In the event of an emergency, the lives of people may depend on the quality of work of the evacuation infrastructure, forcing those responsible to carefully work out the slightest nuances of operating security systems. Manufacturers also meet consumers by offering more and more effective means to help people navigate in emergency situations, for example, in case of fire. One of the latest innovative solutions of this type has become a photoluminescent evacuation system (FES), which is a complex of visual signs and means of coordination of movement.
General information about FES
Photoluminescent material in itself represents a special category of glow elements, which does not apply to luminaires as such, but with a low level of visibility it may well inform a person about the correct direction of movement or give other important information. As a rule, these are signs that are located on evacuation routes and operate around the clock with minimal support from energy sources. The constant work of such a "backlight" is associated with the structural features of the material. Photoluminescent products are made from organophosphorus substances that make up the luminous base. This material is characterized by abrasion resistance, is not subject to burning and other destructive processes, however, it is environmentally harmful to human health, which imposes certain restrictions on its scope.
In Russia, according to GOST, photoluminescent evacuation systems can be used in buildings, on vehicles, in underground and ground structures. But, again, do not confuse the functionality of this graphic backlight with the more traditional methods of full or even partial lighting. Photoluminescent components are not used in primary, emergency and electrical lighting systems, and also are not used in the structure of signal clothing. For such purposes use other means and materials.
Classification of elements of FES
In evacuation systems, not one FES element is used, but several, and they can belong to different functional categories. The photoluminescent evacuation system itself is a complex of visual and iconic elements through which people can quickly find the right directions to the exit. The following FES tools help in this matter:
- Security icons.
- Symbols with the presence of backlight.
- Free marking.
- Pointing arrows.
- Outlines of evacuation plans.
- Labels, labels, inscriptions.
The basis of emergency FES are flat, linear and volumetric marking elements, in which photoluminescent coatings are already used as an addition. Recently, the so-called light converters in the FES structure are also gaining popularity. As a rule, these are flat and three-dimensional screens of a luminous background, on the surface of which emitting coatings are also used.
FES elements are classified according to their functional purpose. As in the traditional emergency marking, in this case, regardless of the structural and texture-textural signs, warning, prohibition, indicative and prescriptive signs are distinguished.
Since a significant proportion of photoluminescent evacuation systems and their elements finds its place in industries, approaches to the manufacture of the basis for visual-sign marking differ. Emitters can be glued to hard and flexible surfaces made of metal, plastic, composite materials and wood. The choice of basis will depend on the type of production of the target enterprise and the threats that will affect the elements of the PVS.
Designing a photoluminescent evacuation system
The terms of reference for the project of placing the elements of the FES as initial data should provide information about the activities of the system application object, the waiting time before the evacuation, the complexity of the routes and the number of people who can simultaneously leave the building in case of an accident.
Based on the information received, having also plans of premises on hand, the designers draw up a layout of the elements of the solar power station, taking into account their functional differences, configurations and operational characteristics. In particular, the working draft of the photoluminescent evacuation system contains specific requirements for the characteristics of the marking elements, including the surface area of the glow, the distance of visibility, the location relative to the floor and ceiling, brightness, etc. Preliminarily, at the test stage, photo and colorimetric characteristics of the elements are calculated .
The frequency of placement, as well as the total number of photoluminescent components used in the design solution, will depend on many parameters. The length and complexity of the route is only part of the influencing factors. Temperature conditions also play a role, the quality of the main lighting (if any) and the nature of the threats, in case of implementation of which an evacuation plan will be used.
General rules for the installation of FES
The workflow for the technical organization of photoluminescent marking consists of several stages. To begin with, in accordance with the design scheme, installation points of functional elements are installed. This means that, if necessary, the performers perform gating, drilling holes and installing supporting mounting profiles, on which the components of the photoluminescent evacuation system and adjacent communications will be fixed in the future. The same gating in the wall is necessary for carrying out cable connections. Not all elements of photovoltaic power plants need special power supply, but in any case a complex system will require a certain power supply, the source of which can also be the main lighting supply network.
At the next stage, the elements are fastened to the prepared sockets. Depending on the type of construction and the form factor of a particular product, the installation can be carried out by bolt method, welding, or key landing on the mounting base. It depends on the characteristics of the products themselves. As for the recommendations on the orientation of signs relative to the floor and ceiling, it is advisable to install photoluminescent evacuation systems at a level of 40 cm from the floor surface. It should also be borne in mind that the maximum distance between signs indicating the direction of the evacuation route should be no more than 5 m.
