Tips from Experts

Things to know before preparing to meet NFPA Codes and materials
Before your routine Fire Marshall inspection, it is vital to know the Do’s and Don’ts of preparing to meet NFPA codes and materials that meet UL 924 standards.

Why the NFPA Life Safety inspection is important
An NFPA Life Safety Inspection, for example, is one of the final and most important building inspections in the construction process. Your building must pass a Life Safety Inspection before it can be legally occupied. While inspectors from the various trades may be present, the Life Safety Inspection is run by the Fire Marshall.

What the Fire Marshall will check for
The fire marshall is primarily concerned with fire barriers, your fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency exit lighting and lighted egress pathways. Here are some useful tools to help comply with Exit Lighting regulations in particular, so you can pass your next fire safety inspection.

Do's

What you can do to keep your environment safe from fire

Do's

What you can do to keep your environment safe from fire

Know the Code
This is your number-one priority before a Fire Marshall inspection. UL924 and the NFPA Life Safety Code dictates what you must and must not do to comply with fire safety laws. More importantly, the liability of improper or obscured safety signs could devastate your organization in an emergency.

NFPA Life Safety Code that is most widely accepted for egress equipment and lighting safety. While it is important to know all relevant building codes, our Exit signs and photoluminescent equipment are designed to meet NFPA standards, the most relevant and accepted standard in the country.

Buy UL 924 Signs and Egress Equipment
The UL standard is more than just a recommendation; it is the benchmark for safety in Emergency Exit systems, signs and accessories. The listing mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product is the only mark that identifies products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark includes the UL symbol together with the word ‘Listed,’ a control number, and the product name ‘Photoluminescent Exit Sign.’

Install “Not an Exit” Signs
Don’t let people walk into a broom closet during a fire. Installing Not an Exit signs are as important as any safety sign, saving valuable time in an emergency exit situation. Numerous OSHA citations are given each year for lacking proper Not an Exit signs in the workplace.

Mount Photoluminescent markers at Low Level and Eye Level
In addition to eye-level Exit signs and Safety signs, low-level directionals are required on an egress (stairwell exit) to lead to safety. These low-level signs warn of uneven surfaces, stairs, landings, and doors, and photoluminescent illumination can light the path safely and securely.

While the current code only requires a low illumination along this path (as low as .1 footcandles), it is necessary to mark your egress at foot level, since high volumes of smoke require persons to get low and stay low during a fire. Not only is it the logical choice, it’s necessary for you to pass your egress inspection.

An Evacuation survey will help you prepare for emergencies

Perform an Evacuation Survey
An Evacuation Survey can help your organization better plan and prepare for an emergency situation. Simulate potential emergency conditions. Can people safely exit during a blackout, heavy smoke, or fire? If not, use glow-in-the-dark strips, tape, and Exit signs to light the way.

Will your safety equipment and safety signs be compromised if the electricity goes out? Photoluminescent materials will glow, even without a source of electricity. Have you made an evacuation route map that works? All of these factors will help determine what kinds of safety and exit signs and accessories you need to be prepared.

Don'ts

Things not to do - that may jeopardize your safety during a fire

Don'ts

Things not to do - that may jeopardize your safety during a fire

Don’t Waste Money on Wiring
The simplest solution can be the best solution. Standard electric-lighted Exit signs cost upwards of $2000 to install separate electrical wiring that supports each sign. Self-luminous exit signs only use the lights you already have to store and absorb light that is emitted during a blackout. These Exit Signs require zero wiring and installation is nearly effortless. If you’re looking for the simplest solution for your egress system, self-luminous exit signs are the answer.

Don’t Install a Sign that Breaks Easily
Every busy doorway experiences the wear-and-tear of heavy traffic. Plastic signs will eventually crack. If you appreciate the value in a product that lasts longer, choose sturdy aluminum or acrylic signs that are built to last through harsh wear-and-tear, weather, and moisture.

Don’t Use tape to install an Exit sign
Not only is it illegal to use tape as the sole adherent for your Exit signs, it just doesn’t work. Certain adhesives are helpful for positioning your signs, but they must have at least two screws mounted to the wall. Our signs features four pre-drilled holes for an easy wall-mount and a tamper-resistant Exit sign. A firm installation can reduce damage from tampering, ensuring a dependable Exit strategy with sturdy Exit Signs at every turn.

Perform regular inspections to ensure all your emergency equipment is functioning properly

Don’t Wait for an Emergency to test you
During any emergency, lives are at stake. Never take your emergency equipment and protocol for granted. Always check the functionality, durability, and visibility of your Exit Signs, Fire Extinguishers and Fire Extinguisher Signs, and photoluminescent bumpers and tape to decrease your own liability and prevent a devastating tragedy.

A fire emergency doesn’t have to be a liability if you meet and exceed all fire codes.