What Is a Fire Compartment?

A fire compartment is an area within a building which is completely surrounded w ith fire-resistant construction, usually with features such as automated fire-re sistant doors which close when a fire is detected. Fire compartments are require d by law in some types of buildings, and strongly recommended in others as a bas ic safety measure. Some insurance companies may also demand that fire compartmen ts be installed before they will write policies for certain types of businesses, in the interests of reducing their liability. In new construction, a fire compartment can be integrated right into the structu re of the building. In addition to compartments, it is also possible to install barriers which are designed to slow a fire if it starts. The fire compartments c an consist of rooms or groups of rooms. When a fire starts inside a compartment, the sealed nature of the area can compartmentalize the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas. When a fire occurs outside the compartment, it can re main sealed off, and may potentially protect objects inside from the fire. Fire compartments are not fire proof. Fire can work its way into or out of a fir e compartment if it is intense enough, poorly managed, or not addressed quickly enough. However, fire compartments can still be valuable tools. Anything which s lows the speed at which a fire can spread can contribute to fire safety, creatin g more time for people to evacuate, and potentially reducing fire damage. Valuab le or important materials can be stored inside a compartment so that in the even t a fire occurs, they may make it through the fire. Existing buildings can be retrofitted to create fire compartments. Movable barri ers can be installed, or people can remodel parts of a building to create a fire compartment. Also known as a fire zone, a fire compartment can also sometimes a ddress the potential of flood damage, as the same materials which keep fire out can sometimes keep water at bay as well. Installing fire compartments is usually done in tandem with the installation of other safety systems such as alarms and sprinklers. These systems work together so that if a fire does break out, it can be quickly addressed, and the damage ca used by the fire can be minimized. As a general rule, a fire compartment is not a safe place to evacuate to; people should leave a building when a fire breaks o ut unless they absolutely must shelter in place

Smoke Compartment smoke. The barrier might be vertically or horizontally aligned, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly. A smoke barrier might or might not have a fire resistance rating. Smoke Compartment. A smoke compartment is a space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides including the top and bottom. In the provision of smoke compartments utilizing the outside walls or the roof of a building, it is not intended that outside walls, roofs or any opening therein be capable of resisting the passage of smoke. Smoke Detector. A device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion. SOFA. Status of Forces Agreements. Sound Transmission Class (STC). A single-number rating system

which compares the Sound Transmission Loss of a test specimen with a standard contour. SOW. Statement of Work or Scope of Work. Sprinkler System. Acceptance Test: All fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of applicable code in the presence of the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Acceptance Test is the method employed to ensure and validate that the system has been tested in accordance with all applicable requirements. Certification: The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be responsible for confirming and certifying the appropriateness and acceptability of the constructed fire suppression system as installed. Automatic: As applied to fire suppression devices, automatic refers to a device or system that provides an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention, and is activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise, or increase in the level of combustion products. Automatic Fire Suppression System: An engineered system using carbon dioxide, foam, wet or dry chemicals, halogenated extinguishing agent, or an automatic sprinkler system to detect automatically and suppress a fire through fixed piping and nozzles. Standby Mode. A critical facility capable of quickly and with minimum effort of transforming from its peacetime mode of operation to a higher level of preparedness. Ready for the next higher Operationally Ready Mode. Statement of Work or Scope of Work (SOW). A formalized document describing the details of an effort to be accomplished through contracted resources. GLOS-32

Requirements for Emergency Lighting An emergency lighting system is used to help the occupants of a building exit sa fely during an emergency. It is comprised of a number of different fixture types

