All you need to know

Why do fire alarm call points need covers

Fire alarm call points, also known as manual call points, are devices that allow people to manually trigger fire alarms in case of an emergency, but false alarms can be a real problem that’s why having covers on fire alarm call points are an important safety feature that can help prevent false alarms, tampering, and damage, not to mention the cost to businesses, the disruption and the strain on fire and rescue services with this in mind BS 5839-1 added the significant change that manual call points should be fitted with a protective cover to reduce false alarms. Located in section 20.2 b of BS 5839-1 The revision specifically states that "All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible elements”. Whilst the standard does not specifically refer to existing call points, retro fits are available for most industry standard call points. This new change should help prevent accidental activation from impact and should force users of the fire alarm system to lift the cover before activation, thereby adding an extra action to the process of pressing the alarm, to make this action clear to the user of the fire alarm JALITE have add a “Lift cover to operate fire alarm” call point sign.

Different Sign Types Available

JALITE offer a range of different sign types, in this section we will show examples and viewing areas for Wall mounted signs, Panoramic signs, Double-sided wall mounted signs and Double-sided hanging signs. Wall Mounted Signs Wall mounted signs can be seen clearly when approaching them from straight on offering a viewing area of 90° Panoramic Signs Panoramic wall mounted signs offer a wide viewing area of that can be viewed in most directions when approaching them, offering 180° viewing area. Double-sided Signs Double-sided wall mounted signs aim is to offer a wide viewing radius, ideal for corridors where the sign can be viewed when approaching from two directions. Double-sided Signs Double-sided hanging signs aim is to offer a wide viewing radius in a large area, when approaching from two directions.

Stairway and Floor numbering signage

To compliment egress path marking on walls, floors and steps, floor numbering, stair case identification and orientation signs are essential for smooth ordered and planned evacuation. It is just common sense to make it perfectly clear where people are and where they need to go in an emergency. If you are looking for a complete plan of orientation and stairway management and require a personalised service including instruction for cross over floors and escap path instruction do not hesitate to contact us at sales@jalite.com your problem will be solved !

Health and Safety Sign Association

The Health and safety sign association (HSSA) has two basic aims as follows create greater safety through the proper use of safety and other statutory signs. develop and maintain industry standards and act as an industry voice to those formulating standards and legislation internationally. www.hssa.co.uk

Power Outages Across the North East will Wreak Havoc on Emergency Lighting Systems

Many emergency lights and Exit signs use a backup battery to perform under emergency conditions, however they have don’t have the ability to differentiate between a power outage due to a hurricane and a power outage due to an emergency such as a fire in the facility – they will revert to battery power until normal power conditions are restored. Unfortunately the wide spread loss of power due to the recent storm will reduce the service life of the batteries in the traditional electrical emergency lighting systems and increase the maintenance costs, using more of the limited resources of facilities across the North East. Fortunately some facilities have taken steps to proactively reduce maintenance costs, and will not have to replace batteries in their EXIT signs as they have installed non-electric photoluminescent EXIT signs from Jalite. These UL Listed EXIT Signs are compliant with NFPA Life Safety Code 101 and the IBC code, and require NO additional power where conditions permit. (See below)* Contact Jalite to find a distributor near you, and reduce maintenance costs in your facility. Or visit our new website exclusively devoted to our full range of UL Listed EXIT signs. *A minimum of 5 foot candles of fluorescent ambient light must be on the face of the sign when occupied.

Stay Safe in a Tall Building, Know the Plan

In July of 2009, a fire broke out on the 9th floor of a 14-storey residency by the south of London. The fire quickly spread to the 11th floor where it took the lives of six residents. Weeks before the fire one of the victims had asked why there were no diagrams in the building to show where the emergency exits were. Those who perished in the fire had remained in their flat, but those who did escape the blaze described the scene as being “chaotic” and said that the maze-like layout of the building made evacuation extremely difficult. Why weren’t evacuation plans installed within the large, 14-storey building? An inquiry into the answer of that question began on January 14, 2013. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) released an article on their site that describes how to stay safe if you are in a tall building. The number one tip? Know the plan. The article says, “Make sure that you're familiar with your building's evacuation plan, which should illustrate what residents are supposed to do in the event of an emergency.” These all important diagrams were unfortunately absent from too many tragedies. Ensure that the occupants and staff in your facility stay safe and “know the plan.” Contact JALITE today to find out how you can install photoluminescent evacuation plans to identify the way out in both a light and dark emergency. With JALITE evacuation plans you can rest assured that - When the lights go out, ours go on™.

