When the light suddenly goes out or the room is heavily darkened, e.g. due to smoke development, photoluminescent materials offer the perfect solution. Routes to the exits, obstacles, emergency exits, stairs and safety equipment should be marked with Low Location Lighting. Glowing tapes, strips and LED systems are often used to create an escape route guidance system according to IMO, SOLAS and ISO regulations. We can also realizes on a project basis the implementation of Low Location Lighting systems, measurements and certifications.
Innovations
In 2009 our supplier started an innovative project with the objective to improve the quality and environmental footprint of photo luminescent signs and Low Location Lighting strips. Today most sign makers use PVC, despite the fact that PVC is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics. PVC contains halogens and their toxicity of smoke is of highest concern within enclosed spaces, which you will find on-board any ship or platform.
PET-X instead of PVC
During the innovation project they managed to replace PVC with a safe material, a modified recyclable polymer called PET-X, which is free of halogens. Besides this new material the innovation went on, and they managed to innovate our printing process in such a way that the expected life is up to 5 times longer than the market average. The last upside is the visual appearance, SafeSign signs and Low Location Lighting strips have a high quality glossy finish, which is easy to clean.
The use of these new materials and techniques helped them to achieve innovative products which are also more economical and looks better.
Rules and Regulations
The below rules, regulations and standards describe the technical performance and properties of the products used, how to install these products/systems and how to certify and maintain these products/systems.
Standard | Description |
| IMO Resolution A.752 (18) | Guidelines for the evaluation, testing and application of LLL on passenger ships |
| SOLAS Convention 2004 | Means of escape - Marking of escape routes |
| European Directive 2002/25/EC | Safety rules and standards for passenger ships |
| ISO 15370 | Low Location Lighting (LLL) on passenger ships |
| ISO 16069 | SWGS - Safety Way Guidance Systems |
| ISO 24409-2:2014 | Ships and marine technology - Design, location and use of shipboard safety signs, fire control plan signs, safety notices and safety markings |
| ISO 17398:2004 | Safety colours and safety signs - Classification, performance & durability of safety signs |
Requirements
Nordic Sea Safe is a specialist for Low Location Lighting systems on Cruise Liners & Ferries. IMO & Solas regulations require that ships carrying more than 36 passengers shall be fitted with Low Location Lighting. Resolution A.752(18) & IS015370 details system requirements and testing procedures:
- The installed material must be Wheelmark approved
- You should mark all escape routes, including stairs, by Low Location Lighting
- Where stairs or corridors are more than 2m wide, Low Location Lighting should be mounted on both sides
- ‘Exit’ signs should be provided at each exit, located on the same side as the door handle
- You should mark Fire and watertight doors to show how these doors open
- Systems must have their luminescence tested at least once every 5 years
LightLine systems
Alternatively to the commonly used profile/insert Low Location Lighting strips, SafeSign has developed LightLine strips. These Wheelmark approved, self-adhesive strips are an excellent alternative to the profile systems. We manufacture LightLine strips according to the same high standard as SafeSign Signs; back printed on PET-X, which gives a glossy, easy to wipe clean, finish. No PVC, no halogens and 10 years warrantee against discoloration and on the photoluminescent properties.
REFURBISHING EXISTING SYSTEMS
This is the solution to refurbish existing systems which do not meet the requirements. You can easily fix the LightLine strips on top of the existing system by the crew or yard, due to its self-adhesive backing. Upon request we can also manufacture LightLine strips to your requirements. Examples are non-standard colours, sizes and/or afterglow properties. These specials are always in compliance and always in the same high, environmentally friendly quality.
WHY LIGHTLINE?
The LightLine LLL system is the easiest and most cost effective system to install. Requiring only the application of the tape to the bulkhead and the positioning of exit direction signs at the appropriate places. Our LightLine strips have a green lining at top and bottom of the strip. This gives it a high class appearance. All LightLine strips are DNV certified.
LightLine LLL profile system: is a system which comprises of an extruded aluminium carrier and rigid photo luminescent strips. Our standard is an angle profile with a 50mm wide visible strip. The performance of the rigid panels is certified by DNV and easy to install.
We can also create other shaped Low Location Lighting systems according to the demands of ship-owners, yards and architects. We reverse-print Standard LightLine strips in order to prevent damages to the photo luminescent layer. The strips are easy to clean and have a high quality appearance.
We participate with many shipowners, yards and architects to find the optimal solution in design and quality of the Low Location Light system for their new-builds and refurbishments. For all your enquiries regarding Low Location Lighting systems, please contact us.
Luminance properties
The rules, regulations and standards classify the luminescence of signage and low location light systems as per below table, SafeSign products meet or exceed the required luminance.
Luminescent intensity (mcd/m2) (After removing the existing light) |
||
Applicable Standards and Resolutions vs. SafeSigns | 10 minutes | 60 minutes |
| IMO Res. A. 752(18) | 15 mcd/m2 | 2 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 15370 | 15 mcd/m2 | 2 mcd/m2 |
| DIN 67 510-4 | 23 mcd/m2 | 3 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class A | 25 mcd/m2 | 3 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class B | 50 mcd/m2 | 7 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class C | 140 mcd/m2 | 20 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class D | 260 mcd/m2 | 35 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class E | 400 mcd/m2 | 55 mcd/m2 |
| ISO 17398 Class F | 520 mcd/m2 | 70 mcd/m2 |
| SafeSign XL | Class B+ | Class B+ |
| SafeSign XXL | Class C+ | Class C+ |
| SafeSign XXXL | Class E+ | Class E+ |
The mentioned value’s according to IMO Res. A 752(18) in above table are applicable when the height of the photo luminescent LLL is 75 mm. For all other heights, the values need to be re-calculated as specified in IS015370:2010 Annex D. Below table show the minimum requirement for different heights.
Luminescent intensity (mcd/m2) (After removing the existing light) |
||
Height of LLL system in mm | 10 minutes | 60 minutes |
| 75 mm | 15,0 mcd/m2 | 2,0 mcd/m2 |
| 65 mm | 23,4 mcd/m2 | 3,1 mcd/m2 |
| 50 mm | 33,8 mcd/m2 | 4,5 mcd/m2 |
| 40 mm | 52,7 mcd/m2 | 7,0 mcd/m2 |
| 30 mm | 93,7 mcd/m2 | 12,5 mcd/m2 |
| 25 mm | 135,0 mcd/m2 | 18,0 mcd/m2 |