New York's exit path markings law goes into effect.

The September 11th attacks, the 2003 blackout, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing--is it possible to conquer the once unfathomable fears that now cross our minds at least once on the way to work every day? Perhaps, but in a post-9/11 world, building safety is not a maybe--it's a must.

The New York City Council and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's administration have recently amended the building code with Local Law 26. Based on the recommendations of the Department of Buildings' World Trade Center Building Code Task Force, all high-rise office buildings will be required to have exit path markings which comply with the newly created Reference Standard 6-1. As of July 1, 2006, all existing high-rise office buildings must be in compliance with the new law and file, affidavits with the Department by the same date. While new buildings must fully comply, existing buildings are given some relief in recognition of the practical difficulties one may encounter if installing products in a variety of unusual or old configurations. Although the installation of photoluminescent markings is mandatory for high-rise office buildings, owners of other building types (such as residential, mercantile or hospitals) may elect to install photoluminescent markings on egress pathways on a voluntary basis, provided that the installation complies thoroughly with the new reference standards (RS 6-1 and 6-1A).

Reference Standard 6-1 is intended to provide the minimum requirements for photoluminescent exit path markings that will aid in the evacuation from buildings in the event of failure of both the power and backup power to the lighting and illuminated exit signs. The mandatory photoluminescent directional egress markings are to be placed on doors leading to exits, steps, landings and handrails, and will provide occupants with enhanced safety during emergency evacuations.

The Port Authority had installed these photoluminescent safety markings in the WTC following the 1993 bombing. These markings were credited for assisting evacuation and saving lives on 9/11.

Building owners and managers must adhere to the provisions of the law and, in doing so, may face some unexpected challenges if the following criteria are not considered before purchasing and installing photoluminescent materials: adhesives, abrasion resistance, stairwell construction, surface preparation, product durability, installation experience and quality control. Each product should be evaluated before installation, and the traffic by building occupants should also be taken into account. The Department's Materials and Equipment Acceptance division must approve all products and all photoluminescent manufacturers are urged to submit their applications to the Department for approval. MEA forms are available on the Buildings' website at www.nyc.gov/buildings. For a listing of MEA-approved photoluminescent materials, contact the MEA division at [phone].

It is vital to building safety that building owners and managers review and comply fully with the Department's final technical and performance standards regarding the installation of all photoluminescent markings.

Owners of existing buildings should submit their affidavits of completion certifying compliance with RS 6-1 on or before July 1, 2006, or may hire an architect or engineer to do so for them. However, only an architect or engineer may submit reports of completion for newly constructed buildings. The standard covers the technical specifications for minimum performance of the materials, minimum requirements for placement of the signs and markings, the administrative filings to certify compliance and maintenance requirements. The standard specifications are available on the Department of Buildings' website.

After installation of MEA-approved products and submission of an affidavit of completion, building owners and managers must maintain a logbook that will be subject to inspection on an annual basis.

Failure to comply with the new law will result in a violation. It is important to remember that safety comes first in all aspects of the built environment.

Complying with a law that lights the way to safety today will, undoubtedly, brighten tomorrow for all those who live, work and build in our City.

JAMES COLGATE & SABRINA PANFILO

NYC DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS,

OFFICE OF TECHNICAL AFFAIRS