, including exit signs, egress lighting and anti-panic fixtures. In the United S tates, emergency lighting requirements are set by local building codes, which ar e often based on standards developed by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFP A). NFPA Standard 101 addresses life safety issues, including emergency and egre ss lighting Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHtrYay Performance According to NFPA 101 Section 7.9.2.1, emergency lighting must be designed to il luminate the area for at least 90 minutes after the main power supply is disrupt ed. The initial level of lighting during this 90-minute period must be at least 10.8 lux (1 ft-candle) on average. This illumination rating should be measured a t the floor level along the exit routes. Automatic Operation Emergency lighting must be designed to automatically illuminate exit routes in t he event of an emergency. Per NFPA 101, Section 7.9.2.2, an emergency is defined as failure of the main power supply or the opening of a fuse on the electrical panel. It may also be defined as any manual act which directly or indirectly eff ects normal light levels. These emergency lighting systems must be in continuous operation, or should be able to operate automatically in separate occurrences w ith no need for a manual reset. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHzYiI4 Backup Power All emergency lighting must be placed on either a generator or battery-based bac kup supply. According to NFPA 101 7.9.2.3, any generator used to back up power f or emergency lighting must be operated and maintained according to NFPA Standard 110. Standard 110 specifies generator requirements and testing procedures. In N FPA 101 Section 7.9.2.4, standards for battery backup are addressed. Under this standard, only reliable and rechargeable batteries may be used, and any batterie s used must comply with the National Electrical Code. Testing NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3.1 states that all emergency lighting components must be t ested according to one of three specified methods. The first method is a test la sting at least 30 seconds, which must be performed every 30 days. The second met hod may be used on battery powered systems, and must be performed annually for a t least 90 minutes. The third testing option allows special diagnostic equipment to be used to test the system every 30 days. All testing and inspection records should be maintained by the owner for review upon request by the local fire mar shal. Exit Signs Exit sign requirements are outlined in NFPA 101 Section 7.10. According to this standard, all exit signs must have the word "Exit" displayed in letters at least 6 inches tall. The sign must be continuously illuminated at all times that the building is occupied. Exit sign lighting must provide at least 5-foot candles of luminance, which can be provided from either external or internal light sources . These signs should be placed at all egress doors and stairwells, and should be equipped with arrows in the event that the exit path is unclear. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LI6Fgyw

Emergency Lighting and Exit Sign Requirements Introduction The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for prom ulgating legally enforceable standards which require the use of practices, means or processes that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect employees on the job. OSHA incorporates other standards adopted by standard-producing org anizations into their own. OSHA promulgated Subpart E of 29 CFR 1910, means of e gress, from the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code. OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) give the general requir ements for means of egress. 29 CFR 1910.35 defines a means of egress in this way : "A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from an y point in a building or structure to a public way and consists of three separat e and distinct parts." They are: 1. Exit accessthat portion which leads to the entrance of an exit. 2. Exitthat portion which is separated from all other spaces of a building o r structure by construction or equipment to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. 3. Exit dischargethat portion between the termination of an exit and a publi c way. OSHA requires that "each exit route be adequately lighted so that an employee wi th normal vision can see along the exit route". 1910.37(b)(1). OSHA also requires that "each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit". 1910.37(b)(2). "Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the exit route door." 1910.37(b)(3). "E ach doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit m ust be marked "Not An " or similar designation, or be identifed by a sign indica ting its actual use (e.g., closet)." 1910.37(b)(5). Exit Sign Requirements Every sign must have the word "Exit" in plainly legible letters not less than si x inches high, with the principal stroke of the letter .75 inches wide (29 CFR 1 910.37(b)(7)). (See NFPA 101 7.10 for further specifications.) Where the directi on of travel to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent, an exit sign or si milar designation with an arrow indicating the direction to the exit is required (29 CFR 1910.37(b)(4)). Exit Sign Illumination Requirements NFPA 101 defines the methods of illumination for exit signs: 1. Externally illuminatedthe light source is contained outside of the device or legend that is to be illuminated. The light source is typically a dedicated incandescent or fluorescent source. 2. Internally illuminatedthe light source is contained inside the device or legend that is illuminated. The light source is typically incandescent, fluoresc ent, electro luminescent, light-emitting diodes, or photoluminescent. 3. Photoluminescentthe sign is illuminated by self-contained power sources a nd operates independently of external power sources. (Batteries do not qualify a s a self-contained power source.) The face of the photoluminescent sign must be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The face of the sign shall be illuminated according to its listing from the face of the sign. The illumination has to be a reliable source as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, AHJ. The AHJ is the ultimat e arbiter concerning safety practices and safety equipment for a particular loca lity. The charging light must be of the same type that is specified on the sign. Photoluminescent signs need a specific type of light and a minimum level of ligh t on the face to assure that the sign will be able to provide adequate illuminat ion in an emergency situation. During illumination the sign shall not be connect

