Industry Professional News Archives - Page 2 of 2

Posted on June 1, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Attn: Architects

GBC Safety Glow is happy to assist architects with technical work regarding emergency egress system components. We understand how frustrating it can be when Emergency Egress Components are required for a building and you have questions on how to get started. We are glad to have you as part of our GBC Safety Glow team and are happy to answer questions and assist in any way that we can. If you have questions, need product information, or help designing a system, give us a call at 920-462-4242 or Contact Us. GBC Safety Glow is your information center for IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, and 2015 specifications and code compliance for UL 1994 emergency evacuation systems.

Posted on June 1, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Safety Solutions: Offshore Oil Rigs

The petrochemical industry has specific challenges it faces in regards to safety, especially in offshore oil rig platforms. GBC Safety Glow, a global leader in providing photo-luminescent safety solutions for demanding environments, continues to develop unique safety systems and products for the petrochemical industry.

Safety on offshore oil rig/ drilling platforms is no accident! Worker safety starts with 100% fail proof photo-luminescent oil rig safety solutions from GBC Safety Glow. In the event of power failure on the offshore oil rig, self illuminating products provide guidance, illuminate obstacles, delineate egress, and light the path to safety. The uses for these high quality photo-luminescent products on an offshore oil rig are limitless.

Our most popular solution created for offshore oil rigs is the illumination for helicopter landing pads. Helicopter landing pads on an offshore oil rig can be extremely treacherous, especially in less than ideal situations. Even the most skilled pilot needs to see obstacles such as drill towers and cranes. With GBC Safety Glow’s Photo-Luminescent Coating, landing pads are illuminated in the dark of night making landing safer and easier.

Posted on May 31, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

UL 1994 Certification

GBC Safety Glow is proud to offer Emergency Egress System Components that meet all IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 requirements and are also Standards for Luminous Egress Path Marking Systems per UL Listing.

Learn More about the UL 1994 Standard for Luminous Egress Path Marking Systems

Since the conception of photo-luminescent materials for life safety systems, there have been many “CHEAP” variations of glow materials produced and sold. Obviously price drives everything, but you don’t want to risk your life with “The Cheap stuff.” Most people don’t realize that the World Trade Center towers had photo-luminescent materials. The problem was the materials made at that time were junk! This was a lesson learned the hard way. After the reports of 9/11 were completed, a large number of recommendations came to add photo-luminescent materials, but also to improve the quality by adding stringent testing requirements (UL 1994) to help insure public safety in high rise facilities.

The main objective was to mandate a uniform photo-luminescent emergency evacuation system that would be reliable and consistent. The key components of the emergency egress system were outlined in the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) and the building code was changed in 2009. Only this time the code changes implemented a very specific testing standard through Underwriters Laboratories. The standard is known as UL 1994. The term “tested to UL 1994” is a common tactic used by foreign manufacturers. Only “listed” UL 1994 products make the cut.

WHEN CHOOSING A SYSTEM FOR YOUR FACILITY:
1. What is the warranty on materials & installation?
– Our warranty is 10 years
2. What type of materials are used?
– GBC uses only the highest quality materials to create their products
3. How will the products be fastened.
– GBC uses tested and proven secured methods of fastening
4. Ask for a copy of the UL 1994 listing for each product being installed. GBC’s UL Listings
5. Make sure the company isn’t buying and reselling you foreign made products.
– ALL GBC PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN USA
6. Make sure the installation is guaranteed to pass the fire department code inspection.
– We guarantee your safety egress system will pass fire code

Posted on May 24, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Attn: General Contractors

If you’re on this page it’s likely because you know that over the past several years, new international building and fire codes have implemented new laws for Means of egress, specifically photo-luminescent egress path markings. GBC Safety Glow follows all new fire code regulations and this is proven by all of their Emergency Egress Components being IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 certified. All of GBC Safety Glow’s Egress Components are also UL 1994 Listed.

Since 2009 many states and local municipalities have required Photo-luminescent egress systems (Glow-in-the-Dark) technology in Public High Rise buildings throughout the U.S. Furthermore schools, hospitals and hotels also fall under these code requirements. Based on current code standards there are only 7 required products found here: Emergency Egress Components

When it comes to product choices there are a few things you need to know. IBC and IFC both have the same product requirements and they both specify compliance standards. When you are dealing with code compliance, following the code means working with a company who knows the codes and understands what products are correct and how they must be installed.