The use of FES in the subway
In the case of the subway, one of the main tasks is to properly limit the edges of the platforms relative to the columns and corners of the walls. To do this, signal marking lines with alternating strips of white, yellow and black are applied to the surface. Below are examples of photos of evacuation photoluminescent systems, where a similar method of visually informing passengers is used. Special marking is also used to highlight staircases. Signal lines of the same colors emit metal turnstiles and all the way to the stairs in alternating stripes.
The design of train cars is made so that passengers have the following options:
- Reading instructions in the car on actions in case of emergency.
- Orientation in a dark carriage when turning off the light.
- Determining the location of communication devices, fire extinguishing devices, as well as personal protective equipment.
- The movement of the composition to the tail or head wagon.
Direction indicator configuration
In the organization of FES, on the way to the emergency exit and at the safety platforms, low-lying signs and signs are used, which are conducted in a continuous manner, and in the event of interruption are transferred to the floor surface. Intermittent signs are indented 3-5 m, although it is advisable to use solid signs at intersections and in critical areas of the route.
Lines are applied on both sides of the evacuation movement, if possible. If the path width is less than 2 m, then you can limit yourself to the design of one side - along the wall at a height of 40-50 m. And on the contrary, on large platforms and in rooms, a photoluminescent evacuation system should be implemented on both sides, which will allow a person to navigate while being on different sections of the route. In the places of transition, the location of doors and other openings, the mechanism of movement of the locking structure must be indicated. Typically, such signs are on handles and other devices with which the same doors and functional elements of the opening open.
Means of enhancing the visual effect of FES
This system uses warning signs that can be placed at intervals, but with the maintenance of constancy of intermittent information. The method and frequency of placement is determined by specific conditions and possible threats. In the normative documentation, it is recommended that the means of visual strengthening of the pointers be placed in the upper field of view, and at the lower level the standard elements of the photoluminescent evacuation system are installed - GOST R 12.2.143-2009, by the way, it also indicates the use of the possibility of auxiliary placement of direction signs at several levels at once. Therefore, in choosing a specific method, one should rely on the existing technological conditions, and also take into account risk factors.
Accented visual signs are used as additional reinforcing markings. They are used, for example, to highlight functional areas, fire panels, railings and other structural elements of the route. As noted in GOST, photoluminescent evacuation systems must necessarily mark emergency equipment located along or near a passing route. A system is also being organized to inform about alternative escape routes, floor numbering, dead ends, etc.
Rules for marking stairs and ramps
Along with the direction lines, which also show the angle of the staircase, the photoluminescent marking should show the perspective and the contours of the degrees or construction of the ramp. Such designations are placed on the surfaces of the balustrade or railing at each turn. In multi-storey buildings, staircases also include signs indicating the floor number, the name of the stairs and the location of the nearest exit. In order to prevent tripping and slipping in strips of the photoluminescent evacuation system, the edges of the steps are marked. Usually use lines with a width of at least 2 cm. Railings fixed in a wall niche also stand out with bright material - in whole or in part on racks depending on the quality of local lighting.
FES Maintenance
In the rules for operating photoluminescent elements, a special place is given to their maintenance. Monitoring the state of the evacuation system on such components is carried out as part of a comprehensive examination by persons responsible for fire safety and civil defense at the facility. As part of the service, the following activities are carried out:
- Visual inspection of the elements.
- Check for completeness.
- Evaluation of photometric parameters, including the brightness of the glow and the duration of the afterglow when the main lighting devices are turned off.
If defects, damages or inconsistencies of characteristics are detected, photoluminescent evacuation systems are repaired - as a rule, it consists in replacing the element with new samples with reference working properties. At the same time, it is important to initially conduct a comprehensive survey and communications of FES, since violations in the luminescence parameters can be associated with insufficient energy supply or voltage surges, which is often found at industrial facilities with several energy sources.
Conclusion
Photoluminescent elements are far from the only way to visualize the evacuation route. Moreover, for a number of parameters, the traditional illumination of information signs is more effective. How do photoluminescent agents justify themselves? Firstly, such elements are inexpensive and can comprehensively provide large objects with various signs and signal devices. Secondly, during the maintenance of photoluminescent evacuation systems, each component can be easily replaced without intruding on the configuration of the placement of adjacent signs. Another positive feature is reliability. In the most difficult conditions, with increasing temperature or smoke, the photoluminescent material continues its bright glow, highlighting the contours of obstacles and hazardous areas. As for the negative factors of the use of such systems, it has already been said about their environmental insecurity, although experts are working hard in this direction, offering more and more “pure” modifications of the material.