Yesterday I updated a post about luminous egress path markings in high rise buildings of certain occupancy types, so I could then answer a question about the Von Duprin Safety Glow (SG) option.  When would you specify this “glow-in-the-dark” coating on the touchpad?

In some buildings, the I-Codes require a self-luminous/photoluminescent finish to mark doors that are located within an exit enclosure (exit stairwell, exit ramp, exit passageway) – the requirements apply to doors that swing out of the stairwell in the path of egress.  The markings are required by the IBC and IFC for high-rise buildings of the following occupancies:  Group A – Assembly, B – Business, E – Educational, I-1 – Institutional, M – Mercantile, and R-1 – Residential.  Refer to the Decoded article for more details.

The Safety Glow (SG) option is a self-illuminating powder coat finish that is charged when exposed to light and glows brightly during low-light or no-light conditions.  It is available for Von Duprin 33/35 series and 98/99 series panic hardware and fire exit hardware.  It can be helpful to use this option even when it is not specifically required by code, for locations where it may be difficult to see the exit.

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