NYC Council Amends Existing Building Code Laws Pertaining To Safety Issues
NEW YORK, NY February 22, 2005 - Safety for citizens who work in the commercial high rises of New York City was a key issue which led NYC Council to amend existing building code laws. These new codes will mandate the usage of improved markings, exit signage and back-up power to exit signs.
Following the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, the WTC Building Code Task Force made recommendations which influenced the new building code amendment. Because the WTC had already implemented safety markings to create clear paths for emergency evacuation, more people were able to escape when the attack occurred.
The power black-out of August 14, 2003, which affected most of the Northeast, was also a factor in the NYC Council's decision. "I have experienced first-hand the horror of carrying my one year-old daughter down a dark stairwell, fifteen floors, with no guidance when the black-out occurred in 2003. It's a frightening thing," states Evan Lipstein, CEO of Hyline Safety.
Hyline Safety, a manufacturer and distributor of Photoluminescent Emergency Exit and Egress Pathway markings, accepts the task of serving the 400 million square foot Manhattan office market with glow-in-the-dark safety signs that will meet the newly revised building codes.
"Even in smoke-filled hallways, low location, non-electric signs are much easier to see and more reliable than conventional overhead electric powered signs. These signs can effectively lead people to safety," says Lipstein.
Although still waiting for the requirements to be announced, HYLINE Safety will be offering NYC newly required RS 6-1 Exit signs and an assortment of all the specific required signs and markings. The signs will provide a non-toxic, non- electric and non-radioactive source of protection. Once the signs are in place, commercial high rise building occupants will have a safe illuminated path through dark stairwells, hallways and rooms in the event of an emergency or power outage.
More information about the new building code law amendment can be found at the company's website http://www.hylinesafety.com/