ed to an automatic timer. In 2000 the NFPA Life Safety Code was updated and now recognizes certain photolu minescent exit signs as an alternative to internally lighted electric powered si gns. A photoluminescent sign absorbs light from an activation light source in or der to emit light (that is, luminescence). The sign continues to emit light for a time after the activation light source has been removed. Photoluminescent exit signs are in the category of an internally illuminated sig n. The signs are permitted, provided they are listed in accordance with UL 924, standard for safety emergency lighting and power equipment and meet all the requ irements outlined in the criteria from the Life Safety Code 101, 2006 edition pa rts 7.10.7.2. Every required exit sign must be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source and be visible in both normal and emergency lighting modes (NFPA 101 2006 7.10. 5.1). The illuminated surface value of the exit sign should have a value of not less than five foot-candles (29 CFR 1910.37(b)(6)). NFPA 101 2006 7.10.5 has the same requirement (5 foot-candles) for internally and externally illuminated sig ns, with exceptions made for approved self-luminous or electro luminescent signs that provide evenly illuminated letters; they must have a minimum luminescence of 0.06 foot lambert as measured by a color-corrected photometer. Emergency Lighting Requirements NFPA 101, Life Safety Code 2006, section 7.9, describes the requirements for eme rgency lighting. (Emergency lighting is not specifically required for all occupa ncies. Refer to NFPA 101 2006, UL 924 and local municipal building codes for spe cific requirements of your occupancy.) Emergency illumination (when required) mu st be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours in the event of failure of normal ligh ting. The emergency lighting must be arranged to provide initial illumination of not less than an average of one foot-candle and a minimum at any point of 0.1 f oot-candle measured along the path of egress at floor level. These levels can de cline to a minimum of 0.6 foot-candle average and 0.06 foot-candle at any one po int at the end of emergency lighting time (1.5 hours). The maximum illumination at any one point can be no more than 40 times the minimum illumination at any on e point to prevent excessively bright and dark spots (NFPA 101 2006 7.9.2.1).

Commonly Asked Questions Q. Is there a requirement for exit sign color? Some facilities have green, other facilities have red. A. There is no requirement for specific colors. NFPA 101 Section 7. 10.1.8 states "signs must be of a distinctive color and design that is readily v isible and shall contrast with decorations, interior finish and other signs." So me states or local jurisdictions may require a certain color. Q. When is a "NO EXIT" sign required? A. The "NO EXIT" sign is only needed where "any door, passage, or s tairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads: NO EXIT". (NFPA Life Safety Code 101 Section 7.10.8.3) When is emergency & exit lighting required to be installed in a building? On several occasions, I have been asked about the requirement for the installati on of emergency lights in small (Class 6) retail buildings. When I say small I m ean less than 500m2. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2010 provides the deemed-to-satisfy require ments for the installation of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs in Section E, Pa rt E4.

Essentially for all Class 6 buildings over 100m2 require emergency lights; and a ll Class 6 buildings require at least one exit sign. An emergency lighting system must be installed a. in every fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated pas sageway; and b. in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor area more than 300 m2 i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and ii. in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and iii. in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2; and c. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening direc tly to i. a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated passageway ; or ii. an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D 1.8; or iii. an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated r amp or fire-isolated passageway; or iv. a road or open space; and d. in every required non fire-isolated stairway; and e. in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if i. the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and ii. an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an ext ernal stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and f. in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey i n a Class 6 or 9b building if? i. the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or ii. any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; o r iii. egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit suf ficient light; or iv. the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by ( i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and g. in a Class 9a health-care building i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and ii. in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and h. in every Class 9c aged care building excluding within sole-occupancy uni ts; and i. in every required fire control centre. E4.5 Exit signs An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must b e installed on, above or adjacent to each a. door providing direct egress from a storey to i. an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and ii. an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and iii. an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and b. door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of dis charge to a road or open space; and

c. horizontal exit; and d. door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey require d to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4.2

What Is a Fire Compartment? A fire compartment is an area within a building which is completely surrounded w ith fire-resistant construction, usually with features such as automated fire-re sistant doors which close when a fire is detected. Fire compartments are require d by law in some types of buildings, and strongly recommended in others as a bas ic safety measure. Some insurance companies may also demand that fire compartmen ts be installed before they will write policies for certain types of businesses, in the interests of reducing their liability. In new construction, a fire compartment can be integrated right into the structu re of the building. In addition to compartments, it is also possible to install barriers which are designed to slow a fire if it starts. The fire compartments c an consist of rooms or groups of rooms. When a fire starts inside a compartment, the sealed nature of the area can compartmentalize the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas. When a fire occurs outside the compartment, it can re main sealed off, and may potentially protect objects inside from the fire. Fire compartments are not fire proof. Fire can work its way into or out of a fir e compartment if it is intense enough, poorly managed, or not addressed quickly enough. However, fire compartments can still be valuable tools. Anything which s lows the speed at which a fire can spread can contribute to fire safety, creatin g more time for people to evacuate, and potentially reducing fire damage. Valuab le or important materials can be stored inside a compartment so that in the even t a fire occurs, they may make it through the fire. Existing buildings can be retrofitted to create fire compartments. Movable barri ers can be installed, or people can remodel parts of a building to create a fire compartment. Also known as a fire zone, a fire compartment can also sometimes a ddress the potential of flood damage, as the same materials which keep fire out can sometimes keep water at bay as well. Installing fire compartments is usually done in tandem with the installation of other safety systems such as alarms and sprinklers. These systems work together so that if a fire does break out, it can be quickly addressed, and the damage ca used by the fire can be minimized. As a general rule, a fire compartment is not a safe place to evacuate to; people should leave a building when a fire breaks o ut unless they absolutely must shelter in place

