In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that your commercial building is equipped with the proper exits and exit signage. This article will go over some of the essentials every commercial building should have to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation in an emergency.
Exit Routes
In an emergency, people must be able to quickly and safely evacuate a building. For this reason, all buildings must have one or more exit routes. Exit routes typically consist of doors, stairways, and hallways that lead to the outside of the building.
You must follow specific guidelines to ensure that exit routes will serve their purpose in an emergency. First, all exit routes must be marked and well-lit. Second, all doors and stairways must be wide enough to accommodate the influx of people trying to leave the building. Lastly, all exit routes must be clear of debris and obstructions.
Additionally, it is crucial to have a plan in place for evacuation. This plan should be prominently displayed on all exit routes so that everyone knows the best way to leave the building. The goal should be clear and easy to follow, with specific instructions on where to go and what to do.
You should regularly update it so everyone knows the most recent version. In an evacuation, remember to stay calm and follow the instructions on the emergency plan. This will help to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and will help to minimize the risk of injuries.
Exit Doors
The exit doors are some of the essential features in any building. They are designed to provide a safe and quick way out in an emergency.
Exit doors must be wide enough to accommodate the maximum number of people using them and must be marked with exit signs. These should be free of locks, chains, or any other obstruction preventing them from being opened easily.
They should also be equipped with push bars or panic bars with electric latch retraction to make them easy to open, even if your hands are full. In addition, they should be equipped with self-closing devices to help prevent the spread of fire or smoke.
Exit doors must also have the following characteristics:
- They must be fire-rated and self-closing
- The door handle must extend at least 18 inches from the face of the door
- The door must open in the direction of the exit travel
Exit Signs
Exit signs are a vital part of any building’s safety plan. In the event of an emergency, they help to guide occupants to the nearest exit. Exit signs come in two main types: illuminated and non-illuminated.
Illuminated exit signs use either battery backup or wired power to ensure they remain lit even during a power outage. Non-illuminated exit signs, on the other hand, do not require any power source and can be installed anywhere.
Exit signs must be visible from any direction, so choosing a sign that stands out against the background is essential. When selecting an exit sign, make sure to consider the specific needs of your building.
Emergency Lights
Emergency lights are a vital part of any safety plan. In a power outage or other emergency, they can provide critical illumination to help people evacuate safely. There are various types of emergency lights available, and choosing the right one for your needs is essential.
Portable emergency lights can be used in various settings and are a good choice for smaller businesses or homes. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries can be used when no power is available.
Hardwired emergency lights are better if you want a more permanent solution. They are typically installed near exits and along hallways and come with backup batteries that keep them working even if the power goes out.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are a vital component of any fire safety plan. Many different types of extinguishers are available, each designed for specific kinds of fires. Choosing the correct type of extinguisher for the job is essential, as using the wrong one can worsen the fire.
The Class A extinguisher is the most common type, which you can use on fires involving wood, paper, or other combustible materials. Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids, such as gasoline or oil, while Class C extinguishers are intended for electrical fires.
You also have Class D for fires involving combustible metals like magnesium and Class K extinguishers specifically designed for kitchen fires.
Ensuring that your commercial building has the proper exit signage is crucial for a safe and orderly evacuation in the event of an emergency. By following the guidelines in this article, you can rest assured that your building is prepared for any situation.
