GBC News Blog: Contractors, Architects, and General Public

Posted on May 24, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Attn: General Contractors

If you’re on this page it’s likely because you know that over the past several years, new international building and fire codes have implemented new laws for Means of egress, specifically photo-luminescent egress path markings. GBC Safety Glow follows all new fire code regulations and this is proven by all of their Emergency Egress Components being IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 certified. All of GBC Safety Glow’s Egress Components are also UL 1994 Listed.

Since 2009 many states and local municipalities have required Photo-luminescent egress systems (Glow-in-the-Dark) technology in Public High Rise buildings throughout the U.S. Furthermore schools, hospitals and hotels also fall under these code requirements. Based on current code standards there are only 7 required products found here: Emergency Egress Components

When it comes to product choices there are a few things you need to know. IBC and IFC both have the same product requirements and they both specify compliance standards. When you are dealing with code compliance, following the code means working with a company who knows the codes and understands what products are correct and how they must be installed.

Often times a General Contractor hands the scope of PL egress over to a painting contractor who was told to “take care of this PL egress system”. Well, I have said this before and it may just save you a lot of time and money. You cannot give a scope for a Life Safety System to a subcontractor who is not Certified to Source or Install a Life Safety System. It’s like asking your flooring contractor to install the Fire Suppression system – you wouldn’t do that! And the photo-luminescent egress path markings system is no different. Trust a professional to give you the information you need to know and the installation you need to be code compliant. Trust GBC Safety Glow and Contact Us for more information.

Posted on May 24, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 Code Compliance

IBC/IFC 2009 introduced the technology of photo-luminescence to the high rise building. Since IBC/IFC 2009 the 2012 editions and the new 2015 editions of the codes have kept the pace with the changing building designs. The Latest editions which are now available for state and local adoptions are the 2015 codes. The 2015 versions prove that a good emergency safety system is necessary when it comes to evacuating a high rise building.

International Building Code 2015 (IBC2015) is the new construction standards for the modern building. The emergency egress system has been added to the IBC 2015 because it has proven to be a time tested safety feature for evacuating high rise public facilities in an emergency. New construction buildings following IBC 2009,2012 or 2015 editions are required to outfit exit enclosures with non electrical emergency evacuation systems. Incapable of failure, these systems are sure to guide you safely to and exit. For more information on IBC Code: IBC Overview

International Fire Code 2015 (IFC2015) is the new fire safety standard for existing and new construction facilities. The incorporation of photo-luminescent emergency evacuation systems in the 2015 edition of the IFC proves the value these systems have and importance of having them incorporated into every public high rise building. Jurisdictions all over the U.S are beginning to adopt these codes. GBC Safety Glow has the knowledge and experience to help. Retroactive requirements for PL egress systems can be implemented with the proper consulting and experience of the a team that puts safety first. By partnering with local jurisdictions we provide technical knowledge and training to facilitate the implementation of PL systems the right way! Facilities working with local govt and AHJ’s is key to bringing our current public facilities up to date with modern safety equipment. For more information on IFC Code: IFC Overview

Download IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 PL Egress Specifications: PL Egress Specifications

Posted on May 23, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Glow Flakes – Flooring is boring but not with Glow Flakes

GBC Safety Glow has developed self-luminous Glow Flakes that offer a glowing twist to the typical flakes found in resinous flooring systems. These flakes blend in during the day but POP at night or when the lights go out by glowing in the dark!

Our Polymer Glow Flakes have been used in a wide array of decorative flooring systems and we just had to share how awesome they are!

Resinous floor systems are essentially liquids that cure to form a monolithic surface over a substrate such as concrete. Over the years people have referred to these systems primarily as epoxy floors, although most of these floor systems no longer use epoxies. Epoxies have their place in the flooring industry as well, but the advancement of polyureas and polyurethanes have really exploded in the market. Nearly all resinous flooring systems incorporate some type of media (flakes) as a broadcast layer within the system. This incorporation of media (flakes) adds colorful decoration, stability, impact resistance, slip resistance and overall durability of the system. And if you’re going to add flakes anyways, it just makes sense to add glow! Our primary objective in introducing Glow Flakes is the safety aspect, however, our flakes are used in every floor system from night clubs to garage floors because they look great in any flooring! Glow Flakes come in traditional Green Glow and also GBC’s exclusive Blue Glow.