Smoke Compartment smoke. The barrier might be vertically or horizontally aligned, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly. A smoke barrier might or might not have a fire resistance rating. Smoke Compartment. A smoke compartment is a space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides including the top and bottom. In the provision of smoke compartments utilizing the outside walls or the roof of a building, it is not intended that outside walls, roofs or any opening therein be capable of resisting the passage of smoke. Smoke Detector. A device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion. SOFA. Status of Forces Agreements. Sound Transmission Class (STC). A single-number rating system which compares the Sound Transmission Loss of a test specimen with a standard contour. SOW. Statement of Work or Scope of Work. Sprinkler System. Acceptance Test: All fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of applicable code in the presence of the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Acceptance Test is the method employed to ensure and validate that the system has been tested in accordance with all applicable requirements. Certification: The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be responsible for confirming and certifying the appropriateness and acceptability of the constructed fire suppression system as installed. Automatic: As applied to fire suppression devices, automatic refers to a device or system that provides an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention, and is activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise, or increase in the level of combustion products. Automatic Fire Suppression System: An engineered system using carbon dioxide, foam, wet or dry chemicals, halogenated extinguishing agent, or an automatic sprinkler system to detect automatically and suppress a fire through fixed piping and nozzles. Standby Mode. A critical facility capable of quickly and with minimum effort of transforming from its peacetime mode of operation to a higher level of preparedness. Ready for the next higher Operationally Ready Mode. Statement of Work or Scope of Work (SOW). A formalized document describing the details of an effort to be accomplished through contracted resources. GLOS-32

Requirements for Emergency Lighting An emergency lighting system is used to help the occupants of a building exit sa fely during an emergency. It is comprised of a number of different fixture types , including exit signs, egress lighting and anti-panic fixtures. In the United S tates, emergency lighting requirements are set by local building codes, which ar e often based on standards developed by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFP A). NFPA Standard 101 addresses life safety issues, including emergency and egre ss lighting Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHtrYay Performance According to NFPA 101 Section 7.9.2.1, emergency lighting must be designed to il luminate the area for at least 90 minutes after the main power supply is disrupt ed. The initial level of lighting during this 90-minute period must be at least 10.8 lux (1 ft-candle) on average. This illumination rating should be measured a t the floor level along the exit routes. Automatic Operation Emergency lighting must be designed to automatically illuminate exit routes in t he event of an emergency. Per NFPA 101, Section 7.9.2.2, an emergency is defined as failure of the main power supply or the opening of a fuse on the electrical panel. It may also be defined as any manual act which directly or indirectly eff ects normal light levels. These emergency lighting systems must be in continuous operation, or should be able to operate automatically in separate occurrences w ith no need for a manual reset. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHzYiI4 Backup Power All emergency lighting must be placed on either a generator or battery-based bac kup supply. According to NFPA 101 7.9.2.3, any generator used to back up power f or emergency lighting must be operated and maintained according to NFPA Standard 110. Standard 110 specifies generator requirements and testing procedures. In N FPA 101 Section 7.9.2.4, standards for battery backup are addressed. Under this standard, only reliable and rechargeable batteries may be used, and any batterie s used must comply with the National Electrical Code. Testing NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3.1 states that all emergency lighting components must be t ested according to one of three specified methods. The first method is a test la

sting at least 30 seconds, which must be performed every 30 days. The second met hod may be used on battery powered systems, and must be performed annually for a t least 90 minutes. The third testing option allows special diagnostic equipment to be used to test the system every 30 days. All testing and inspection records should be maintained by the owner for review upon request by the local fire mar shal. Exit Signs Exit sign requirements are outlined in NFPA 101 Section 7.10. According to this standard, all exit signs must have the word "Exit" displayed in letters at least 6 inches tall. The sign must be continuously illuminated at all times that the building is occupied. Exit sign lighting must provide at least 5-foot candles of luminance, which can be provided from either external or internal light sources . These signs should be placed at all egress doors and stairwells, and should be equipped with arrows in the event that the exit path is unclear. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LI6Fgyw

