2.0 Minimum requirements for placement

2.1 Markings on 1) doors opening to "exits" or "exit passageways"; 2) doors opening to corridors where such corridors act as required exit passageways connecting two vertical exits, and 3) doors serving as horizontal exits.1 All such doors, other thanintermediate or final exit doors, shall be marked in compliance with 2.1. Intermediate andfinal exit doors shall comply with 2.2.9.

2.1.1 Door signs. Doors shall be marked with a photoluminescent door sign designed in compliance with 2.3.1. The top of the signs shall be no higher than 18 inches (457 mm) above the finished floor. Signs shall be installed either on the door itself, or on the wall surface directly adjacent to the door, or both:

2.1.1.1 Door-mounted option (fig. 1).

The vertical centerline of the sign shall be centered with the door, or shall be in that half of the door, either the right or left, that contains the latch. In case of double-doors, both doors shall be marked and the signs shall be centered with the doors. For door-mounted signs, arrows may be omitted.

1 As such terms are defined in the Building Code of the City of New York

2.1.1.2 Wall-mounted option (fig. 2).

Signs shall be mounted on the wall surface directly adjacent to the latch-side of the door, as close as practicable to the door such that in no case shall there be more than 6? (152 mm) from the door to the edge of the sign. In case of double-doors, signs shall be placed on the wall surface directly adjacent to the hinge-sides of both doors. Where the wall surface directly adjacent to the latch side is too narrow to accommodate the sign, the sign may be placed on the adjacent perpendicular wall. For wall-mounted signs, arrows are mandatory.

EXCEPTION – Existing buildings: For buildings constructed pursuant to plans

approved prior to July 1, 2006, the top of the signs may be as high as 26 inches (660

mm) above the finish floor where necessary because of molding, baseboards, or

similar features.

2.2 Markings within "vertical exits," horizontal extensions in "vertical exits," "horizontal exits," "supplemental vertical exits," and "exit passageways"

EXCEPTION: Such markings are not required in ?street level lobbies?, ?exterior stairs?, or exterior balconies.3

2.2.1 Steps (fig. 3). The entire horizontal leading edge of each step shall be marked with a solid and continuous stripe of photoluminescent material. The dimensions, distances and locations shall be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit.

2.2.1.1 Width. The width of the stripes, measured horizontally shall be:

Maximum: 2" (51 mm)

Minimum: 1" (25 mm).

2.2.1.2 Length. The stripes shall extend for the full length of the step..

2.2.1.3 Placement. The leading edge of the stripe shall be:
Maximum: ½" (13 mm) from the leading edge of the step Minimum: 0" from the leading edge of the step.

2.2.1.4 Overlap. The stripe shall not overlap the leading edge of the step by more than ½" (13 mm) down the vertical face of the step.

EXCEPTION – Existing buildings. For buildings constructed pursuant to plans approved prior to July 1, 2006, in lieu of marking the full horizontal leading edge as

per 2.2.1, one of the following marking options may be complied with:

1. Step markings (fig. 3). The entire horizontal leading edge of each step shall be

marked with a solid and continuous stripe of photoluminescent material. The dimensions, distances and locations shall be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit.

1.1 Width. The width of the stripes, measured horizontally shall be:

Maximum: 2" (51 mm)

Minimum: 1" (25 mm).

1.2 Length. The stripes shall extend to a within 2" (51 mm) of both the sides of the steps.

1.3 Placement. The leading edge of the stripe shall be:

Maximum: 1" (25 mm) from the leading edge of the step Minimum: 0" from the leading edge of the step; or 1.4 Overlap. The stripe shall not overlap the leading edge of the step by more

than ½" (13 mm) down the vertical face of the step.

2. Side edge markings (fig. 4). Side edge markings on both horizontal sides of each step that provide returns extending along the leading edge. The dimensions, distances and locations shall be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit.

2 As such terms are defined in the Building Code of the City of New York

3 As such terms are defined in the Building Code of the City of New York

Such side edge markings shall be solid and continuous stripes of photoluminescent material:

2.1 Width of side edge markings. The width of the side edge marking shall

comply with 2.2.1.1.

