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Emerglo TechnologiesGlowing signs
Risk-conscious populations around the world are demanding ever safer and more reliable emergency signage, of which Emerglo Technologies offers truly "glowing" examples. "Our photoluminescent signs for evacuation guidance are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-radioactive and non-flammable. They glow in the dark for many hours without the need for electricity," says Manager Wayne Lee. "There-s a trend towards the use of these signs in place of traditional emergency exit-finding light boxes, which require electricity to operate and therefore may fail during a power failure or fire," he observes. "Market studies have shown that photoluminescent way-guidance systems are effective in improving the speed and efficiency of evacuation of office buildings." Producing more than 20,000 signs a month, the company has patents pending in the US and Canada for its photoluminescent technology, and has already registered patents in Australia. "All our signs have been stress-tested for resistance and durability under both extremely hot and cold conditions," advises Mr Lee. Launched in early 2008, to supply mainly the US and Canada, the collection was developed in response to heightened concerns over fire hazards following the militant attacks on the US on 11 September 2001. "In the US, for example, fire safety awareness is up sharply as a result of the 9/11 incident. New York City, in particular, has taken a lead in the implementation of laws that require all buildings more than 75 feet tall to use photoluminescent signage in place of light boxes. This trend is catching on in other US cities," Mr Lee notes. Safely out Among Emerglo-s staples are emergency "EXIT" signs, which comply with New York City-s Building Code Reference Standard 6-1 and 6-1A. Standard versions have also obtained UL924 certification. A typical model takes the form of a rectangular aluminium plate with a green or red UV coating. The plate is inscribed with the word "EXIT", coated in photoluminescent material that absorbs light and draws on this energy to emit a green light in darkness, with a brightness intensity of five foot-candles or 53.82 lux. "Tests have shown that our photoluminescent products are able to retain maximum glow in the dark for 90 minutes, after which it starts to dim. However, the signs can remain visible for more than 12 hours if sufficient energy has been stored," Mr Lee advises. The visibility distance varies, being for example 50 feet for six-inch model AE6400CN and 75 feet for seven- and eight-inch models AE7400CN and AE8400CN. On the run Other best-sellers for Emerglo include "Running Man" signs for showing exits, and arrow signs for marking evacuation routes. "They are made of photoluminescent material and high-industrial-grade PC, which is able to withstand very high heat and only starts to distort at 150¢J," Mr Lee says. "These signs are compliant with ISO 7010, which is basically a low-location system," he adds. "Unlike the -EXIT- signs that are used in stairwells and above emergency exit doors, the -Running Man- and arrow signs are displayed in more common areas and are usually mounted on the lower part of the wall where it is easier for people to spot them." Also in the firm-s catalogue are photoluminescent numeric signs. "They come in the shape of numbers and glow in the dark. You can mount them on doors, gates or walls as part of an evacuation guidance system," Mr Lee explains. Apart from signage, Emerglo manufactures safety tapes coated with photoluminescent material. "When used on handrails and stair nosing, these tapes are an added measure to enable people to evacuate safely and quickly in times of emergency. They can also be used on door frames or corridors, so people can easily find their way out during a power failure," Mr Lee notes. While providing standard models, Emerglo can also tailor emergency signs and tapes to clients- specific requirements. "These things are like insurance, and you want nothing but the best because it gives you peace of mind," Mr Lee remarks. With this mentality gaining global popularity, there are certainly growing signs that Emerglo Technologies - together with its photoluminescent products - will dazzle even more markets in the years to come. TEXT BY CHIARA WONG Emerglo Technologies |
