Interpretation Bulletin

Office of the Fire Commissioner

April 26, 1996

No.IB 009

Glow in the Dark Exit Signs

Numerous manufacturers over the past years have introduced exit signs for retrofit applications using coatings which glow in the dark. With the introduction of these signs came confusion over the exit sign lighting requirements as referenced in the British Columbia Fire Code and British Columbia Building Code.

The BC Fire Code references the BC Building Code and requires illuminated exit signs over every door other than the main entrance in buildings that either exceed 2 storeys in height, have an occupant load greater than 150, or have a fire escape as part of a required means of egress. Illuminated exit signs are also required in rooms where the occupant load exceeds 60 in certain assembly occupancies, licensed beverage establishments and other similar occupancies where lighting levels are below that which would provide easy identification of the egress door.

Sentence 3.4.5.1.(3) of the British Columbia Building Code requires that internally illuminated exit signs consist of red letters on a contrasting background; or a red background with contrasting letters. Externally illuminated exit signs shall consist of white letters on a red background or red letters on a contrasting background.

Externally illuminated exit signs, including glow in the dark signs, must be continuously illuminated [Clause 3.4.5.1.(2)(c)] and also comply with Sentence 3.4.5.1.(4) of the B.C. Building Code.

Internal or external lighting installed to illuminate exit signs, must be on a dedicated circuit, or connected to a circuit that serves only emergency equipment. Lighting used for exit sign illumination may form part of the normal building lighting system, however the light which illuminates an exit sign must remain on whenever the normal building lighting is turned off.

Provision must also be made for the exit sign to remain illuminated even when power which illuminates this exit sign is interrupted. This illumination would be provided by emergency lighting (ie: battery pack or emergency generator). In either case the emergency system must be activated automatically whenever the separate exit lighting circuit is interrupted.

Interpretation Bulletins are distributed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, in order to provide direction for the application and interpretation of the Fire Services Act, and pursuant regulations. Where applicable, the Fire Commissioner will issue accompanying approval or interpretative Orders, under the authority of Part 1 of the BC Fire Code.
For further information contact: Office of the Fire Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General,
Mailing address - PO Box 9491, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria B.C., V8W 9N7 / Location - Suite 200, 645 Tyee Road, Victoria B.C. Telephone (250) 356-9000, Facsimile (250) 356-9019, E-mail: OFC@gov.bc.ca, Internet: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/firecom

Return to the Office of the Fire Commissioner's menu page