Stairwell Safety Systems
A Step in the Right Direction…
After the 1993 terrorist attack in the underground parking garage of Tower One of the the World Trade Center, New York City quickly realized there was a need for additional life-safety provisions in its stairwells. The bomb detonated by the terrorists took out not only the main power, it also completely rendered the back-up emergency generators inoperative leaving occupants in total darkness. That addition came in the form of photoluminescent path markings. Many who survived the horrific event on September 11, 2001 used the photoluminescent markers as their guide to exit safely.
Even though California became the first state to require photoluminescent pathway marking in several types of facilities (a result of the MGM Grand fire in November of 1980), New York City became the first major city in the U.S.A. to require photoluminescent path markings in its building code. At its last revision, the International Code Council included “Luminous Egress Path Markings’ in the 2009 International Building Code and 2009 International Fire Code due to the positive effects the life-saving technology demonstrated under New York City’s Local Law 26.
Many cities in the U.S. have started to adopt the latest (2009) version of the IBC and IFC requiring these products. Because they use no electricity and do not need any monthly maintenance testing they can also offer savings over costly battery powered emergency lights. G.O.A. Enterprises is pleased to provide this same code compliant technology along with expert installation services and a full-range of photoluminescent signs through our new division Stairwell Safety Systems.