Fire Control Plan Symbol Signs

Fire Control Plan symbol signs are available from JALITE with full Class C luminance performance providing highly visible markings for fire control equipment in case of emergency. You can use Search on JALITE on this site for products you require by simply typing in the description and product documentation or you can visit our JALITE dedicated MArine web sites at www.jalite-marine.com and www.jalitemarine.com

Annual Inspections Required in NYC High Rise

5 years after the tragic events on 9/11, the New York City Council enacted Local Law 26 in order to make New York City's tall buildings safer. The law requires that building owners install photoluminescent exit signs and marking at every exit door, pathway, and stairs. The law also requires that building owners perform an annual inspection of their egress pathways and keep a record of these inspections. It has now been 7 years since Local Law 26 was enacted - Has your building performed its annual inspection within the last year? Did your photoluminescent system pass in its most recent inspection? Look no further than JALITE to supply you with what you need to bring your facility into compliance. As the first approved manufacturer of compliant products and the leading manufacturer to help write the code, you can be assured that JALITE Compliant is not only Code Compliant™ but will service well. Contact JALITE today to find out about inspection services and installations to meet the photoluminescent egress path requirements of Local Law 26.

Strontium Aluminate

The arrival of new pigments in the 1990's has led to exciting developments for our industry. These new pigments based on alkali earth aluminates doped with rare earth elements have produced the tools for JALITE to design and produce a full range of products to meet all means of escape needs. This New and advanced technology has allowed JALITE to introduce JLUME photoluminescent materials that produce exceptionally long luminance decay characteristics compared to standard photoluminescent materials. These materials are suitable for high risk areas where egress may be slow or where light levels are lower. JLUME Plus is now well progressing and JALITE will be pushing Standards further for Class E materials in 2006 and for future F and G classes as technology and economics improve. JALITE uses its own proprietary technology for pigments and is fully licensed to use patented technology in the field. Users of high performance photoluminescent materials should assure themselves that any suppliers can produce evidence that they are not infringing current patents, as the application in safety products is also claimed in current patents.

Are Nightclubs Safe?: The 10th Anniversary of the Station Nightclub Fire

Bars and nightclubs all around the world are under close scrutiny after a fire broke out in Brazil’s Kiss Nightclub, killing over 230 people. The fire, which was started by pyrotechnics set off by a band performing at the club, bared an eerie resemblance to the now infamous nightclub fire that occurred just 10 years ago. On February 20th, 2003 a rock and roll themed club in West Warwick, Rhode Island called Station Nightclub was hosting the band Great White when the band's manager set off pyrotechnics. Although the band had set off these pyrotechnics inside of other venues, the Station’s low and flammable ceiling was quickly set ablaze by a spark that quickly engulfed the nightclub and everyone inside. 100 people lost their lives in the fire, with many more seriously injured. With Kiss Nightclub fire last month and the 10th anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire this week, can we really say that nightclubs have become safer in the last ten years? While many sites offer helpful tips for patrons, such as the NFPA which urges club-goers to check for exits and be aware of their surroundings, owners and employees also need to be aware of imminent danger. Bouncer Online offers 8 tips for owners and employees to ensure that everyone has a safe evening. Their tips include making sure that the club is not over crowded and checking that all emergency exits are clearly labeled and easily accessible; two safety violations that experts say most commonly lead to a high death toll in theses nightclub tragedies. Ensure your nightclub clients are keeping the customers in your community safe, provide them with Jalite Safety signs such as our UL Listed EXIT Sign, and door hardware signs. When the lights go out, ours go on.™ Way-guidance floor signs and notices to Keep Exits Clear are also to be advised. All will shine up so nicely with Night club blue lights!!

A real fire, is not as you see it in the movies.

In a real fire, smoke is not as you see it in the movies. This film simulates a real warehouse fire, where Styrofoam cups in cardboard boxes are the fuel. (Styrofoam and cardboard are widely used in many packages from toys to electronics.) While the narrator points out many of the dangers and potential outcomes, she does not draw your attention to the decreasing visibility and loss of light in this short 3 minute fire. Notice at the start you’re able to see the room and light behind the two stacks of product. Then how after one and a half minutes you’re almost unable to see the room and after 2 minutes you’re barely able to make out the light fixture itself. The question of the narrator is “Does your facility have sprinklers?” a good question no doubt, but I would also add, “Does your facility have proper low level emergency escape route lighting?” When the lights go out, whether due to power failure or smoke, ours turn on. Contact Jalite to find a local distributor to schedule an audit and review of your facility or a detailed survey.

International Safety Signs and Symbols

JALITE since 1981 has been involved in developing and applying Standards to photoluminescent safety products a useful reference list of Standards used are as follows: Specification Properties and test methods ISO BS 17398 Safety colours and safety signs -- Classification, performance and durability of safety signs ISO BS 3864-4 Graphical symbols -- Safety colours and safety signs -- Part 4: Colorimetric and photometric properties of safety sign materials ISO 9186-1 Graphical symbols -- Test methods -- Part 1: Methods for testing comprehensibility ISO 9186- 2 Graphical symbols -- Test methods -- Part 2: Method for testing perceptual quality DIN 67510-1 Photoluminescent pigments and products - Part 1 Measurement and marking by the producer Specification Design ISO BS 7010 Graphical symbols -- Safety colours and safety signs -- Safety signs used in workplaces and public areas ISO 3864 -1 Graphical symbols -- Safety colours and safety signs -- Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings ISO 3864 - 3 Graphical symbols -- Safety colours and safety signs -- Part 3: Design principles for graphical symbols for use in safety signs BS 5499-1 Fire safety signs, notices and graphic symbols ISO 24409-1 Ships and marine technology -- Design, location and use of shipboard safety signsfor fire protection, life-saving appliances, and means of escape -- Part 1: Design principles ISO 20712-1 Water safety signs and beach safety flags -- Part 1: Specifications for water safety signs used in workplaces and public areas ISO 17631 Ships and marine technology -- Shipboard plans for fire protection, life-saving appliances and means of escape Code- Application ISO 15370 Ships and marine technology -- Low-location lighting (LLL) on passenger ships –Arrangement ISO BS 16069 Graphical symbols -- Safety signs -- Safety way guidance systems (SWGS) ISO 23601 Safety identification Escape and evacuation plan signs BS 5499-4 Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing

How Can You Keep First Responders Safe?

