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Photoluminescent Safety Signs

Posted by Nicky Smol on November 15, 2023 in Other news

Photoluminescent Safety Signs

What are photoluminescent safety signs?

Photoluminescent safety signs (or glow-in-the-dark safety signs) are designed to be visible in dark conditions without needing a power source. These signs are made of materials that can absorb and store ambient light, such as natural or artificial light, and then emit that light in the form of a visible glow. This allows the signs to continue to glow brightly in the dark and provide essential messages and wayfinding for all personnel.

 

How long do photoluminescent signs glow?

Photoluminescent signs glow for at least 60 minutes after the light source is shut down, which gives people inside a building, ship or other location the time to safely evacuate and find the assembly point or exit.

Please note that it is important to have good-quality signs. Cheaper photoluminescent signs, printed on plastic, often have lower quality and therefore lower visibility.

 

Why are photoluminescent signs important for your safety?

Unlike traditional safety signage, like LED Escape Signs, photoluminescent safety signs cannot be turned on or off. The signs are automatically activated when there is sudden darkness. When an external light is re-introduced, the signs will recharge again.

During an emergency, ship crew, personnel or visitors will rely on these signs to guide them to safety. In the unfortunate event of a complete power outage, these safety signs are often the only way to safely evacuate.

 

What are the requirements for photoluminescent safety signs?

The rules and regulations for photoluminescent safety signs vary depending on location and jurisdiction. However, there are some general principles that apply in most cases, like correct size, shape and colour of signs. Also, the signs need to be clearly visible from all angles and made from materials approved for the use of these kind of ‘glow in the dark’ signs.

Relevant ISO standards are:

  • ISO 3864-1:2016: This ISO standard provides general requirements for safety signs, including the materials, performance, and marking requirements.
  • ISO 7010:2019: This standard provides a set of graphical symbols for safety way guidance systems, including photoluminescent safety signs.
  • ISO 16069:2017: This ISO standard provides guidelines for the design and application of safety way guidance systems, including photoluminescent safety signs.
  • ISO 23604:2011: This standard provides a test method for measuring the luminance decay of photoluminescent safety signs.
  • ISO 23605:2011: This standard provides a test method for measuring the photometric performance of photoluminescent safety signs.

In addition to these ISO standards, there are also a number of national and regional standards that apply to photoluminescent safety signs. For example, in the United States, safety signs must comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Europe, photoluminescent safety signs must comply with the requirements of the European Union (EU).

It is important to consult with the relevant authorities to ensure that your photoluminescent safety signs comply with all applicable standards. Of course, we at T-ISS can advise you on this matter and we will make sure all your signage complies with the necessary regulations and standards.

What are the benefits of Photoluminescent signs?

Not only are photoluminescent signs your way to safety in an emergency situation, they are also:

  • cost-effective to traditional emergency signage as they will reduce electricity, installation, and maintenance costs.
  • Long lasting and low in maintenance.
  • Very reliable because of their self-charging qualities.

 

What kind of safety signs are there?

Safety signs can be produced with or without photoluminescent property. The safety signs we offer are available in the next categories:

  • Escape route signs
  • Fire Fighting signs
  • Fire Control Signs
  • Prohibition Signs
  • Mandatory Signs
  • Hazard Signs
  • Combination signs
  • ISPS Signs
  • Tie Tags
  • Information signs

Other safety products we sell with photoluminescent properties are:

  • IMO Posters
  • Low Location Lighting
  • Electrical Escape Signs

 

Can photoluminescent safety signs replace traditional safety signs?

Photoluminescent safety signs are not intended to replace traditional safety signage. They are, however, perfect for complementing them. Both types of signs play essential roles in conveying everyday safety information and guiding individuals during emergencies.

 

Are photoluminescent signs suitable for all environments?

Photoluminescent signs are by SafeSign highly versatile and can be used in various environments, including industrial settings, marine or offshore facilities, high-rise buildings, and underground structures. They are particularly valuable in environments with a high risk of power failures or blackouts.

 

What are glow in the dark safety signs?

Glow-in-the-dark safety signs, or photoluminescent signs, are signs that ‘glow’ up when there is sudden darkness. These signs are designed to be visible in dark conditions without the need for a power source.

 

Photoluminescent safety signs by SafeSign

At SafeSign (part of T-ISS), we produce various state of the art photoluminescent Safety Signs. We even improved the way signs are produced. We don’t just print on plastic signs, like many of our competitors do to keep Safety Signs cheap. These cheap signs will quickly discolour.

Our way of producing, however, is still very affordable while also of great quality and environmentally friendly!

SafeSign innovated the sign industry by replacing the commonly used PVC with a modified PET, called PETX. The benefit of this PETX is that the product is completely recyclable, reducing the environmental footprint. SafeSign PETX comes with a 5 year warrantee, even when used outdoor.

The cost of signs will be a small part of your total signage expenses. Identifications, ordering, transport, installation and invoicing are usually more than 90% of the cost. You can reduce this substantially by using SafeSign signs. SafeSign signs will last a minimum of 5 years, guaranteed. The signs are easy-to-fix thanks to the selfadhesive backing. Save serious money on all these replacement cost while applying an environmental friendly purchasing policy. Sustainability through innovation!

 

Please feel free to contact us for more information!