The Photoluminescent Safety Association will hold its fifth annual conference and annual business meeting on September 22, 2010, at the Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suite Hotel. The one day event is open only to PSA members. Registration will begin in June.

Speakers and panels will discuss the future of the photoluminescent industry, including the status of proposed codes and standards changes being considered or recently approved by such bodies as the International Code Council, International Standards Organization, Underwriters Laboratories, and ASTM International, and by local and state governments.

During the annual conference the PSA will also holds its annual business meeting. The meeting agenda includes elections to fill any board vacancies. The members also consider other issues affecting the association’s strategic direction.

Hotel reservations may be made directly with the hotel by phone (773-380-9600) or on the web (www.renaissanceohare.com).

Canada’s National Research Council Publishes Landmark Study on Photoluminescent Evacuation Systems

Guylène Proulx, senior researcher with the National Research Council in Canada has published her final report on photoluminescent evacuation systems.

According to the executive summary, “This study’s findings show the interesting potential of photoluminescent markings to assist occupant evacuation. Such markings, properly installed, can address certain deficiencies in the traditional approach of emergency lighting associated with power failure or smoke obscuration of high-mounted lighting. In order to obtain the expected outcome though, it is essential to properly install photoluminescent wayguidance components.

“Photoluminescent wayfinding systems appear as a cost-effective addition to, or even a potential replacement for, traditional emergency lighting. Advantages are: no additional consumption of energy, no additional wiring, minimal maintenance, and complete reliability when installed appropriately. Occupant behavior, speed of movement, and subjective appraisal of the material are all in concordance to indicate that photoluminescent markings would be a worthwhile addition improving occupant fire and emergency evacuation safety in office buildings.”

Click here for a copy of the study.

Click here to read about Awards earned for this study from the National Research Council of Canada.