Emergency Lighting and Exit Sign Requirements Introduction The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for prom ulgating legally enforceable standards which require the use of practices, means or processes that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect employees on the job. OSHA incorporates other standards adopted by standard-producing org anizations into their own. OSHA promulgated Subpart E of 29 CFR 1910, means of e gress, from the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code. OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) give the general requir ements for means of egress. 29 CFR 1910.35 defines a means of egress in this way : "A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from an y point in a building or structure to a public way and consists of three separat e and distinct parts." They are: 1. Exit accessthat portion which leads to the entrance of an exit. 2. Exitthat portion which is separated from all other spaces of a building o r structure by construction or equipment to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. 3. Exit dischargethat portion between the termination of an exit and a publi c way. OSHA requires that "each exit route be adequately lighted so that an employee wi th normal vision can see along the exit route". 1910.37(b)(1). OSHA also requires that "each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit". 1910.37(b)(2). "Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the exit route door." 1910.37(b)(3). "E ach doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit m ust be marked "Not An " or similar designation, or be identifed by a sign indica ting its actual use (e.g., closet)." 1910.37(b)(5). Exit Sign Requirements Every sign must have the word "Exit" in plainly legible letters not less than si x inches high, with the principal stroke of the letter .75 inches wide (29 CFR 1 910.37(b)(7)). (See NFPA 101 7.10 for further specifications.) Where the directi on of travel to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent, an exit sign or si milar designation with an arrow indicating the direction to the exit is required

(29 CFR 1910.37(b)(4)). Exit Sign Illumination Requirements NFPA 101 defines the methods of illumination for exit signs: 1. Externally illuminatedthe light source is contained outside of the device or legend that is to be illuminated. The light source is typically a dedicated incandescent or fluorescent source. 2. Internally illuminatedthe light source is contained inside the device or legend that is illuminated. The light source is typically incandescent, fluoresc ent, electro luminescent, light-emitting diodes, or photoluminescent. 3. Photoluminescentthe sign is illuminated by self-contained power sources a nd operates independently of external power sources. (Batteries do not qualify a s a self-contained power source.) The face of the photoluminescent sign must be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The face of the sign shall be illuminated according to its listing from the face of the sign. The illumination has to be a reliable source as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, AHJ. The AHJ is the ultimat e arbiter concerning safety practices and safety equipment for a particular loca lity. The charging light must be of the same type that is specified on the sign. Photoluminescent signs need a specific type of light and a minimum level of ligh t on the face to assure that the sign will be able to provide adequate illuminat ion in an emergency situation. During illumination the sign shall not be connect ed to an automatic timer. In 2000 the NFPA Life Safety Code was updated and now recognizes certain photolu minescent exit signs as an alternative to internally lighted electric powered si gns. A photoluminescent sign absorbs light from an activation light source in or der to emit light (that is, luminescence). The sign continues to emit light for a time after the activation light source has been removed. Photoluminescent exit signs are in the category of an internally illuminated sig n. The signs are permitted, provided they are listed in accordance with UL 924, standard for safety emergency lighting and power equipment and meet all the requ irements outlined in the criteria from the Life Safety Code 101, 2006 edition pa rts 7.10.7.2. Every required exit sign must be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source and be visible in both normal and emergency lighting modes (NFPA 101 2006 7.10. 5.1). The illuminated surface value of the exit sign should have a value of not less than five foot-candles (29 CFR 1910.37(b)(6)). NFPA 101 2006 7.10.5 has the same requirement (5 foot-candles) for internally and externally illuminated sig ns, with exceptions made for approved self-luminous or electro luminescent signs that provide evenly illuminated letters; they must have a minimum luminescence of 0.06 foot lambert as measured by a color-corrected photometer. Emergency Lighting Requirements NFPA 101, Life Safety Code 2006, section 7.9, describes the requirements for eme rgency lighting. (Emergency lighting is not specifically required for all occupa ncies. Refer to NFPA 101 2006, UL 924 and local municipal building codes for spe cific requirements of your occupancy.) Emergency illumination (when required) mu st be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours in the event of failure of normal ligh ting. The emergency lighting must be arranged to provide initial illumination of not less than an average of one foot-candle and a minimum at any point of 0.1 f oot-candle measured along the path of egress at floor level. These levels can de cline to a minimum of 0.6 foot-candle average and 0.06 foot-candle at any one po int at the end of emergency lighting time (1.5 hours). The maximum illumination at any one point can be no more than 40 times the minimum illumination at any on e point to prevent excessively bright and dark spots (NFPA 101 2006 7.9.2.1).

