Article Number : 962 |
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| Date | 4/6/2006 10:08:52 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=962 |
| Abstract | Port Chester, N.Y.—The New York City Department of Buildings recently issued its Reference Standard RS 6-1 and RS 6-1A in relation to photoluminescent exit path markings... |
| Article | Port Chester, N.Y.—The New York City Department of Buildings recently issued its Reference Standard RS 6-1 and RS 6-1A in relation to photoluminescent exit path markings. By June 30, all Type E commercial hi-rise buildings of eight or more stories must comply with rigorous specifications concerning installation of photoluminescent markings to aid in evacuation in the event of failure of both the power and back-up power to lighting and illuminated exit signs, as per Local Law 26 of 2004, in order to maintain its Certificate of Occupancy. Randall Weis, president of RD Weis Cos., a StarNet member and full-service flooring contractor specializing in safe and environmentally-friendly flooring solutions for commercial use, scrutinized the new standards and then studied the market in order to evaluate which product line would satisfy, and even exceed, these standards. The outcome? RD Weis now offers the most effective safety egress system, one that provides a fail-safe guidance system in all situations, under all circumstances, noted Weis. In announcing the company’s introduction of this product line, he remarked, “Several of my staff have joined me in thoroughly studying and analyzing these new reference standards. We can assist owners, facilities managers, safety directors, architects, builders and designers with the retrofit of existing buildings and with new construction, where the standards are even more rigorous.” Relying on RD Weis for an effective emergency path-finding system means that building occupants can be assured of safe egress if and when the primary power source is compromised, Weis noted, the back-up power sources are compromised; parts of the back-up system are compromised through failure or damage; or unforeseen circumstances keep people in the building unexpectedly. The products that RD Weis are installing are aluminium strips for the stairs and signage for the stairwells. The material is extruded with photoluminescent or phosphorescent pigment/powder that is based on a Strontium Oxide Aluminate chemistry as opposed to the conventional ZnS:Cu phosphorescent pigments, said Weis. The brightness, length of glow time and chemical stability are much greater with the Strontium Oxide Aluminate chemistry. “The RD Weis product line consists of a newly developed phosphorescent pigment based on Strontium Oxide Aluminate chemistry,” he said. “In contrast to conventional phosphorescent pigments based on Zinc Sulfide, our products have an afterglow period of 10 times these conventional ones. In addition, their initial afterglow brightness is up to 10 times that of other photoluminescent pigments.” These qualities, coupled with the product’s durability, slip resistance, resilience to high foot traffic, ability to withstand outdoor weather conditions and moisture resistance, produce a solution that fully satisfies Reference Standard RS 6-1 and AC169, he concluded. “Every step, landing, corridor, ramp, change of direction and doorway can be highlighted and easily identified. The result: acceleration of egress speed; minimization of the chance of panic; and assurance of getting occupants out of the building safely. The goal: to save lives!” For more about RD Weis, call 212/431-4675. —Louis Iannaco |