"In darkness, one's sense of sight fails, yet touch endures. Photoluminescent stair nosings empower continued safe movement through this relied upon sense." - Tactile Solution Canada
Indoor spaces such as office towers, hospitals, schools, arenas, stadiums, and malls experience regular power interruptions due to grid failures, planned maintenance shutdowns, or unexpected electrical glitches. In such low or no light conditions, traditional non-illuminated features become invisible hazards. Stairs, being one of the most essential circulation components, demand reliable visibility solutions to uphold the life safety of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
In this blog, we delve into why photoluminescent stair nosings have become an imperative code-mandated fixture for indoor facilities across Canada. We explore evacuation best practices and nosing installation guidelines to illuminate continued protected egress. The article also features technical details and benefits of Ecoglo - our premium range of glow-in-the-dark stair nosings trusted for dependable emergency preparedness.
Indoor facility design is guided by comprehensive construction codes issued nationally through the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and provincially through regional statutes. With regards to stairwell evacuation, some stringent guidelines mandated are:
Stair tread edges of all interior stairs must be marked permanently by luminous elements visible in total darkness for a minimum of 60 minutes after power failure as per NBC 3.4.5.1.
Markings should extend the full length of the step edged in a non-slippery uniform manner not less than 50mm wide for safety and visibility.
Materials used must retain luminance even after multiple usages and cleaning without fading below a minimum 80 lux intensity at 1m viewing distance as established through rigorous testing.
Installation is as per manufacturer instructions to secure long-term bonding and prevent debonding from usage stresses.
Failing to incorporate a code-compliant solution exposes responsible parties to heavy pecuniary penalties or legal ramifications in the case of stair accidents during emergencies.
In darkness caused by power outages, egress routes illuminated by glow-in-the-dark stair nosings facilitate evacuations through several advantages:
Safe Navigation: Continuous tactile markings along full tread edges provide crucial guidance through stairs.
No Auxiliary Power: Photoluminescence leverages ambient lighting to charge pigments, rendering nosings self-illuminating sans electricity overhead.
Superior Visibility: Uniform glow-along-nosing prevents confusion over gaps that may have uncertain stair configurations.
Compliant Longevity: Ceramic reinforced nosings last 10-15 years through rigorous durability while fulfilling regulatory illumination requirements.
Energy Independence: Not relying on active lighting permits major energy savings by shutting off main luminaires during emergencies.
Exceeds Codes: Products like Ecoglo nosings surpass the minimum 80 lux luminance, maintaining over 150 lux for over hours post charging.
Thus, photoluminescent stair nosings ably facilitate building evacuations in total darkness through touch alone, guaranteeing all individuals , including mobility impaired groups, safely exit harm's way.
Beyond mandatory regulations, responsible entities must ensure ongoing life safety through prudent operational protocols:
Regular Inspections: Monthly inspections verify luminosity and bonding integrity, addressing issues immediately.
Proactive Maintenance: Quarterly deep cleaning safely restores pigment energy storage and luminance output.
Compliance Training: Annual staff orientation reinforces safe egress procedures leveraging nosing guidance.
Code updates: Monitor building code amendments and upgrade installations accordingly on periodic review.
Recordkeeping: Maintain replacement and testing records for auditing facilities upon code inspections.
Drills: Conduct unannounced evacuation drills biannually to comprehensively assess total egress effectiveness.
Integrating these best practices alongside photoluminescent stair nosings equips indoor spaces for optimal emergency preparedness and a safe, compliant built environment catering to diverse communities.
Ecoglo stair edge nosings from Tactile Solution Canada rank among the most rigorously tested and code-compliant options available. Here's a snapshot of the advantages:
Utmost Durability: Corrosion/abrasion-proof aluminum securely bonds to provide unmatched 15+ years of longevity, outlasting economy brands.
Surpasses Regulations: Independent lab certifications validate glow intensity exceeding NBC standards by a wide margin, delivering luminosity for hours post-charging during normal lux charging.
Weather Resistance: Impervious to Canadian storms and sub-zero temperatures for trouble-free indoor or sheltered outdoor applications.
Uniform Radiance: Textured non-slip surfaces combined with molecularly bonded pigments distribute glow evenly without dim spots for clear step delineation.
Multiple Fastening Options: Screw or glue variants give flexibility for substrate compatibility, be it concrete, wood, or sheet steel.
Sleek Aesthetics: Neat edge profiles accentuate stair infrastructure, enhancing the décor appeal of any facility.
When lives are at stake, investing in brand-proven solutions yields unmatched peace of mind. For the highest standards in stair safety at affordable rates, Ecoglo Nosings aptly serves facilities of all scales.
While a simple glue down or screw fastening process, correctly installing Ecoglo stair nosings governs long-lasting performance. Recommended procedures include:
Cleaning the substrate rigorously to remove any grime, moisture, or sealers that may inhibit bonding.
Scuffing glossy, non-porous surfaces like tile or sealed concrete lightly with 80-grit sandpaper for a better adhesion profile.
Quality epoxy/urethane adhesive is applied in a thin zig-zag pattern along the back of the nosing, keeping edges bare for fastening.
Positioning nosing straight and flush against the stair edge, then tapping gently with a rubber mallet for full surface contact and bedding.
Fastening with appropriate anchor pins through pre-drilled holes at intervals for added strength on high-traffic stairs.
Curing fully as per the temperature-dependent time stated on the adhesive can, which may take from 12-24 hours.
Periodically inspect installations annually and replace units showing damage or detachment immediately via the same removal/refixing process.
Commitment to these protocols enables Ecoglo nosings and their substrates bond robustly to uphold evacuation functions sustainably indoors for years ahead.
In summary, Ecoglo stair nosings represent a proven indispensable component indoors. Their scientific self-illumination, backed by stringent testing and compliant installation, bestows uninterrupted egress functionality even during the darkest scenarios for ultimate evacuation preparedness and occupant protection indoors. Contact Tactile Solution Canada as your go-to partner for stair nosing and other code-compliant tactile solutions according to your facility's needs.