Commonly Asked Questions Q. Is there a requirement for exit sign color? Some facilities have

green, other facilities have red. A. There is no requirement for specific colors. NFPA 101 Section 7. 10.1.8 states "signs must be of a distinctive color and design that is readily v isible and shall contrast with decorations, interior finish and other signs." So me states or local jurisdictions may require a certain color. Q. When is a "NO EXIT" sign required? A. The "NO EXIT" sign is only needed where "any door, passage, or s tairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads: NO EXIT". (NFPA Life Safety Code 101 Section 7.10.8.3) When is emergency & exit lighting required to be installed in a building? On several occasions, I have been asked about the requirement for the installati on of emergency lights in small (Class 6) retail buildings. When I say small I m ean less than 500m2. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2010 provides the deemed-to-satisfy require ments for the installation of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs in Section E, Pa rt E4. Essentially for all Class 6 buildings over 100m2 require emergency lights; and a ll Class 6 buildings require at least one exit sign. An emergency lighting system must be installed a. in every fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated pas sageway; and b. in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor area more than 300 m2 i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and ii. in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and iii. in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2; and c. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening direc tly to i. a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated passageway ; or ii. an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D 1.8; or iii. an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated r amp or fire-isolated passageway; or iv. a road or open space; and d. in every required non fire-isolated stairway; and e. in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if i. the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and ii. an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an ext ernal stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and f. in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey i n a Class 6 or 9b building if? i. the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or ii. any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; o r iii. egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit suf ficient light; or

iv. the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by ( i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and g. in a Class 9a health-care building i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and ii. in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and h. in every Class 9c aged care building excluding within sole-occupancy uni ts; and i. in every required fire control centre. E4.5 Exit signs An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must b e installed on, above or adjacent to each a. door providing direct egress from a storey to i. an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and ii. an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and iii. an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and b. door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of dis charge to a road or open space; and c. horizontal exit; and d. door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey require d to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4.2

What Is a Fire Compartment? A fire compartment is an area within a building which is completely surrounded w ith fire-resistant construction, usually with features such as automated fire-re sistant doors which close when a fire is detected. Fire compartments are require d by law in some types of buildings, and strongly recommended in others as a bas ic safety measure. Some insurance companies may also demand that fire compartmen ts be installed before they will write policies for certain types of businesses, in the interests of reducing their liability. In new construction, a fire compartment can be integrated right into the structu re of the building. In addition to compartments, it is also possible to install barriers which are designed to slow a fire if it starts. The fire compartments c an consist of rooms or groups of rooms. When a fire starts inside a compartment, the sealed nature of the area can compartmentalize the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas. When a fire occurs outside the compartment, it can re main sealed off, and may potentially protect objects inside from the fire. Fire compartments are not fire proof. Fire can work its way into or out of a fir e compartment if it is intense enough, poorly managed, or not addressed quickly

enough. However, fire compartments can still be valuable tools. Anything which s lows the speed at which a fire can spread can contribute to fire safety, creatin g more time for people to evacuate, and potentially reducing fire damage. Valuab le or important materials can be stored inside a compartment so that in the even t a fire occurs, they may make it through the fire. Existing buildings can be retrofitted to create fire compartments. Movable barri ers can be installed, or people can remodel parts of a building to create a fire compartment. Also known as a fire zone, a fire compartment can also sometimes a ddress the potential of flood damage, as the same materials which keep fire out can sometimes keep water at bay as well. Installing fire compartments is usually done in tandem with the installation of other safety systems such as alarms and sprinklers. These systems work together so that if a fire does break out, it can be quickly addressed, and the damage ca used by the fire can be minimized. As a general rule, a fire compartment is not a safe place to evacuate to; people should leave a building when a fire breaks o ut unless they absolutely must shelter in place

Smoke Compartment smoke. The barrier might be vertically or horizontally aligned, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly. A smoke barrier might or might not have a fire resistance rating. Smoke Compartment. A smoke compartment is a space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides including the top and bottom. In the provision of smoke compartments utilizing the outside walls or the roof of a building, it is not intended that outside walls, roofs or any opening therein be capable of resisting the passage of smoke. Smoke Detector. A device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion. SOFA. Status of Forces Agreements. Sound Transmission Class (STC). A single-number rating system which compares the Sound Transmission Loss of a test specimen with a standard contour. SOW. Statement of Work or Scope of Work. Sprinkler System. Acceptance Test: All fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of applicable code in the presence of the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Acceptance Test is the method employed to ensure and validate that the system has been tested in accordance with all applicable requirements. Certification: The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be responsible for confirming and certifying the appropriateness and acceptability of the constructed fire suppression system as installed. Automatic: As applied to fire suppression devices, automatic refers to a device or system that provides an emergency function without the necessity of human intervention, and is

activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise, or increase in the level of combustion products. Automatic Fire Suppression System: An engineered system using carbon dioxide, foam, wet or dry chemicals, halogenated extinguishing agent, or an automatic sprinkler system to detect automatically and suppress a fire through fixed piping and nozzles. Standby Mode. A critical facility capable of quickly and with minimum effort of transforming from its peacetime mode of operation to a higher level of preparedness. Ready for the next higher Operationally Ready Mode. Statement of Work or Scope of Work (SOW). A formalized document describing the details of an effort to be accomplished through contracted resources. GLOS-32