2.2 Placement of side edge markings. The side edge markings shall be placed

no further than 2" (51 mm) from both sides of steps. Such stripes shall extend to within 2¼" (57 mm) of the back of each step and to within 1" (25 mm) of the leading edge of each step.

2.3 Width of returns. The returns shall also comply with 2.2.1.1 but are not required to be the same width as the side edge markings.

2.4 Placement of returns. The returns shall extend from the side edge marking, parallel with the leading edge of the step, for a minimum distance of 2" (51mm). Such returns shall extend to within 1" (25 mm) of the leading edge of each step.

2.5 Overlap. The side edge markings including returns shall not overlap the face of the leading edge of the step by more than ½" (13 mm) down the vertical face of the step.

2.2.2 Leading edge of landings (fig. 5). The leading edge of all landings (for example the platforms at the top of stairs) shall be marked in a consistent and uniform manner throughout the same exit. Such markings shall comprise stripes following the same requirements as for steps in 2.2.1, except that: 1) the stripe shall be the same length as and consistent with the stripes on the steps, or may extend the full length of the leading edge of the landing; and 2) the leading edge of each landing shall be marked regardless of the age of the building.

2.2.3 Handrails (fig 6). All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a solid and continuous stripe of photoluminescent material. The dimensions, distances and locations shall be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit.

2.2.3.1 Width. The minimum width of the stripe shall be 1" (25 mm).

2.2.3.2 Placement. The stripe shall be placed at least on the top surface of the handrail for the entire length of any handrails including handrail extensions, and newel post caps.

2.2.3.3 Continuity. Where handrails or handrail extensions bend or turn corners, the stripe shall be as continuous as practicable with no more than a 4" (102 mm) gap without photoluminescent material permitted at such bends.

EXCEPTION – Existing buildings. For buildings constructed pursuant to plans approved prior to July 1, 2006, handrails are not required to be marked.

2.2.4 Floor perimeter demarcation lines. Floor perimeter demarcations lines are intended to outline the egress path by providing low location photoluminescent lines on both sides of the path. Stair landings and other parts of the egress path shall be provided with floor perimeter demarcation lines. The lines shall be a solid and continuous 1" to 2" (25 to 51 mm) wide stripe of photoluminescent material. The continuity of the demarcation lines may be interrupted to accommodate obstructions such as conduits, moldings, corners or bends, not to exceed 4? (102 mm). The dimensions, distances and locations shall be uniform and consistent throughout the same exit. Demarcation lines shall be located on the floor, or on the walls/vertical surface, or a combination of the two, as per the following:

2.2.4.1 Floor-mounted option (fig. 7). Perimeter demarcation lines may be located on the floor, and shall be placed as close as practicable to the wall, and shall extend to within 2" (51 mm) of the markings on the leading edge of landings. Where an obstruction (such as a standpipe) is located within the egress path, the demarcation line may, at the option of the owner, extend across the floor so that the obstruction is outside of the outlined area (see fig. 8). Demarcation lines on floors shall continue across the floor in front of all doors, except in front of those doors marked with door frame markings in accordance with 2.2.9.3 (see figs. 13, 14).

2.2.4.2 Wall-mounted option (fig. 9). Perimeter demarcation lines may be located on the wall, placed with the bottom edge no more than 4? (102 mm) above the finished floor. At the top or bottom of stairs, demarcation lines shall drop vertically to the floor within 2" (51 mm) of the step or landing edge.

Demarcation lines on walls shall transition vertically to the floor and then extend across the floor where a line on the floor is the only practical method of outlining the path, for instance where obstructions or dead ends are to be outside of the outlined egress areas. Demarcation lines on walls shall continue across the face of all doors, or may transition to the floor and extend across the floor in front of such doors (see fig. 10), except in front of those doors marked with door frame markings in accordance with 2.2.9.3.

EXCEPTIONS. Perimeter demarcation lines are not required:

1. on the sides of steps; and

2. where an area is selected not to be outlined because it is not part of the egress

path, for example an obstruction or dead end.

