Evacuation preparedness is crucial for ensuring safety during emergencies like power outages and fires. As per Canadian codes, buildings must have a properly tactile installation of illuminated egress paths and staircases, enabling quick exit to an area of refuge. To achieve 100% compliance, it is imperative to install code-certified photo luminescent exit signs and stair nosings throughout the indoor-outdoor infrastructure.
As your trusted supplier of accessibility solutions for over a decade, we at Tactile Solution Canada understand the significance of emergency preparedness. In this detailed guide, we explore the mandate for exit signage and Tactile Warning Strips in Canada as per the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). We also discuss recommended installation practices and standards-compliant Ecoglo products that facilitate effortless compliance.
Canadian legislation like NBC rigidly outlines requirements for exit route illumination and stairway safety. As per Part 3 Section 2.7 and 3.4 of NBC 2010:
Where emergency lighting is required, photo-luminescent exit signs must illuminate at a minimum of 10 lux for 60 minutes without power.
Signs must be placed above doors/corridors at eye level between 1800 and 2400mm for visibility against wall décor.
Directional indicators using green running man symbols help navigate complex floor plans.
2-inch wide slip-resistant Tactile Warning Strips for Stairs nosing along all tread edges ensure visibility in smoky conditions.
Nosings must be installed using durablefasteners or adhesives on steel-concrete-wood staircases for permanence.
Failure to comply can incur hefty monetary penalties or legal liabilities in case of injuries/fatalities during evacuations lacking proper signage. It underscores the need for code-conforming solutions.
Ecoglo self-illuminated exit signage effectively fulfils code signage mandates through innovative photo-luminescence technology:
Daylight absorbent zinc sulphide pigment stores visible light energy, re-emitting it gradually for hours without electricity.
Glow intensity exceeds 10 lux minimum as per NBC for at least 60 minutes, aiding evacuation from total blackouts.
Weatherproof materials maintain luminance outdoors for over a decade of usage lifespan.
Universal GREEN EXIT graphic easily identifiable for people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Optional supplementary directional indicators clarify complex floor/stair plans.
Independent lab certifications to NFPA, ISO, A17.1, and NBC ensure reliability and legal defensibility.
The science behind photoluminescence converts daytime light energy into nocturnal self-illumination. This science differentiates products like Ecoglo exit signs as the optimal choice for code compliance.
Proper Ecoglo sign placement helps egress even in zero-visibility scenarios due to smoke after a fire starts. Their longevity lowers long-term facility operation costs versus traditional LED exit signs.
Marking stair tread edges is equally crucial for evacuation as per NBC. Requirements for tactile stair nosing include:
Installing continuously along the full length of all staircases
Adhering nosings securely against stair materials like concrete, steel or wood
Maintaining a consistent 2-inch width for clear visibility
Fabricating from slip-resistant, stain/chemical-proof, heat-resistant composites
Illuminating treads even in zero-visibility conditions using photoluminescence
Staircases contribute to over 200,000 injuries annually in Canada, and they usually result from falls.
Code-compliant stair nosings eliminate evacuation hazards by:
Clearly marking tread edges in darkness using Ecoglo's GREEN GLOW technology
Slip-resistant surfaces maintain traction under damp/smoke-filled conditions
Heat-resistant adhesives securely bond nosings onto steel-concrete-wood staircases
Continuous nosing installation along all steps prevents confusion over gaps
Corrosion/UV resistance withstands decades of indoor-outdoor weathering
Glow intensity exceeds codes after a minimal 15-30 minutes of charging
Unlike paint, which wears off over time, a tough photoluminescent tactile strip and nosing ensure fail-safe stair safety for building lifespans as mandated.
Photoluminescent nosings provide fall-safe evacuation guidance even in total power/visibility loss scenarios. Their tough formulations ensure stair safety for the infrastructure's designed functional lifespan.
Fully maximizing preparedness demands installation best practices:
For Photoluminescent Exit Directional Signs:
Face signage directionally towards oncoming pedestrian traffic flow
Mount between 1800-2400mm at eye level using durable fasteners for all weather anchoring
Place within direct line of sight at each exit and corridor intersection
Inspect quarterly; replace if luminance degrades below code minimums
For Photoluminescent Stair Nosings:
Adhere continuously along the full length of all stair tread edges
Prepare substrates properly, removing debris and degreasing as per manufacturer specs
Set according to manufacturer specified environmental conditions, curing durations
Conduct annual bond strength assessment; re-apply adhesive if debonding occurs
No system remains optimally responsive without the following:
Annual device performance testing by certified experts
Monthly sign face/nosing surface cleaning to restore full luminance
Unannounced quarterly evacuation drills assessing egress effectiveness
Replacement of degraded/damaged units immediately upon detection
Ongoing staff training programs reinforcing correct emergency procedures
This comprehensive preparation establishes organizations as leaders in life safety, boosting both operational resilience and stakeholder confidence.
The lives saved during emergencies are priceless. Proper implementation of code-compliant photoluminescent exit signage and stair edge markings gives building occupants, including persons with disabilities, a fighting chance at survival. By partnering with expert accessibility solution providers like Tactile Solution Canada, contractors and building authorities can cost-effectively achieve and maintain total evacuation preparedness as per Canadian accessibility legislation. Do reach out for recommendations on specialized solutions optimized for your unique infrastructure needs. Let's work together towards an accident-free, accessible community for all.
A. Our range of Ecoglo products can glow for more than 70 hours after just 54 minutes of lux charging, exceeding code requirements.
A. Yes, our photoluminescent solutions are rigorously tested for UV/water resistance and safety-rated for rigorous indoor and outdoor conditions.
A. All Ecoglo solutions are tested by independent third-party labs to exceed performance metrics set by CSA, NFPA, ISO, NBC, and A17.1, ensuring lawful code compliance.
