Have you ever wondered why exit signs are so important? Maybe you’ve seen them in buildings, malls, or schools and never really thought about their purpose. Well, let me tell you, exit signs serve a crucial role in ensuring the safety of people in any location.
Exit Sign - What is it?
Exit signs are usually green and white signs that indicate the location of an emergency exit in a building. They are designed to be highly visible and easy to recognize even in low light conditions. Exit signs direct people towards the nearest exit in case of an emergency or power outage.
Not only are exit signs required by law, but they are also essential in preventing panic and chaos during an emergency evacuation. Imagine being in a dark building, filled with smoke and disorientated, and you can’t determine which direction to move towards to escape the building. In such cases, exit signs can make all the difference between life and death.
The Evolution of Exit Signs
While exit signs are ubiquitous in modern buildings, it wasn’t always this way. The earliest exit signs were made of metal and utilized special lighting systems that required a lot of electrical power. As technology evolved, newer materials were used, making exit signs more affordable and efficient.
Nowadays, most exit signs use LED lighting technology, which is much more energy-friendly, long-lasting, and easier to design. Additionally, most exit signs are self-contained, meaning they don’t require external electricity to function.
Different Types of Exit Signs
There are mainly two different types of exit signs—internally lit and externally lit. Internally lit exit signs have a light source inside the sign, making them visible even in low light conditions. On the other hand, externally lit exit signs rely on external light to be displayed properly.
Additionally, there are two other types of exit signs—photoluminescent and electroluminescent exit signs. Electroluminescent exit signs use an electric current to light the sign, while photoluminescent exit signs are made of materials that absorb light and then glow when the light source is gone.
The Importance of Exit Signs
Exit signs have always been an essential part of building safety. They help people navigate buildings during emergencies and natural disasters, such as power outages and earthquakes. Without exit signs, people would have a difficult time finding exits, resulting in panicking, increased injuries, and in extreme cases, loss of life.
Exit signs also play a crucial role in meeting regulatory compliance standards. International building codes require all commercial buildings to have an adequate supply of exit signs, and these should be placed in places that are easily visible and legible.
Conclusion
In summary, exit signs are crucial in ensuring the safety of people in buildings. They help people navigate buildings during emergencies and natural disasters, prevent panic and chaos, and reduce the risks of injuries and loss of life. With various designs available, you can choose an exit sign that best suits your needs and one that meets regulatory compliance standards.