Often times a General Contractor hands the scope of PL egress over to a painting contractor who was told to “take care of this PL egress system”. Well, I have said this before and it may just save you a lot of time and money. You cannot give a scope for a Life Safety System to a subcontractor who is not Certified to Source or Install a Life Safety System. It’s like asking your flooring contractor to install the Fire Suppression system – you wouldn’t do that! And the photo-luminescent egress path markings system is no different. Trust a professional to give you the information you need to know and the installation you need to be code compliant. Trust GBC Safety Glow and Contact Us for more information.

Posted on May 24, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 Code Compliance

IBC/IFC 2009 introduced the technology of photo-luminescence to the high rise building. Since IBC/IFC 2009 the 2012 editions and the new 2015 editions of the codes have kept the pace with the changing building designs. The Latest editions which are now available for state and local adoptions are the 2015 codes. The 2015 versions prove that a good emergency safety system is necessary when it comes to evacuating a high rise building.

International Building Code 2015 (IBC2015) is the new construction standards for the modern building. The emergency egress system has been added to the IBC 2015 because it has proven to be a time tested safety feature for evacuating high rise public facilities in an emergency. New construction buildings following IBC 2009,2012 or 2015 editions are required to outfit exit enclosures with non electrical emergency evacuation systems. Incapable of failure, these systems are sure to guide you safely to and exit. For more information on IBC Code: IBC Overview

International Fire Code 2015 (IFC2015) is the new fire safety standard for existing and new construction facilities. The incorporation of photo-luminescent emergency evacuation systems in the 2015 edition of the IFC proves the value these systems have and importance of having them incorporated into every public high rise building. Jurisdictions all over the U.S are beginning to adopt these codes. GBC Safety Glow has the knowledge and experience to help. Retroactive requirements for PL egress systems can be implemented with the proper consulting and experience of the a team that puts safety first. By partnering with local jurisdictions we provide technical knowledge and training to facilitate the implementation of PL systems the right way! Facilities working with local govt and AHJ’s is key to bringing our current public facilities up to date with modern safety equipment. For more information on IFC Code: IFC Overview

Download IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 PL Egress Specifications: PL Egress Specifications

Posted on May 19, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Stair ID Signs – Section 1022.8.1 Requirements

GBC Safety Glow’s 15”W x 18”H PVC Stair ID Signs comply with all IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 requirements. It features a green glow, non-glare background, and raised tactile lettering. The stair identification sign also have Grade 2 Braille and notes the direction of egress to the exit. This stair identification sign is a key informational and navigational aid for firefighters and building evacuees. Stair I.D. Signs are constructed of UL Listed 580 Series Rigid PVC material and are also UL 1994 Listed.

IBC/IFC 2009, 20012, 2015 REGULATIONS –
Section 1022.8: Floor Identification Signs
Per Section 1022.8, a sign shall be provided at each floor landing in exit enclosures connecting more than three stories designating the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the exit enclosure and the identification of the stair or Ramp. The signage shall also state the story of, and the direction to, the exit discharge and the availability of roof access from the enclosure for the fire department. The sign shall be located 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions. Floor level identification signs in tactile characters complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor level landing adjacent to the door leading from the enclosure into the corridor to identify the floor level.

Full regulations for IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 Section 1022.8

Posted on May 18, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Egress Signs – Accessible Signage Initiative

We all know that clear communication saves lives in an emergency – and Egress Signs are an integral component of clear communication!

GBC Safety Glow now offers photo-luminescent Accessible Egress Signs along with its traditional line of Egress Signs. By offering these new signs we are in part helping to inspire continuous change in the advancement of public safety for all people – including those with physical challenges. We proudly offer the new accessible egress signage with the information you need to share with facility occupants.

Interested in joining our initiative or incorporating Accessible Egress signs into your building facility? Contact Us Today!

Accessible Signage Initiative:
New IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 requirements continue to advance codes related to life saving photo-luminescent egress systems. By offering these photo-luminescent egress signs, in accordance with UL 1994, we are including physically challenged citizens with the same life saving information. We are proud to partner with Egress Group Pty Ltd. on our Accessible Signage Initiative. Click to learn more.