Health and Safety for Beginners Forums

Hi All,

Hope everyone one staying safe.

can anyone advise - all guidave i can find covers internal and building related , but i'm on a construction site outside and we have a network of pedestrian footways which need fire exit signage along the fence lines.

the Welfare is all compliant but need to find a solution and the requirements for outside .

Fire exit route signage - does it need to illuminated or luminous for use outside on a earthworks project.

Thanks

T

Bump

WB

Is the place manned during hours of darkness? If it isn't at the moment, will that still be the case in a few week's time as the days get shorter?

Is there existing illumination along the pathways? If so, does it already provide sufficient light levels to read the signs?

Honestly, I'd just try to apply a common sense approach to this rather than looking for guidance that probably doesn't exist!

I totally agree with the above.

Signs might be useful, especially if the earthworks mean that the escape route may change, but procedures such as a walk around briefing and/or plan of the site may be just as useful.

Numbers of people expected to use the route may influence your decision, and you may well decide luminous signs are required. But illuminated? As in maintained emergency lighting? It seems a huge effort for what (in my imagination) may well be a low risk

As a rule of thumb photoluminescent signs aren't recommended fro external use as they need good light to generate/store the glow which isn't guaranteed outdoors. If in doubt get in touch with the PSPA for advice - https://www.thepspa.com/ Also worht noting that you get many different grades of photoluminescence with varying degrees of brightness and longevity so if you do go down that route make sure you go for a high grade material - see the PSPSA classification table for info: https://www.thepspa.com/clasification/

I wouldn't install any signs below a Class C grade (internal or external)

The test is, can you find your way out in the dark, safely, without taking wrong turns or tripping over things? If you can then what do you need illuminated signs for. If you cant, then you will need illumination of some kind.