Requirements for Emergency Lighting An emergency lighting system is used to help the occupants of a building exit sa fely during an emergency. It is comprised of a number of different fixture types , including exit signs, egress lighting and anti-panic fixtures. In the United S tates, emergency lighting requirements are set by local building codes, which ar e often based on standards developed by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFP A). NFPA Standard 101 addresses life safety issues, including emergency and egre ss lighting Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHtrYay Performance According to NFPA 101 Section 7.9.2.1, emergency lighting must be designed to il luminate the area for at least 90 minutes after the main power supply is disrupt ed. The initial level of lighting during this 90-minute period must be at least 10.8 lux (1 ft-candle) on average. This illumination rating should be measured a t the floor level along the exit routes. Automatic Operation Emergency lighting must be designed to automatically illuminate exit routes in t he event of an emergency. Per NFPA 101, Section 7.9.2.2, an emergency is defined as failure of the main power supply or the opening of a fuse on the electrical panel. It may also be defined as any manual act which directly or indirectly eff

ects normal light levels. These emergency lighting systems must be in continuous operation, or should be able to operate automatically in separate occurrences w ith no need for a manual reset. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LHzYiI4 Backup Power All emergency lighting must be placed on either a generator or battery-based bac kup supply. According to NFPA 101 7.9.2.3, any generator used to back up power f or emergency lighting must be operated and maintained according to NFPA Standard 110. Standard 110 specifies generator requirements and testing procedures. In N FPA 101 Section 7.9.2.4, standards for battery backup are addressed. Under this standard, only reliable and rechargeable batteries may be used, and any batterie s used must comply with the National Electrical Code. Testing NFPA 101 Section 7.9.3.1 states that all emergency lighting components must be t ested according to one of three specified methods. The first method is a test la sting at least 30 seconds, which must be performed every 30 days. The second met hod may be used on battery powered systems, and must be performed annually for a t least 90 minutes. The third testing option allows special diagnostic equipment to be used to test the system every 30 days. All testing and inspection records should be maintained by the owner for review upon request by the local fire mar shal. Exit Signs Exit sign requirements are outlined in NFPA 101 Section 7.10. According to this standard, all exit signs must have the word "Exit" displayed in letters at least 6 inches tall. The sign must be continuously illuminated at all times that the building is occupied. Exit sign lighting must provide at least 5-foot candles of luminance, which can be provided from either external or internal light sources . These signs should be placed at all egress doors and stairwells, and should be equipped with arrows in the event that the exit path is unclear. Read more: Requirements for Emergency Lighting | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/ab out_5272729_requirements-emergency-lighting.html#ixzz29LI6Fgyw

Emergency Lighting and Exit Sign Requirements Introduction The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for prom ulgating legally enforceable standards which require the use of practices, means or processes that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect employees on the job. OSHA incorporates other standards adopted by standard-producing org anizations into their own. OSHA promulgated Subpart E of 29 CFR 1910, means of e gress, from the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code. OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) give the general requir ements for means of egress. 29 CFR 1910.35 defines a means of egress in this way : "A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from an y point in a building or structure to a public way and consists of three separat e and distinct parts." They are: 1. Exit accessthat portion which leads to the entrance of an exit.

