Monday, December 16, 2013

Why Every Building In New York Must Comply With NYC Local Law 26


by Eugenia Dickerson


Chapter 26 New York City Local Law clearly set standards in regards to the direction marks in the buildings all round the city. It requires that photoluminescent materials that meet specific standards are employed in marking the exit path along the stairs, around the obstacles, and along the paths in attempt to guide the occupants out of the building in case of failure of the main electricity supply and the backup power source. Failure to comply with NYC local law 26 therefore may cost the building owner dearly.

The photoluminescent marks are normally made of pigments that automatically charges when exposed to light. They then emit light when the main light sources go off. The light emitted is normally strong enough to show the direction when exiting a building in darkness. Among many other requirements, these materials are required to be of long lifespan, strategically placed at locations where they are always visible and easily cleanable. The law is not meant to replace the ones already stipulated in the Building Code but just an addition to them.

In order to comply with NYC local law 26, the photoluminescent to be used should have passed all the standards set by NY Department of Buildings and have a MEA certification number as the evidence for this. MEA is a unit under the department and is responsible in assigning MEA number to the compliant materials in building.

The next group of compliance has to do with the American Disability Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). In addition to all other OSHA requirements, the markers on the stairs are expected to be made of materials that are slip-resistant. The materials that satisfy the ADA and OSHA requirements are usually given a MEA number.

The materials used on the stairways and other exit paths are normally exposed to a lot of friction which contributes to fast rate of wear and tear. In addition to regular scratches when cleaning and when on use, they are also affected by the other environmental elements like temperature changes. For these reasons, the materials used as markers are expected to be highly durable, with lifespan of over 10 years.

When it comes to location of markers, it is required that they are strategically at points close enough where they remain visible under all conditions such as under heavy smoke or large crowds. They should also be easily cleanable as allowing dirt to accumulate on them affects their functionality. The markers will absorb too little light when covered with dirt. The result is that less light will be emitted in dark condition. The duration of illumination too reduces significantly.

The slip-free requirement is not only a requirement of the NY local law 26 but is also meant to make the buildings in New York City safe and reduce legal liabilities that may arise from slip and fall accidents. The requirement therefore emphasis on those of OSHA requirements that all materials used on the stairways and all passageways should be made of slip resistant materials.

To comply with NYC local law 26 is no longer an option but a requirement that works both in the favor of the building owner and the occupants too. It helps minimize the casualties that may arise in an emergency situation.




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