Unfortunately, fire is not only the most common hazard in a building but also the most dangerous, as it can cause property damage and loss of lives. Therefore, properties must have sufficient safety measures to prevent sudden fire outbreaks. Among these measures, the significance of fire exit and escape route signs must be considered, as they play an equally important role as other fire safety equipment.
Fire exit and escape route signs aim to simplify the process of evacuating a building. These signs are strategically placed to guide people toward the fastest and safest escape routes. They are commonly found above doors, in the middle of long hallways, and on stairwells, pointing toward the nearest and safest exit.
Doors equipped with security and fire safety features, such as push bars or automatic closing mechanisms, must display signs instructing people on how to open the door, such as a green sign saying "Push bar to open door."
These green signs, similar to the fire exit and escape route signs, indicate suggested actions or routes rather than indicating danger, caution, or mandatory actions. They should be placed prominently on both sides of the door and next to the door or mechanism that the sign refers to, ensuring that people can easily and quickly understand how to use it.
The main significance of fire exit and escape route signs is to act as a guide toward exit doors. Since numerous doors within a building may appear similar, occupants and visitors could inadvertently enter hazardous areas without exit signs.
During emergencies, fire exit and escape route signs also serve as a source of light. The International Fire Code (IFC) mandates that every exit sign be illuminated. Illuminated exit signs guide safely exiting a building when there is a loss of power.
Inspecting fire exit and escape route signs ensures that your property complies with the state and national fire safety codes.
More than merely just a one-time inspection of your emergency exit signs, regular checks are necessary to ensure their ongoing effectiveness, particularly regarding their illumination.
Because of the possibility of wear and tear on emergency equipment, maintenance is crucial to maintain its effectiveness. The following monthly checks are required:
During this check, the inspector examines for exposed or loose wires and ensures proper securing. They also verify that the unit is firmly mounted on the wall or ceiling to prevent accidents. Depending on the level of exposure to potential damage, a protective shield may be attached.
There are several methods for conducting a 30-second battery test: manual, self-testing, and computer-based self-diagnostic. Manual testing involves pressing the push-to-test button for 30 seconds, interrupting AC power, activating the backup battery, and observing if the illumination remains on for the specified duration.
For buildings with numerous units, self-testing is performed. Pressing the push-to-test button twice activates the 30-second test. After 30 seconds, the LED telltale is checked. A green indication represents normal service, while a red indication signifies a defect.
An illumination test lasting 90 minutes under battery-backup power performance is necessary for annual checks. The yearly functionality test ensures the equipment's proper operation, similar to the monthly functional test.
Unlike the monthly functional test, the yearly functional test lasts 90 minutes. This test can be conducted manually or through self-testing and computer-based self-testing. The distinction in self-testing between monthly and yearly maintenance checks is that, for the annual 90-minute inspection, a clamp is recommended to depress the button continuously for the entire duration.
Fire exit and escape route signs indicate the location of fire safety exits and point toward firefighting equipment. This equipment includes fire assembly points, fire extinguishers, and other accessories. These signs should provide clear mandatory instructions, like "fire door, keep shut," for areas with specific requirements. It is crucial because these doors have emergency alarms and must only be accessed in emergencies.
Such safety signs should be installed by professionals like us who have the necessary knowledge of building safety rules and regulations. Additionally, the risks and layout associated with the particular premises should be considered. Fire exit requirements may vary depending on the site. The signs should be easily visible to the building occupants, and nothing should obstruct their view, as it could lead to disastrous consequences during emergencies.
Based on the building's architectural design, some signs might be mounted on your wall together with other wall-mounted signs. When installing fire safety signs, it is important to imagine oneself as a visitor unfamiliar with navigating the building. As mentioned earlier, no displays should block the emergency exits, as the general public or visitors at the site may not know the nearest exits.
Fire safety signs come in various forms, ranging from adhesive stickers to rigid signs displaying different instructions. These include signs indicating the types of fire extinguishers on-site, how to use them, and the directions to fire exits and fire call points.
In certain locations, commercial buildings may have signs in multiple languages to cater to visitors from different countries, enabling them to read and comprehend the instructions without needing an interpreter.
The consideration of the panic effect is always necessary. Whenever someone shouts "Fire! Fire!" we instinctively react, and our behaviors suddenly change, even to the extent of jumping through a window. What if there's a significant amount of smoke outside and visibility is impaired? These signs will effectively guide you. Such an incident is unpredictable; in fact, it might never happen. However, it's better to prioritize safety rather than experience regret.
Fire safety signs are an integral part of overall fire protection, contributing to the safety of individuals such as yourself, employees, visitors, customers, and the whole organization. It is important to ensure that all fire exit points remain clear and that you possess the necessary fire safety signs.
Among the various responsibilities of building managers, they must ensure that their fire exit and escape route signs are properly positioned and in proper working condition. They also conduct monthly or yearly checks on these signs to verify their effectiveness.
The following are some approaches to dealing with potential issues related to exit signs:
When your exit sign starts to dim, replacing its batteries is advisable. To carry out this battery replacement, it is recommended to get the assistance of professionals who can conduct further inspections. Alternatively, you can personally remove the front panel of the exit sign and replace the weak battery.
If the bulbs of the sign have burned out due to usage, they should be replaced. You can handle the bulb replacement yourself or seek professional services.
Ensuring the proper functioning of your equipment is crucial, especially when defects can go unnoticed. Consulting an expert to help you conduct monthly or yearly inspections is advisable.
Fire exit and escape route signs are mandatory for commercial and industrial buildings. Failure to install appropriate exit signs affects the building owner and endangers all occupants and families of those affected by casualties resulting from such negligence.
One of the significant dangers associated with improper fire exit and escape route signs is the risk of facing penalties from fire marshals. These penalties can take the form of fines imposed on the non-compliant company or even temporary closure of the building until the correct exit signs are installed.
The dangers posed by the incorrect installation of fire exit and escape route signs can be a matter of life or death, and their significance should never be underestimated. At Texas Fire & Safety Equipment, we recognize the criticality of ensuring that all your safety equipment meets the standards you deserve. Please reach out to us today!