Commercial Signage| Non-Glare Acrylic & Fire Safety

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At SignWorks we have done our fair share of evacuation maps and other fire safety signs. We have learned over the years to double check the materials from our plastics vendor to ensure that we use only non-glare acrylic cover lens when we fabricate evacuation maps. It is crucial that the cover lens of the map not be distorted by sunlight or glare which would hinder the occupant, in the event of a fire, from existing the building quickly and safely. We were told by our local fire department that when firefighters shine their lights onto an evacuation map in a darkened or smoke filled building, that the non glare acrylic becomes critically important.

Most fire department’s call for the use of non-glare acrylic cover lens and for the specific placement of evacuation maps at exit doors and elevators, so that the exit routes are clearly marked and easy to interpret. The size of the maps may vary depending on the particular jurisdiction of the fire department, even within the Bay Area. Most of our recent evacuation map projects are fabricated using a “second surface” process where the print is mounted from the rear of the acrylic using an optically clear adhesive. This makes for a very professional looking finish.

When you are considering the purchase of fire safety signs and/or evacuation maps, be careful to select a company that is familiar with the guidelines and the appropriate materials and fabrication processes. For more information and advice about this topic or to request an estimate on an upcoming project, contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.