IMO Resolution A.752(18) is international maritime legislation which prescribes the conditions and applications of low-location lighting on ships carrying more than 36 passengers.
IMO Resolution A.752(18) – Guidelines for the Evaluation, Testing and Application of Low-Location Lighting on Passenger Ships
“These guidelines cover the approval, installation and maintenance of low-location lighting (LLL) required by the regulations II-2/28, paragraph 1.10 and II-2/41-2. Paragraph 4.7 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, on all passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, to readily identify the passengers’ route of escape when the normal emergency lighting is less effective due to smoke” – IMO Resolution A.752(18)
The ISO 15370 is an international standard which describes in detail the conditions, implementation, test and application methods of a low location lighting system. The standard provides further details and clarification on the set-up and performance of a LLL system, helping designers, manufacturers, users and controlling authorities to realize, assess and approve a complete system in compliance with the legal requirements and this standard.
ISO 15370 – Ships and marine technology – Low location lighting (LLL) on passenger ships – Arrangement
The ISO 15370 describes the requirements for approval, installation and maintenance of a low location lighting system according to SOLAS, IMO A.752 and Chapter 11 of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code). The standard describes implementation principles for both electrical and phosphorescent (afterlighting) components. A low location lighting system consists of multiple (luminous) components that together provide clear identification of flight and evacuation options for passengers and crew.
The ISO 15370 is also used for Mobile Offshore Drilling Installations (drill ships and drilling rigs). For these types of installations the IMO A.1023 is in force and the FSS Code.
“In addition to the emergency lighting, the means of escape in accommodation areas, including stairways and exits, should be marked by lightning or photoluminescent strip indicators placed not more than 300mm above the deck at all points of the escape route, including angles and intersections. The marking should enable personnel to identify the routes of escape and readily identify the escape exits” – IMO Resolution A.1023(26) 9.4.1.4
The IMO A.752 exists to enable passengers and crew to clearly identify escape routes and relevant exits when normal emergency lighting is less effective due to smoke. This provides additional facilities to evacuate during a disaster and increase the safety of passengers and crew.
The ISO 15370 is intended to supplement the IMO requirements for low location lighting systems used on passenger vessels that comply with the 1974 SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention).
In the event of smoke development from a fire in a building, the operation of emergency lighting is greatly reduced. An escape route guidance system is installed low to the ground and provides orientation and guidance to a safe situation for these situations as well.
The IMO Resolution A.752(18) and the ISO 15370 is for all ships with more than 36 passengers. The legislation and standard are there for ship owners, manufacturers and installers of these systems and for competent authorities (on behalf of flag state controlling bodies) which check and approve the operation and functioning of these systems in accordance with the legal requirements and standard provisions.
The IMO Resolution A.752 means clarity according to a legal framework and minimum requirements. The resolution describes for whom and when it is required. The ISO 15370 means a complete information system for you with the passengers and crew of your ship as the target group, for the purpose of evacuation to a safe location or evacuation point. The ISO 15370 contains instructions and principles for the positioning, operation, performance and composition of the various components.
Components of a Low location lighting system according to ISO 15370 are;
* Applying escape route and fire fighting equipment signage in the Low location lighting system low to the ground, does not negate the required markings at sight height.
Blomsma Signs & Safety is closely involved in the standards that are related to (safety) signalling. From our role as a member of the Technical Committee ‘Graphic Symbols’ (ISO/TC145) we provide practical and technical input, we discuss submitted papers and reactions and we are part of editorial content. For example, our research into the effect of after-lighting materials with measurements and test setups that we performed for and on behalf of the PSPA – Photoluminescent Safety Products Association – was included as background insight in the development of standards describing phosphorescent materials.
Getting started with a low location lighting system according to ISO 15370? Start by creating an installation plan. Blomsma takes care of the realization of Low Location Lighting systems from A-Z, light measurement and light frequency measurements of existing lighting, inventory and preparation of an installation and positioning plan, technical and safety drawings, production and supply of escape route signalling and post-lighting guidance systems, up to and including the performance measurement of the phosphorescent material.
Our experience in the maritime and offshore sector, with existing vessels and installations and new construction projects helps our clients to install and maintain efficient, worry-free and purposeful LLL systems. In combination with the requirements for safety signs and related safety instructions, we professionally realize a conclusive safety signalling system.
The IMO resolution A.725(18) can be found here:
The ISO 15370:2021 is available at:
ISO: https://www.iso.org/standard/71938.html
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