Maintaining and Replacing Exit Signs: Tips for Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Expert Advice to Maximize Building Safety and Compliance
Exit signs are often taken for granted in buildings, but they play a critical role in ensuring safety during emergencies. Whether it's a power outage or a fire, exit signs provide the necessary guidance for people to find their way out of a building quickly and safely.
However, simply having exit signs isn't enough. It's essential to maintain them properly and replace them when necessary to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to maximize building safety.
In this article, we'll provide expert advice on maintaining and replacing emergency exit signs. We'll cover everything from the types of signs, like emergency exit signs with arrows, to compliance with safety regulations. So, whether you're a building manager, an architect, or simply someone interested in safety, read on to learn how to keep your building safe and compliant.
Basics of Exit Signs
Before delving into the specifics of maintaining and replacing exit signs, it's essential to understand the different types of exit signs, compliance with regulations, and the importance of timely replacement.
Exit signs play a crucial role in directing occupants to safety during emergencies, and their proper functioning can mean the difference between life and death.
Types of Exit Signs
There are two main types of exit signs - those that use text and those that use pictograms. Signs that use text are more common and typically say "EXIT" in bold letters. Pictogram signs use symbols, such as emergency exit signs with an arrow pointing towards the exit or an image of a running person. When choosing the type of sign, it's essential to consider the language spoken by the building occupants.
Compliance with Regulations
Exit signs are regulated by various Fire safety codes, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid penalties and, more importantly, to ensure the safety of building occupants. Building managers should be familiar with the specific codes applicable to their building and ensure their exit signs comply.
Replacement
Over time, exit signs can become worn out or outdated, making them less effective in emergencies. It's crucial to replace these signs promptly to ensure the safety of occupants. Signs should be replaced with emergency exit signs with arrows, as these provide clear direction during emergencies.
The Impact of Technology on Maintenance
Regular maintenance of exit signs is crucial to ensure their visibility, readability, and functionality in emergency situations. The specific maintenance required may vary based on the technology of the exit sign. Here are some things to consider:
1. LED Exit Signs
LED exit signs are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. However, they still require maintenance to ensure their functionality. One of the benefits of LED signs is that they use less power and generate less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that they are less likely to burn out, reducing the need for bulb replacements.
However, the LEDs themselves can fail, resulting in a dim or non-functional sign. Regular inspection of the sign's wiring and circuitry is necessary to ensure that the LEDs are functioning correctly. Dust and debris can also accumulate on LED exit signs, reducing their visibility. Cleaning the signs with a soft cloth and a mild detergent can help keep them clean.
2. Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Photoluminescent exit signs are non-electrical signs that absorb and store light. During a power outage or emergency, the stored light is emitted, making the sign visible. These signs require regular exposure to light to ensure that they can store enough energy to be visible during an emergency. Regular cleaning is also necessary to remove dust and debris that can reduce their effectiveness.
3. Self-Luminous Exit Signs
Self-luminous exit signs use tritium gas to create a self-sustaining source of light. These signs do not require electrical power or external light sources and are low-maintenance. However, they have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after approximately 10-20 years of use.
Regardless of the technology used in exit signs, regular maintenance should include inspection of the sign's mounting, wiring, and circuitry. The sign's face should be checked for any physical damage, such as cracks or fading. Cleaning the sign with a soft cloth and a mild detergent is also necessary to remove dust and debris that can reduce its visibility.
Replacing Exit Signs?
Maintaining and replacing exit signs is critical to ensure building safety and compliance with regulations. From choosing the right type of sign to adhering to maintenance schedules and regulations, building managers must take a proactive approach to ensure their exit signs are functioning correctly. By following these tips, building occupants can evacuate safely and quickly during emergencies, ultimately saving lives.
If you need to replace your emergency exit sign with arrows, Jessup Manufacturing is a proven trusted provider of photoluminescent and self-luminous exit signs. Building owners can rest assured signs are compliant and provide clear direction to occupants during emergencies. With their extensive experience in the industry, Jessup can help you choose the right type of sign for your building and ensure that they are installed correctly.
Contact Jessup Manufacturing to learn more.
