In the hustle and bustle of operating a small business, safety measures can sometimes take a
back seat. However, one crucial element that should never be overlooked is emergency lighting.

Your emergency lighting system includes emergency lights and exit signs that guide people to
safety in the event of a fire or power outage. The National Fire Code (NFC) is the standard that sets guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. In this article, we will discuss emergency lighting, the requirements of the NFC, how emergency lighting is designed, and the importance of regular maintenance.

Area of Refuge Signs

What is an Area of Refuge?  

An area of refuge (sometimes called an area of rescue) is a designated spot in a building where individuals with mobility challenges can wait for help in case of an emergency and evacuation is not safe or is not possible. It is intended for the elderly, persons with disabilities, sick people, and anyone else who cannot use the stairs to exit.  It has a call button for help and a 2-way voice communication system.

The 90-Minute Emergency Lighting Test - What Is It?

Emergency lights are important in the event of an emergency, as they can help individuals safely evacuate the building. Building safety codes require that your emergency lights function for at least
1.5 hours. The 90-minute emergency lighting test makes sure that your emergency lights are ready to handle any situation.

Businesses, schools, towns.  All require a team of dedicated professionals to keep them up and running. That's why, in order to stay on top of everything, the best leaders know you need to hire
the best people to help take care of the actual buildings. The last thing a business owner or school administrator needs is a sudden, unforeseen distraction that disrupts their daily rhythm. That
disruption could come in the form of a Fire Marshal.

     Everywhere that buildings exist, there exist standards for keeping the people using them safe in an emergency. In America, the standards that government entities reference is called the NFPA 101, or the Life Safety Code. At least 43 states have adopted it as their official standard for creating and maintaining safe buildings, and all states at least base their building safety codes on it. So what is this Life Safety Code, and how does it affect you?

    When you are responsible for the safety of a commercial establishment and everyone that works inside it, you have a lot to remember. There are tests that need to be performed to make sure your emergency equipment works properly. There are standards your business has to comply with. Fortunately, you don't have to face these tasks alone, and it is better to rely on lighting professionals to ensure that your place is safe. They have three advantages.

Building safety regulations require that every commercial facility be fitted with a minimum number of lit emergency exit signs. Anywhere the closest fire escape route is not immediately evident must have a visibly lit exit sign with an arrow pointing in the correct direction. Exterior doors must be marked with a similar exit sign, letting everyone know which door leads them to the safe outdoor areas. However, you have no reason to stop at the bare minimum of what the fire marshal demands.

It is important that your facility is always be “up to code.” This is especially crucial when it comes to your annual fire code inspection. Violations can come with hefty fines. The key to passing inspection is preparation. This starts by understanding the codes and comprehending what is expected of you. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your next fire code inspection.

Ensuring compliance with fire safety codes is a high priority for any business. Certain fire code violations occur more often than others, and are surprisingly easy to avoid by taking a few proactive measures.