Various signs are required to meet the guidelines set by IBC and IFC building codes. These signs can be the difference between a safe evacuation and fatalities when an emergency takes place. Fire safety signs, like exit signs, are necessary for occupants to identify the current floor level they are on and which direction they should go to reach an acceptable exit. They are very important safety indicators that need to be placed throughout a building. Safety signs indicate ways out of the building including stairs, exit enclosures, and roof access points. They also tell occupants where fire equipment such as extinguishers, hoses, and standpipe units are located. During emergency situations, this equipment may be necessary to prevent a small fire from expanding or to put out fire that is blocking an exit door or path. Without luminous signing, buildings experiencing black outs or extreme smoke can be very hard to navigate through. Specific signs are required under IBC and IFC codes for the utmost safety of individuals in a building. They must be installed correctly to meet these set requirements.
IFC Compliant Components: Mandatory Signing for Buildings
Fire safety signs are on of the most crucial components required by these codes. They are so important and effective that many states have chosen to use versions of these guidelines for building safety. Fifty states use some version of IBC regulations. Another forty-two also follow a version of the set IFC guidelines. Both have recommended guidelines for sign placement for these specific fire safety items: fire extinguishers, fire hoses, standpipe units, exterior areas for assisted rescue, and areas of refugee. They also indicate any alarm activation areas or doors that required a button push for exit. One of the most common signs is used to indicate stairs, ramps, and the exit direction. It consists of a picture depicting a man running with a directional arrow. IBC and IFC codes state that this sign must be present for any door that serves as an exit or exit enclosures that lead to an exit. The sign should be facing the appropriate direction for occupants and be in a visible location. Not all signs are required for every building and the types needed in a specific building are determined by its encompassed safety elements.
Owners must install luminous signing to be compliant with these regulations. In states that do not follow these policies, non-luminous signing may be used. Electrical and other forms of signing require power and are not as easily viewable in blackout or smoky environments. These events can occur and render non-luminous signing useless. Luminous signing is easy to install and are not costly. Tragedy during an emergency is more likely without this fire safety signs. Viewable exit and fire signs save lives and can also save your buildings reputation. When fatalities occur due to a poorly signed building, the owner receives bad press, a bad reputation, and multiple lawsuits. The small cost incurred for installing these IFC compliant components is minimal as opposed to the risks involved for not having them. Get what you need today to be compliant and to avoid future tragedy.
Fire safety signs are one of many necessary IFC compliant components that must be displayed in occupied buildings. These signs tell occupants where fire exits and equipment can be found.
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