Words cannot express the importance of first responders. Every day over half a million calls are made to 9-1-1, calls which often bring first responders into action. Employees calling in an emergency at the workplace know the layout of the building, but it is more often the responders first time at the location. It is the responsibility of a business owner to ensure the safety of not only everyday occupants of the building, but also first responder in the event of an emergency. Communicating hazards is key to the safety of both workers and first responders. “Put Yourself in Our Boots” is a campaign that emphasizes how crucial it is that business owners create a safe work environment. Their videos portray how treacherous a lack of communication can be for first responders, most of who are already being placed under deadly circumstances. Traditional safety signs don’t communicate their message very well in an emergency. One way to keep first responders safe, is to communicate safety hazards in your facility using Jalite photoluminescent safety signs. When the lights go out, ours go on.™ For more information on a distributor near you send us an email.

JALITE Safety Sign Audit and Review

Fire Safety Sign Audit & Review To provide a visual inspection (up to an hour), whilst on site, of the fire safety signs within an agreed scope that can include Means of escape route identification signs Emergency door opening devices signs Mandatory fire door notices Fire action notices Fire fighting equipment location and type identification Specific hazard identification signs (limitation to be agreed with client, such as mind the step hazards on means of escape route, main electrical intake) Specific prohibition notices (limitation to be agreed with client, such as do not use the lift in event of fire) Assembly point location signs The Audit would look at the provision of fire safety signs expected to be in place for compliance with Legislation and Regulations. This would include the existing signs and making an observation as to whether additional signs would be required. In order to meet the requirements of legislation best practice advice would be given based on the relevant National and/or International Standards relating to the types of signs and their design. The Audit would be followed up with a short report which can include; Reference to the particular piece(s) of legislation needed to comply with Relevant Standard/Code of Practice recommendations are based on Without going into specifics whether or not their signs will meet current regulations. This could be split into specific types of signs Whether additional signs would be required Whether some existing signs could be removed, including internally illuminated signs to reduce on-going energy consumption Whether or not a full fire safety signs survey would be recommended

OSHA Regulations

To maintain a safe work place, and comply with OSHA requirements, employers must provide the proper signs to indicate the exit route, and the safety equipment installed in their facility. For example Section 1910.37(b) which states: "Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading 'Exit.' " or Section 1926.34(b): " 'Exit marking.' Exits shall be marked by a readily visible sign. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not immediately visible to the occupants". Ask your local Jalite Distributor for our OSHA compliant EXIT sign to ensure your workplace is compliant, even if there is a loss of power! Best practice in response to risk assessment would demand a comprehensive array of directional signs meeting OSHA requirments to ensure that the means of escape is secured at all times. JALITE Photoluminescent products add that extra and essential feature of mitigating the risk of failure of emergency lighting or protecting occupied areas not requiring such provisions. Furthermore, they provide the means to provide directional information duplicated at low location providing escape path information economically and without the need for heavy costs of wiring and maintenance. OSHA regulations also require safety signs and notices to be used to reduce risk by reinforcing training and education, to provide warnings of risks in the workplace and protective measures, including the prohibition of behaviour likely to create a risk of any kind.

The Best Advice to Give Your Loved Ones to Survive a Fire in a High Rise Building:

There are 15,400 high rise fires each year in the US according to NFPA. What anyone who lives or works in a high rise must know is that the most important thing to do during a fire is to get out as soon as possible. Especially in a High Rise because of the longer egress times. That may seem obvious, but did you know that less than 50% of the survivors surveyed after the Sept. 11th attacks on the WTC reported that they evacuated immediately? For more information on the behavior of the survivors during their evacuation of the World Trade Center Towers, read the report by Guylene Proulx. In this report she mentions the use of photoluminescent markings which proved helpful in the evacuation: "Four survivors reported seeing photoluminescent stripes on the stairs, railings and stairwell doors – an improvement the Port Authority made following the 1993 bombing. As one survivor stated, “All you had to do was follow those yellow-green stripes. They were wonderful. The stripes were especially valuable when the emergency stairs stopped and people had to travel horizontally through mechanical equipment spaces that had many doors” (Masetti, 2001)." Whether it’s a traditional low rise building or a skyscraper, whether occupant leave immediately or wait, it is imperative that they be able to see their way out. Jalite photoluminescent egress signs will light the way out for any building. Contact us to find a distributor near you.