Why Every Building In New York Must Comply With NYC Local Law 26

By Eugenia Dickerson


There are requirements in regards to photoluminescent marks along the exit paths in all buildings in New York. All these are clearly stated in the Chapter 26 of the New York City Charter. These requirements are meant to facilitate faster escape from a building and minimal injuries in case of failure in the main power and the backup power source. It is the duty of every owner of the building to ensure that they comply with the NYC local law 26.

Photoluminescent marks are made of pigments that charges when exposed to light. The pigments are then able to emit light when other sources of light goes off. As much as the light emitted is not enough to illuminate the building, it is enough to show the direction of exit path out of the building. The standards set for such marks are meant to facilitate the easier exit out of buildings in dark conditions.

In order to comply with NYC local law 26, the photoluminescent to be used should have passed all the standards set by NY Department of Buildings and have a MEA certification number as the evidence for this. MEA is a unit under the department and is responsible in assigning MEA number to the compliant materials in building.

The markers are usually position on the stairways and passageways. For this reason, they have to meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and those set by the American Disability Act (ADA). A good example of such requirements is the use of slip-resistant materials for the markers.

Considering the factors such as wear and tear that these materials are exposed to particularly when installed on the stairway, they must be made of highly durable materials. Factors such as frequent cleaning, traffic through the stairway and environmental condition like temperature will all contribute to quick deterioration of these markings. It for this reason that there are specific standards set to ensure durability.

The markers should be placed in strategic locations where they remain visible even in smoky conditions and in large crowds. Periodic cleaning and inspection for repair is also a requirement. This is significant given that accumulation of dirt on these materials reduces their light absorption rate and will be therefore less effective in their performance. Less light absorption means less reflective effect and hence difficulty of visibility.

The other major requirement is that the materials used should be slip free in both dry and wet conditions. Water normally escape through the stairways and can make such areas very slippery. In order to minimize liabilities from slip-fall accidents, all materials included in the stairways including the marking systems should be slip free. This is also part of compliance requirement with the NYC local law 26.

It no longer a choice but a requirement to comply with NYC local law 26 for any building within New York City to be certified as safe for occupation. The compliance is also beneficial to the building owners and much safer to the occupants too.




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