HomeMy WebLinkAbout402.017 - Luminous Egress Path Markings
FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
CODE REQUIREMENTS
402.017 LUMINOUS EGRESS PATH MARKINGS
EFFECTIVE: JULY 2009
Current Revision Date: 8/09/21 Next Revision Date: 8/09/24
Author’s Name/Rank:
Darla Scott,
Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
This policy clarifies the minimum requirements for the installation of photoluminescent
exit path markings in new buildings that are three or more stories in height, and
retroactive installation in existing three or more (or four or more) stories in height,
depending on occupancy type.
Photoluminescent markings aid in the evacuation from buildings in the event of failure
of both the power and emergency back-up power to the means of egress system.
Photoluminescent material is charged by exposure to light and will emit luminance
after the activating light source is unavailable. The markings covered by this policy
are not designed to provide enough light to illuminate a dark exit path; however, they
will provide luminescent signs and outlines of the egress path, stairs, handrails, and
obstacles. These markings will allow occupants to discern the egress path elements
in dark conditions. The markings are generally required to be located low to the
ground in case of smoke and to be readily visible in a crowd. They are in addition to,
and not as a substitute for, the required means of egress system components required
under the California Building Code (CBC) and California Fire Code (CFC).
APPLICATION
This policy provides minimum requirements for photoluminescent exit path markings
in new and existing buildings.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
A. New Buildings (constructed after December 31, 2011).
Section 402.017
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a. All new buildings of three or more stories in height must be provided with
approved photoluminescent exit path markings in all enclosed exit
stairways.
b. New buildings are required to use the installation requirements found in
the currently adopted CFC, Section 1025.
B. Existing buildings (constructed before January 1, 2012).
a. All Group E, I, R1 and R2 occupancies in buildings of three or more
stories in height must be provided with approved photoluminescent exit
path markings in all enclosed exit stairways no later than January 1,
2012.
b. All other occupancies in buildings four or more stories in height must be
provided with approved photoluminescent exit path markings in all
enclosed exit stairways no later than January 1, 2012.
c. Existing buildings may use Fresno Fire Department (FFD) installation
requirements Option 1 or Option 2 (see below).
Exception: Exit path markings installed before 2007 may continue to exist as
installed, as long as they are in proper working order.
PROCESS
A. Buildings constructed after December 31, 2011, must use the installation
requirement found in the current edition of CFC 1025, Luminous Egress Patch
Markings for the leading edge of each stair step.
B. Buildings constructed before January 1, 2012, may use the FFD installation
requirements Option 1 or Option 2 for the horizontal leading edge of each stair
step.
a. Option 1: A minimum one inch and a maximum of two inches (25 mm)
contrasting marker of photoluminescent material on both side edges of
the step. These markers shall be placed a minimum of 0 inch to a
maximum of ½ inch from the leading edge of the step parallel to the nose
of the step or landing.
b. Option 2: A minimum one inch and a maximum of two inches “zig-zag”
pattern contrasting marker of photoluminescent material on both sides
of the step. This shall be a continuous pattern along the walls of the
stair step.
Section 402.017
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INFORMATION
All installed photoluminescent materials shall be exposed to a minimum of one foot-
candle of illumination for not less than 60 minutes prior to periods when the building
is occupied and continuously during the building occupancy.
Motion sensor activated lighting is prohibited in stairways addressed by this policy.
Timers on stairwell lighting addressed by this policy, if used, shall be set to turn on the
lights not less than 60 minutes prior to periods when the building is occupied.
Owners must maintain the required photoluminescent signs and markings in good
repair. Every twelve (12) months, owners must perform a visual inspection of the
signs and markings with the normal lighting turned on. Signs and/or markings that are
missing, damaged, loose or that show signs of wear shall be noted and properly
repaired or replaced.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Building Code
Chapter 10, Means of Egress
California Fire Code
Section 1025, Luminous Egress Path Markings
Fresno Municipal Code
Section 10-51025, Luminous Egress Path Markings
Fire Prevention Manual
Section 401.017 Luminous Egress Path Markings Specifications
Section 402.017
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