Photoluminescent egress Markings are code required

Photoluminescent (PL) Egress Markings in stairwells has been CODE REQUIRED for ~15 years.

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021

International Building Code (IBC)  2021

National Fire Protection Association Code 2021

Most qualified new construction projects have been incorporating the required photoluminescent markings since approximately 2011. This is a requirement in order to receive a final Certificate of Occupancy (COO). Existing buildings that have not planned to or actually installed photoluminescent egress markings are "out-of-compliance" with current IBC - IFC - NFPA code requirements. When extensive renovations are performed in existing buildings triggering the issuance of a new COO, the photoluminescent egress markings are a required safety upgrade.

International Building  Code: Photoluminescent Egress Markings for exit

stairwells as required in Occupancy Groups A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 in accordance

with IBC Section 1025.  These requirements apply to new and existing buildings

over 75 ft. tall. 

Photoluminescent markings are required at the step edge, on handrails, landing perimeters and obstructions. All three Codes reference a minimum 1" wide marking stripe at each location but includes  Exception: The minimum width of 1 inch (25 mm) shall not apply to outlining stripes listed in accordance with UL 1994. 

Egress path markings shall be provided in exit enclosures,

including vertical exit enclosures and exit passageways.

Self-luminous and photoluminescent: Luminous egress path markings shall be permitted to be made of any material, including paint, provided that an electrical charge is not required to maintain the required luminance. Such materials shall include, but are not limited to, self-luminous materials and photoluminescent materials. Materials shall comply with either:

1. UL 1994; or

2. ASTM E 2072, except that the charging source shall be 1 footcandle (11 lux) of fluorescent illumination for 60 minutes, and the minimum luminance shall be 30 millicandelas per square meter at 10 minutes and 5 millicandelas per square meter after 90 minutes.

Steps: A solid and continuous stripe shall be applied to the horizontal leading edge of each step and shall extend for the full length of the step. Outlining stripes shall have a minimum horizontal width of 1 inch (25 mm) and a maximum width of 2 inches (51 mm). The leading edge of the stripe shall be placed at a maximum of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) from the leading edge of the step and the stripe shall overlap the leading edge of the step by not more than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) down the vertical face of the step.

Exception: The minimum width of 1 inch (25 mm) shall not apply to outlining stripes listed in accordance with UL 1994.

Landings: The leading edge of landings shall be marked with a stripe consistent with the dimensional requirements for steps.

Perimeter demarcation lines: Stair landings and other floor areas within exit

enclosures, with the exception of the sides of steps, shall be provided with solid and continuous demarcation lines on the floor or on the walls or a combination of both. The stripes shall be 1 to 2 inches (25 to 51 mm) wide with interruptions not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm).

Floor-mounted demarcation lines: Perimeter demarcation lines shall be placed

within 4 inches (102 mm) of the wall and shall extend to within 2 inches (51 mm) of the

markings on the leading edge of landings. The demarcation lines shall continue across the floor in front of all doors.

Wall-mounted demarcation lines: Perimeter demarcation lines shall be placed

on the wall with the bottom edge of the stripe no more than 4 inches (102 mm) above the finished floor. At the top or bottom of the stairs, demarcation lines shall drop vertically to the floor within 2 inches (51 mm) of the step or landing edge. Demarcation lines on walls shall transition vertically to the floor and then extend across the floor where a line on the floor is the only practical method of outlining the path. Where the wall line is broken by a door, demarcation lines on walls shall continue across the face of the door or transition to the floor and extend across the floor in front of such door.

Exception: Demarcation lines shall not extend in front of exit doors that lead out of an exit enclosure and through which occupants must travel to complete the exit path.

Exception: The minimum width of 1 inch (25 mm) shall not apply to outlining stripes listed in accordance with UL 1994.

Obstacles: Obstacles at or below 6 feet 6 inches (1981 mm) in height and projecting more than 4 inches (102 mm) into the egress path shall be outlined with markings no less than 1 inch (25 mm) in width comprised of a pattern of alternating equal bands, of luminescent luminous material and black, with the alternating bands no more than 2 inches (51 mm) thick and angled at 45 degrees (0.79 rad). Obstacles shall include, but are not limited to, standpipes, hose cabinets, wall projections and restricted height areas. However, such markings shall not conceal any required information or indicators including, but not limited to, instructions to occupants for the use of standpipes.

Doors from exit enclosures: Doors through which occupants within an exit enclosure must pass in order to complete the exit path shall be provided with markings complying with Section 1025.

Emergency exit symbol: The doors shall be identified by a low-location

luminous emergency exit symbol complying with NFPA 170. The exit symbol shall be a

minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) in height and shall be mounted on the door, centered

horizontally, with the top of the symbol no higher than 18 inches (457 mm) above the

finished floor.

Door hardware markings: Door hardware shall be marked with no less than 16

square inches (406 mm2) of luminous material. This marking shall be located behind,

immediately adjacent to or on the door handle and/or escutcheon. Where a panic bar is

installed, such material shall be no less than 1 inch (25 mm) wide for the entire length of

the actuating bar or touch-pad.

Door frame markings: The top and sides of the door frame shall be marked

with a solid and continuous 1 inch to 2 inch (25 mm to 51 mm) wide stripe. Where the door molding does not provide sufficient flat surface on which to locate the stripe, the stripe shall be permitted to be located on the wall surrounding the frame.