011—The new International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) requirements developed by the International Code Council (ICC) call for Luminous Egress Path Markings in multistory building staircases to help building occupants evacuate from darkened assembly, business, educational, institutional, hotel/motel, and mercantile high-rise buildings nationwide.
Permalight manufactures nonelectrical, nonradioactive, high-performance, glow-in-the-dark, UL1994-listed Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings that help facilities owners and managers comply with the IBC and IFC codes and provide a safe environment for the buildings that they oversee, whether for normal workday navigation or in times of emergency evacuation.
The comprehensive Permalight Staircase Marking system includes photoluminescent Metal Stair Nosing, Anti-Slip Floor products, Perimeter Wall Tape and Extrusions, Handrail and Obstacle Markings, Directional Signs, Floor Identification Signage, and Exit Door Frame and Hardware Markings, allowing building owners and managers to choose markings that suit their building and budget needs.
According to the company, Permalight photoluminescent markings helped evacuate the New York City World Trade Center Tower staircases during the 9/11 events. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) evacuation study results led to photoluminescent exit path marking requirements in NYC high-rise office building staircases, and now the latest IBC/IFC Codes as well as the National Fire Protection Agency’s NFPA101-Life Safety Code.
