Photoluminescent Escape Route Marking

Photoluminescent escape route marking is a floor-level way guidance system that works without power: it stores ambient light and glows for several hours if the lighting fails during a fire or power cut. That matters, because any wayfinding that depends on light fails with the lighting, and smoke collects under the ceiling first – exactly where conventional exit signs are mounted. Combined with a slip-resistant surface, the marking both guides people and keeps them on their feet in an emergency.

How photoluminescent materials work

  • Pigments based on strontium aluminate absorb and store light – no power supply, no radioactivity, no parts to maintain.
  • Once the lighting goes off, they release the stored energy as a visible glow.
  • The process can be repeated indefinitely; the materials recharge under any normal lighting.
  • Luminance drops quickly at first and then levels off – what matters is the residual value after 10 and after 60 minutes.
  • Sufficient charging is essential: areas that are permanently dark need a different solution.

A photoluminescent system is only as good as its charging. Before choosing a product, always establish how brightly and for how long the area is lit in normal operation.

Photoluminescent products and formats

  1. Photoluminescent anti-slip tape: combines slip resistance and guidance in one surface – ideal for stair treads and ramps on escape routes.
  2. Floor guidance strips: continuous strips along the direction of escape, also as double strips to mark out the route.
  3. Step edge marking: highlights every single step and prevents missteps in stairwells.
  4. Directional arrows and escape signs: prefabricated symbols for floor mounting, supplementing the signage on the wall.
  5. Obstacle and hazard marking: identifies doors, columns, pinch points and handrails.
  6. Photoluminescent handrail tape: guides the hand along the route, see also anti-slip handrail covers.
  7. Combination with reflective elements: reflective components add visibility as soon as a light source such as a torch hits them.

Why escape route marking belongs on the floor

  • Smoke rises; the layer close to the floor stays visible the longest.
  • Under stress, people follow continuous lines rather than individual signs.
  • Floor marking still works when people are crouching or crawling.
  • The escape route can be followed without interruption – no gaps between individual signs.
  • Steps, edges and changes of direction can be marked exactly where they become a risk.

Standards and regulations

  • DIN 67510 – photoluminescent pigments and products: luminance measurement and classification.
  • DIN EN ISO 16069 – safety way guidance systems, design and layout of low-level systems.
  • ASR A2.3 – German workplace rule on escape routes, emergency exits and escape and rescue plans.
  • ASR A1.3 – German workplace rule on safety and health signs.
  • DIN EN ISO 7010 – standardised safety signs, including escape route signs.
  • DIN 51130 – slip resistance of the materials used, where they are walked on.
  • German model building code and special building regulations – further requirements may apply to places of assembly, hotels and retail premises.

Typical applications

  • Escape stairwells in industrial, office and residential buildings
  • Production halls and warehouses with long escape routes
  • Hotels, places of assembly, cinemas and retail premises
  • Hospitals, care facilities and schools
  • Underground car parks, multi-storey car parks and subways
  • Ships, offshore platforms and port facilities
  • Tunnels, plant rooms and windowless areas

Planning photoluminescent escape route marking in five steps

  1. Survey the escape routes: record the route, lengths, changes of direction, doors and pinch points.
  2. Check the lighting: illuminance and lighting duration determine the achievable afterglow time.
  3. Define the system: choose strip width, layout, symbols and the required luminance class.
  4. Match the slip resistance: on walked surfaces the marking must also meet the required slip resistance class.
  5. Test and document: check effectiveness in darkened conditions and include it in the risk assessment.

Maintenance

  • Keep markings clean – films of dirt reduce both charging and luminance.
  • Make sure the marking is not permanently covered by materials or vehicles.
  • Replace damaged sections promptly; gaps make the whole guidance system unreliable.
  • Check the function regularly in darkened conditions and record the result.

Conclusion

Photoluminescent escape route marking works without power, without maintenance and precisely when everything else fails. Made with a slip-resistant surface, it does two jobs at once: it shows the way and secures every step. The key factors are a realistic assessment of the lighting conditions, a continuous layout without gaps and regular inspection.

Further suitable solutions

FAQ: photoluminescent escape route marking

Does photoluminescent marking work without power?

Yes, photoluminescent marking works without power: the pigments store ambient light and release it in the dark. Sufficient lighting for charging is a prerequisite.

Can escape route marking also be slip-resistant?

Yes, photoluminescent tapes and profiles are available with a slip-resistant surface. They mark steps and routes while improving grip underfoot.

Where should the marking be applied?

Apply the marking at low level along escape routes, on step edges, doors and obstacles. Detailed planning follows the escape and rescue concept of your building.

Related solutions and sectors

Further information (in German): DGUV subject area: escape routes and emergency exits (incl. ASR A2.3)

Make escape routes visible and slip-resistant

We plan the guidance system along your escape routes and match slip resistance, luminance and signage to one another.

  • Free consultation – clarify requirements and the right luminance class
  • Continuous escape route marking – from the step edge to the emergency exit
  • Slip resistance included – marking and safe footing in one surface
  • No power, no maintenance – effective even if the lighting fails completely

Enquire now – we will design your photoluminescent safety way guidance system.