SignWorks made its fourth site visit to the Police Administration Building today. This time it was at the request of the Oakland Fire Department who wanted to evaluate the door swings and egress paths at the building. The building a three separate addresses and is built somewhat like a maze. Many of the doors require a key to enter, so it was important to validate that each egress path was through a door that remained unlocked. The inspector requested additional maps, even where the elevator lobby and stairs were within 5 feet of each other, proving the point that the fire inspectors each have lots of latitude when interpreting the guidelines. Some want the guidelines interpreted to the strictest standard, while others are more lax.
We will work on laying out the additional maps this week and getting review copies to the fire department early next week. We are optimistic that this second round of review will result in our being given the approval to move forward with the project and fabricate the actual evacuation maps. The printed maps will be sandwiched between a thin sheet of PVC and a 14” by 14” non-glare acrylic lens using and optically clear adhesive material.
We have several large evacuation map projects in house at the moment including a landmark San Francisco Hotel (183 floor/room maps), a redo of the Epic Charter School maps due to revisions to the floor plan (34 maps) and a San Leandro Apartment Complex with 21 maps, along with several other smaller evacuation map projects. As with all our evacuation map projects a technician does a site survey noting where the maps are needed and mapping out where things like the extinguishers, alarm pull stations, etc. are located. We also detail the egress (or exit) pass. The guidelines will generally include specific widths for corridors and text, as well as the specific symbols that must be used. Once the client approves the layout we order map copies for our clients to take to the City of Oakland Fire Department for approval. In the case of the Police Administration Building, we are managing this aspect of the project for them. The printed maps, when the time comes, will be manufactured to a very high standard.
We hope to work with you when (and if) your building requires fire safety signs and/or evacuation maps. Just give us a call at (510) 357-2000. We can offer you the technical expertise you need in complying with local guidelines. Feel free to visit our website to peruse some of our fire safety and evacuation map project photos and blog posts.
