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PRODUCTS IN USE:
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The UN Headquarters
complex in New York provides office space for 4,500 diplomats and
staff members from almost 200 countries.
To enhance building safety, the UN recently installed an emergency egress pathway marking system. The system, based on acrylic products guides occupants toward stairwells and out of the building in the event of a fire or other emergency. The system was put to the test on August 14, 2003, when a blackout hit much of eastern North America, knocking out electric power to Manhattan. On that day, the UN was able to quickly and safely evacuate diplomats, staff and visitors because exit routes were clearly and brightly illuminated with PL signs and markers. The UN Headquarters building consists of 41 stories above ground, with offices along the perimeter of a long corridor and large work areas at each end. Shorter corridors branch off in four locations. Stairwells are located at opposite ends of the main corridor. Below ground are three basement levels, each more than four city blocks long. These levels contain numerous office clusters, satellite corridors, cul-de-sacs and a host of workshops, mechanical, electric, storage and security rooms. Twenty-eight stairwells connect the basement levels to either the main building lobby or the outside. |
The UN considered installing
electric, mechanical and chemical systems to illuminate pathways during a
fire, blackout or other emergency. However, it ultimately selected a
photoluminescent egress pathway marking system and signage. The system does not rely on any external energy source for activation of route signs and egress guidance systems, and can be quickly applied to mark these exit routes. The photoluminescent pigment absorbs and stores energy after being exposed to ambient light — daylight, white lamp light or UV-radiation. When the lights go out the PL products release energy and instantly begins to emit a glow that continues for eight hours or longer. PL products recharge automatically and rapidly as soon as light is restored. At UN Headquarters, all aboveground corridors are marked with photoluminescent acrylic arrows pointing to the nearest exit and signal choices of stairwells, when available, to improve traffic flow. All stairwell doors are clearly marked, as are handles. In the stairwells, the steps, landings and handrails are marked. Stairwell door locations are identified, and Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant Braille/Tactile stair and floor information is applied near each side of each stairwell door.
**9/11/2001** During the World Trade Centre NYC evacuation, 33% of WTC 1 evacuees and 17% of WTC 2 evacuees reported they were helped by the photoluminescent markings!
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