When Can You Use a Non-Glow Sign?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), buildings need at least two exits. However, if the number of employees or the size of the building does not allow the safe exit of everyone, more exits may be required. Installing an illuminated exit sign can cost anywhere from about $90 to $250. If you’re building has more than two exits, the amount of money required to install enough illuminated exit signs can quickly add up. In order to save money, you may be thinking of using non-glow signs for some of your exits. The question is, can you do this?

Do I need an illuminated exit sign?

At Anchor Safety Inc., we sell and install exit and emergency signs in Longview, TX. We can tell you right now that all our signs are glow signs. OSHA not only requires that every emergency exit have a sign, but that the sign be illuminated. It’s not enough to simply have an emergency exit sign; that sign must be easily visible, even in the dark or in a room full of smoke. An emergency exit sign does no good if you can’t see it.

What are the requirements for illuminated exit signs?

Not just any glow sign will do for identifying emergency exits. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has clear guidelines on what is and is not allowed when it comes to illuminated exit signs:

• Exit signs must have a minimum of 5 foot-candles on the illuminated surface.
• While externally, internally and photo-luminescent illuminated signs are all permissible, they must be suitably illuminated by a reliable source of light.
• Emergency exit signs must have at least 1.5 hours of emergency light if the electricity or building lighting fails.
• Backup or emergency lighting sources must still be able to put out at least an average of 1 foot-candle, and never less than .1 foot-candle.

When can I use a non-glow sign?

As mentioned earlier, all emergency exit signs must be illuminated. Illuminated exit signs have been proven to save lives. In fact, any emergency evacuation instructional or directional signage should be illuminated. However, not all safety signage needs to be illuminated. Signage related to operational safety, for example, can be non-glow signs. If you are unsure if a sign needs to be illuminated or not, you can always check OSHA and NFPA regulations.

We can do the work for you!

At Anchor Safety Inc., we have nearly 30 years of experience with installing exit and emergency signs in Longview, TX, and we can take all of the guesswork out of the process for you. Our team of experts will identify areas of your facilities where emergency signage is necessary and ensure appropriate messaging for optimal safety. You can also be assured that all our emergency signage meets NFPA requirements. If you want the ultimate in protection for your business and your employees, just call Anchor Safety Inc. today to learn more or to schedule your consultation and free estimate. We look forward to working with you!

Categorised in: Exit and Emergency Signs

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