2.2.5 Obstacles. Obstacles at or below for 6?-6? (1981 mm) in height and projecting more

than 4? (102 mm) into the egress path shall be outlined with markings no less than 1"

(25 mm) in width comprised of a pattern of alternating equal bands, of photoluminescent material and black, with the alternating bands no more than 2" thick and angled at 45 degrees. Examples of such obstacles include standpipes, hose cabinets, wall projections, and restricted height areas (see fig. 8).

2.2.6 Directional signage upon entering an exit (fig. 11). Photoluminescent directional signs designed in compliance with 2.3.1 shall be placed in the stairwell or exit at every entrance thereto such that they are visible upon opening the door into the stairwell or exit (i.e., the opened door shall not obscure the sign). Such directional sign shall include an arrow indicating the direction of travel. The signs shall be located such that their top edge is within 18? (457 mm) above the finished floor.

EXCEPTION – Existing buildings. Buildings constructed pursuant to plans approved prior to July 1, 2006 are exempt from the requirements of 2.2.6. However, this exception shall not apply to below grade stories.

2.2.7 Directional signage at transfer levels and where egress direction is not clear (fig. 11). Photoluminescent directional signs designed in compliance with 2.3.1 and installed at heights indicated in 2.2.6 shall be placed on the wall: 1) at transfer levels; and 2) wherever egress direction is not clear. These directional signs shall include arrows indicating the direction of travel. Examples of placement include: at turns along horizontal extensions; at transitions from vertical to horizontal direction; at a " T" intersection; etc.

2.2.8 "Not An Exit"sign (fig. 12). Photoluminescent signs shall be placed on doors along the egress path that lead to dead ends (mechanical rooms, storage closets, etc.) Such signs shall contain sans serif lettering at least 1" (25 mm) high reading "NOT AN EXIT".

EXCEPTION – Existing buildings. Buildings constructed pursuant to plans approved prior to July 1, 2006 are exempt from this requirement.
2.2.9 Intermediate exit doors and final exit doors. For the purposes of this section and elsewhere in this standard, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth herein:

Intermediate exit door (fig. 13). When traveling in the egress direction, doors that lead from a vertical exit, horizontal extension in a vertical exit, horizontal exit, supplemental vertical exit, or exit passageway, but do not lead directly to the exterior or to a street level lobby are intermediate exit doors.

Final exit door (fig. 14). Doors leading directly to the exterior or a street level lobby are final exit doors.

2.2.9.1 Door signs. A photoluminescent wall-mounted door sign complying with

2.1.1.2 shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to all intermediate and final exit doors. At the final exit door, such sign shall contain supplemental directional text in sans serif letters one-half as high as the word EXIT. Examples of such texts are "FINAL EXIT", or "EXIT THROUGH LOBBY" or "EXIT TO STREET", or "EXIT TO CHAMBERS STREET", etc. (see fig. 15).

2.2.9.2 Door Hardware markings. Door hardware of all intermediate and final exit doors shall be marked with no less than 16 in2 (406 mm2) of photoluminescent material. This marking shall be located behind, immediately adjacent to, or on the door handle and/or escutcheon. Where a panic bar is installed, such material shall be no less than 1" (25 mm) wide for the entire length of the actuating bar or touchpad. All hardware markings covered by 2.2.9.2 may include ANSI Z535.1 safety green graphics such as arrows indicating door handle turning directions, E001 or E002 emergency egress symbols as per ISO 7010, the word "EXIT", the word "PUSH", and similar egress-related symbols provided the minimum 16 in2 (406 mm2) of photoluminescent material is maintained.

2.2.9.3 Door frame markings. The top and sides of the door frame of all intermediate and final exit doors shall be marked with a solid and continuous 1" to 2" (25 mm to 51 mm) wide stripe of photoluminescent material. Gaps are permitted in the continuity of door frame markings where a line is fitted into a corner or bend, but shall be as small as practicable and in no case greater than 1" (25 mm).. Where the door molding does not provide enough flat surface on which to locate the stripe, the stripes may be located on the wall surrounding the frame. The dimensions, distances and locations of the required markings shall be consistent and uniform on all doors on the route to the exterior of the building.