2. Exitthat portion which is separated from all other spaces of a building o r structure by construction or equipment to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. 3. Exit dischargethat portion between the termination of an exit and a publi c way. OSHA requires that "each exit route be adequately lighted so that an employee wi th normal vision can see along the exit route". 1910.37(b)(1). OSHA also requires that "each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit". 1910.37(b)(2). "Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the exit route door." 1910.37(b)(3). "E ach doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit m ust be marked "Not An " or similar designation, or be identifed by a sign indica ting its actual use (e.g., closet)." 1910.37(b)(5). Exit Sign Requirements Every sign must have the word "Exit" in plainly legible letters not less than si x inches high, with the principal stroke of the letter .75 inches wide (29 CFR 1 910.37(b)(7)). (See NFPA 101 7.10 for further specifications.) Where the directi on of travel to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent, an exit sign or si milar designation with an arrow indicating the direction to the exit is required (29 CFR 1910.37(b)(4)). Exit Sign Illumination Requirements NFPA 101 defines the methods of illumination for exit signs: 1. Externally illuminatedthe light source is contained outside of the device or legend that is to be illuminated. The light source is typically a dedicated incandescent or fluorescent source. 2. Internally illuminatedthe light source is contained inside the device or legend that is illuminated. The light source is typically incandescent, fluoresc ent, electro luminescent, light-emitting diodes, or photoluminescent. 3. Photoluminescentthe sign is illuminated by self-contained power sources a nd operates independently of external power sources. (Batteries do not qualify a s a self-contained power source.) The face of the photoluminescent sign must be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The face of the sign shall be illuminated according to its listing from the face of the sign. The illumination has to be a reliable source as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, AHJ. The AHJ is the ultimat e arbiter concerning safety practices and safety equipment for a particular loca lity. The charging light must be of the same type that is specified on the sign. Photoluminescent signs need a specific type of light and a minimum level of ligh t on the face to assure that the sign will be able to provide adequate illuminat ion in an emergency situation. During illumination the sign shall not be connect ed to an automatic timer. In 2000 the NFPA Life Safety Code was updated and now recognizes certain photolu minescent exit signs as an alternative to internally lighted electric powered si gns. A photoluminescent sign absorbs light from an activation light source in or der to emit light (that is, luminescence). The sign continues to emit light for a time after the activation light source has been removed. Photoluminescent exit signs are in the category of an internally illuminated sig n. The signs are permitted, provided they are listed in accordance with UL 924, standard for safety emergency lighting and power equipment and meet all the requ irements outlined in the criteria from the Life Safety Code 101, 2006 edition pa rts 7.10.7.2. Every required exit sign must be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source and be visible in both normal and emergency lighting modes (NFPA 101 2006 7.10. 5.1). The illuminated surface value of the exit sign should have a value of not less than five foot-candles (29 CFR 1910.37(b)(6)). NFPA 101 2006 7.10.5 has the same requirement (5 foot-candles) for internally and externally illuminated sig ns, with exceptions made for approved self-luminous or electro luminescent signs that provide evenly illuminated letters; they must have a minimum luminescence of 0.06 foot lambert as measured by a color-corrected photometer.

Emergency Lighting Requirements NFPA 101, Life Safety Code 2006, section 7.9, describes the requirements for eme rgency lighting. (Emergency lighting is not specifically required for all occupa ncies. Refer to NFPA 101 2006, UL 924 and local municipal building codes for spe cific requirements of your occupancy.) Emergency illumination (when required) mu st be provided for a minimum of 1.5 hours in the event of failure of normal ligh ting. The emergency lighting must be arranged to provide initial illumination of not less than an average of one foot-candle and a minimum at any point of 0.1 f oot-candle measured along the path of egress at floor level. These levels can de cline to a minimum of 0.6 foot-candle average and 0.06 foot-candle at any one po int at the end of emergency lighting time (1.5 hours). The maximum illumination at any one point can be no more than 40 times the minimum illumination at any on e point to prevent excessively bright and dark spots (NFPA 101 2006 7.9.2.1).

Commonly Asked Questions Q. Is there a requirement for exit sign color? Some facilities have green, other facilities have red. A. There is no requirement for specific colors. NFPA 101 Section 7. 10.1.8 states "signs must be of a distinctive color and design that is readily v isible and shall contrast with decorations, interior finish and other signs." So me states or local jurisdictions may require a certain color. Q. When is a "NO EXIT" sign required? A. The "NO EXIT" sign is only needed where "any door, passage, or s tairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads: NO EXIT". (NFPA Life Safety Code 101 Section 7.10.8.3) When is emergency & exit lighting required to be installed in a building? On several occasions, I have been asked about the requirement for the installati on of emergency lights in small (Class 6) retail buildings. When I say small I m ean less than 500m2. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2010 provides the deemed-to-satisfy require ments for the installation of Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs in Section E, Pa rt E4. Essentially for all Class 6 buildings over 100m2 require emergency lights; and a ll Class 6 buildings require at least one exit sign. An emergency lighting system must be installed a. in every fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated pas sageway; and b. in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor area more than 300 m2 i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and ii. in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and iii. in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2; and c. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening direc tly to i. a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated passageway ; or ii. an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D

1.8; or iii. an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated r amp or fire-isolated passageway; or iv. a road or open space; and d. in every required non fire-isolated stairway; and e. in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if i. the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and ii. an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an ext ernal stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and f. in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey i n a Class 6 or 9b building if? i. the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or ii. any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; o r iii. egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit suf ficient light; or iv. the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by ( i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and g. in a Class 9a health-care building i. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and ii. in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and h. in every Class 9c aged care building excluding within sole-occupancy uni ts; and i. in every required fire control centre. E4.5 Exit signs An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must b e installed on, above or adjacent to each a. door providing direct egress from a storey to i. an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and ii. an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and iii. an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and b. door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of dis charge to a road or open space; and c. horizontal exit; and d. door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey require d to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4.2