What is an escape route guidance system?

An escape route guidance system is a coherent set of different signaling components to inform people from a building about the optimal escape route. This speeds up the evacuation process. These components consist of low-profile markings and signs that are and remain visible in all conditions (such as smoke or power failure), combined with information panels about the escape routes and (emergency) exits.

This system acts as an addition to emergency lighting systems; escape route guidance and escape route marking contributes in an optimal way to the orientation of your staff or visitors in case of an emergency.

The importance of a good escape route guidance system

In a fire, smoke moves upwards. Higher placed escape route markings are therefore invisible and this also applies to the emergency lighting. The ideal system is installed low to the ground so that it is highly visible in the event of smoke development.

There are various regulations and standards for escape route guidance systems. Through proper interpretation and correct application of these guidelines, this system contributes to the safety of the building’s occupants. The system can also contribute to the orientation of emergency services in case of an emergency. The ISO 16069 (Escape Route Guidance Systems) is an international standard that promotes the standardized use of these escape route guidance systems in buildings. This standard describes the preconditions, basic principles and practical guidelines and instructions for the design and realization of escape route guidance and escape route marking.

For ships, maritime objects and offshore installations, the requirements for the system are described in SOLAS and IMO resolutions. Here the escape route guidance system is called “Low Location Lighting”. See also our product page on Low Location Lighting.

Components of an escape route guidance system

The guidance system consists of luminous guide lines that are as uninterrupted as possible, contour markings at emergency exits and markings at door controls (door handles, emergency releases). These primary components are supplemented by escape route markings, markings of stairs and ladders, and indications of emergency exits. In addition, markings for identifying locations of firefighting and rescue equipment should be integrated along the escape route guidance system.

Our Services

For escape route guidance and escape route marking, Blomsma Signs & Safety provides the entire process from design, engineering, installation, maintenance and measurement of the light output of an escape route guidance system. Designing a system requires the necessary knowledge of legislation and regulations, materials and the connection to a complete signalling system as also described in ISO/TS 20559 (Guidelines for the development and use of a safety signalling system).

• Design of an escape route guidance system
• Production and delivery of materials
• Installation by competent personnel
• Maintenance programs
• Light output measurements