2.3 General standards.

2.3.1 Design of door and directional signs. Unless otherwise specified, all photoluminescent door signs and directional signs referenced herein (see figs. 11, 15, 16, 17):

1. may be either positive or negative image;

2. shall be made with the non-photoluminescent portions of the signs in safety green

as per ANSI Z535.1-2002, American National Standard for Safety Color Code;

3. shall include three components:

3.1 the word EXIT printed in sans serif letters at least 4? high (102 mm) with

strokes no less than ½? (13 mm);

3.2 an emergency exit symbol at least 4? high (102 mm), complying with E001 or

E002 as per ISO 7010 (2003-10-01), Graphical Symbols—Safety Colours and

Safety Signs—Safety Signs Used in Workplaces and Public Areas; and

3.3 an arrow at least 2 ¾? (70 mm) high, complying with E005 or E006 as per ISO 7010.

Exceptions:

1. Arrows are not mandatory on door-mounted door signs required by 2.1.1.1.

2. The word EXIT is not mandatory on directional signs required by 2.2.6 and 2.2.7.

3. Additional descriptive text is permitted, provided such words are in sans serif letters and, where the word EXIT or emergency exit symbol is required on such sign, such descriptive text is no more than one-half as high as any the work EXIT or the emergency exit symbol.

2.3.2 Solid and continuous. For the purposes of this standard, solid and continuous means without gaps or interruption, except as required for the control of expansion and contraction. A series of dashes, chevrons, dots, or other similar patterns is not solid and continuous. Nonetheless, photoluminescent materials shall be considered solid and continuous if they occasionally contain the following safety green (ANSI Z535.1) symbols or text: 1) the word EXIT, 2) egress symbol E001 or E002 as per ISO 7010; 3) direction arrows E005 or E006 as per ISO 7010, or other text or symbols as approved by the Commissioner.

2.3.3 Consistent and uniform. Where markings are required to be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit, those portions of an exit in which the egress travel direction is downward may be treated differently from those portions of the same exit in which the egress travel is upward.

2.3.4 Figures. The figures annexed are intended only for illustration, and where there is a conflict between the figures and the text, the text shall govern.

2.4 Good faith prior installations. The Commissioner may accept variations to the required dimensions, distances, returns (for side edge markings), locations, and MEA labeling for buildings where: 1) photoluminescent materials were installed prior to January 1, 2005; 2) such installations meet the intent of this standard. Applications for acceptance shall indicate all deviations from this standard. The commissioner shall require documentation that the photoluminescent materials installed achieve the equivalent brightness ratings as stated in 1.1.1 as well proof showing that the installation was completed prior to January 1, 2005. The commissioner may require installation of additional photoluminescent signs or markings in order to conform to the intent of this standard. Any such acceptance by the commissioner shall be annexed to the affidavit or report filed with the Department of Buildings pursuant to 3.3, and a copy of such report or affidavit including attachments shall be available on the premises for inspection by the Department of Buildings and Fire Department.

2.5 Installation of additional signs and markings. Where photoluminescent signs or markings are installed in locations where they are not required by 2.1 and 2.2, such signs and markings shall be MEA-approved in accordance with 1.0 (technical specifications for minimum performance). Examples of such other signs could include floor numbering signs, elevator landing signs, elevator bank indicator signs, reentry signs, etc. Where door hardware or door frame markings in accordance with 2.2.9.2 or 2.2.9.3 are provided at reentry doors, the reentry signs required by the building code shall be photoluminescent and MEA-approved in accordance with 1.0.

2.6 Other occupancies. Where photoluminescent signs or markings are installed in the exit path in other than Class E high rise buildings, such signs or markings shall comply with this standard.

NYC Law 26 Section 1 PREVIOUS PAGE

NYC Law 26 Section 3 NEXT PAGE