ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNAGE: MORE THAN JUST EXIT SIGNS
When it comes to escape route signage on ships like cruiseships or ferries, sometimes the sense of safety is hard to find. Although the lack of signs may seem harmless to some, it can be very dangerous in case of emergency. Too many signs, however, can give conflicting messages.
The specialism in the field of escape route signage is not to hang as many exit signs as possible. Attention should be paid to the connection between the Escape Plan and the signage guiding people to the assembly stations: those are the locations where passengers must be accommodated, where the lifejackets are and where controlled embarkation can be organized systematically if necessary. A single exit sign on board a ship is meaningless, because as a passenger, where do you have to go? The answer is simple: the destination should always be the assembly station.
ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNAGE: THE SYSTEM
An effective escape route signage system consists of a coherent whole of:
– Low location lighting, including escape signs
– Signs applied at eye level
– Electrical signs
– Signage indicating how to reach the assembly station(s)
– Instructions for guests and staff (in the cabins and common areas)
When designing this system we always aim to increase the effectiveness of the evacuation process. Cruise ships are complex architectural environments. It is important that guests and staff are aware of the layout of the ship. They might need to know the location of the lifeboats. Therefor an effective escape route signage system is not complete without clear instructions and training.
In accordance with ISO, as defined in the 24409-2 required by IMO Resolution 1116(30), a safety sign must always consist of a symbol. An escape route sign is always a symbol with an additional arrow. The text ‘assembly station’, or ‘exit’ may be used additionally, in any language or multiple languages.
An arrow without a symbol is not an escape sign. And loose arrows on LLL are completely wrong (except in dead end corridors) because you never know in advance if the primary escape route to the assembly station is passable. If it is blocked, passengers should be able to take an alternative route, which must be clearly marked, without risk of confusion. All this must be clearly explained in the safety instructions.
THE IMPLEMENTATION
Now we know that escape route signage on ships is more than just a some exit signs and also more than just doing what is urgently needed to meet the requirements of an inspection or classification society.
Correct implementation and assembly of escape route signage is essential. When applying safety signs, low location lighting and instructions we think of the right height, position (is the sign visible) and the right fasteners. A correct mounting is therefore just as essential as the design of the system.
USE PVC FREE SIGNAGE
For many years, the cruise industry has been using safety signage made of (toxic) PVC, or low-quality plastics. With the environment in mind, Nordic Sea Safe has developed a new type of PVC free signage, based on PET-X material.
PET-X has a longer durability than your average PVC sign and is flame retardant. It is a high quality, environmentally friendly material, that is completely recyclable and has a much longer lifespan than regular PVC safety signs. Our SafeSign Pet-X signs look similar to the much more expensive polycarbonate and/or acrylic, but at the cost of a regular PVC sign.
We will be happy to show you how our escape route signage can be applied to your ship.
If you would like to have your current escape route signage checked, designed and installed or if you require a Low Location lighting luminance test on your ship(s), please contact us at info@nordicseasafe.com.