A Brief History of Photolumnescent Technology

The history of photoluminescent technology has been a rapid evolution of the greenest technology we have today, requiring only the energy we already use to create a useful energy source. Photoluminescent Exit Signs and markers are the end result of years of research and design. While photoluminescence was once a novelty, it is now used and recommended for safety signs and equipment around the world.

1999

• The Canadian National Research Council (CNC) conducts a study comparing evacuation of a high-rise building using photoluminescent pathway marking versus traditional emergency lighting. Study finds that occupants egress speeds are exceptionally comparable.

2000

• NFPA 101 is modified to include the use of photoluminescent exit signs. The photoluminescent exit signs are officially sanctioned by the NFPA Life Safety Code.

2000

• The UN voluntarily installs photoluminescent pathway marking in corridors and stairwells of its New York City complex. In preparation for potential attacks and fire emergencies, the UN has safe, illuminated egress pathways throughout without additional energy costs.

2003

• The tragic September 11th attacks cause a resurgence in safety egress awareness. Survivors report that the photoluminescent pathway marking assisted them in their escape. Reconstruction of the Pentagon includes the addition of photoluminescent pathway marking in corridors and stairwells.

2004

• After September 11th, New York City passes Local Law 26, which makes it a requirement to install Photoluminescent Exit Signs and markings in all high-rise office buildings. New York City also adopts stricter guidelines for their Exit Signs, including larger letters and a unified red coloring.

2007

• The CNC releases a second study that suggests a photoluminescent pathway marking may be an acceptable alternative to emergency lighting.

• New Zealand modifies its building code to allow the use of pathway marking or emergency lighting to identify the egress path. This modification helped guide hundreds of people out of buildings safely and quickly, without the risk of electrical failure.

• The International Code Council (ICC) adopts a requirement for the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) for photoluminescent pathway marking in the stairwells of new high-rise buildings of most occupancy groups: assembly, business, education, institutional, mercantile and transient residential (hotels).

2008

• A proposal was made to modify the 2009 IBC to allow the building owner to choose between photoluminescent pathway marking or emergency lighting to identify the egress path.

• A second proposal was made to provide guidelines for pathway marking in the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Now, both pathway markers and photoluminescent Exit Signs are compliant with NFPA 101 code.