The uses for these self-illuminating flakes are virtually endless. GBC Glow Flakes are produced in 3 different levels of luminancy to effectively light your walkway, path, garage floor, warehouse, commercial or industrial facility or public space. One primarily use for Glow Flakes is egress pathways in commercial and industrial facilities. GBC Glow Flakes are 1/8”- 1/2” flakes which is consistent with size and weight of traditional colored flakes.

When a resinous floor system is part of the project, add GBC Safety Glow polymer glow flakes to the system and light up the night! For more details on GBC Polymer Glow flakes and ordering information, give us a call or send an email! Who knew flooring could be fun!

Posted on May 19, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

GBC Now Offering – Joe Glow Glowing Glass Switch Plates

GBC Safety Glow is excited to offer Joe Glow Glowing Glass Switch Plates. Joe Glow manufactures premium glowing glass products! The combination of high performance glow technology and premium glass make these products illuminate a green glow in low light/no light situations. This provides an added safety feature to any room and and added WOW factor that anyone will be sure to like. Rocker Styles Available: Single, Double, Triple.

Glowing Glass Switch Plates are a practical application for everyday life. Glass is the new style for residential and commercial kitchens, baths, and lobbies. Our beveled glow-in-the-dark glass switch plates can be customized to fit your decor! Learn More today!

Posted on May 19, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Stair ID Signs – Section 1022.8.1 Requirements

GBC Safety Glow’s 15”W x 18”H PVC Stair ID Signs comply with all IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 requirements. It features a green glow, non-glare background, and raised tactile lettering. The stair identification sign also have Grade 2 Braille and notes the direction of egress to the exit. This stair identification sign is a key informational and navigational aid for firefighters and building evacuees. Stair I.D. Signs are constructed of UL Listed 580 Series Rigid PVC material and are also UL 1994 Listed.

IBC/IFC 2009, 20012, 2015 REGULATIONS –
Section 1022.8: Floor Identification Signs
Per Section 1022.8, a sign shall be provided at each floor landing in exit enclosures connecting more than three stories designating the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the exit enclosure and the identification of the stair or Ramp. The signage shall also state the story of, and the direction to, the exit discharge and the availability of roof access from the enclosure for the fire department. The sign shall be located 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions. Floor level identification signs in tactile characters complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor level landing adjacent to the door leading from the enclosure into the corridor to identify the floor level.

Full regulations for IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 Section 1022.8

Posted on May 19, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

GBC Now Offering – Joe Glow Glowing Glass Tiles

GBC Safety Glow is excited to offer Joe Glow Glowing Glass Tiles products to its customers. Joe Glow manufacturers premium architectural glass tiles that glow-in-the-dark! The combination of high performance glow technology and premium glass creates the most elegant tile options for your kitchens, baths, offices, flooring tiles, and much more… Every tile comes with perfectly polished and beveled edges for a premium look and feel! With 8 standard sizes and three glowing colors, you are sure to find tiles for your project.

GLASS TILES
Design your tile work by incorporating glowing glass tiles and enhance the room. Joe Glow Glowing Glass Tiles increase the WOW factor and provide a small amount of lighting in low light/no light environments.

See all Glass Tiles: Click Here

DECORATIVE GLASS TILES
Decorative Glowing Glass Tiles offer an even bigger WOW factor to the room. Choose from one of our many designs or we can create one of a kind tiles just for you!

See all Decorative Glass Tiles: Click Here

GLASS TILE MOSAICS
A custom Glass Tile Mosaic will light up any room. Use outdoor or indoor. Whether by the pool or in your living room, these decorative composites will enhance the area. Choose one of our pre-designed mosaics or design your own!

See all Glass Tile Mosaics: Click Here

Posted on May 18, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Egress Signs – Accessible Signage Initiative

We all know that clear communication saves lives in an emergency – and Egress Signs are an integral component of clear communication!

GBC Safety Glow now offers photo-luminescent Accessible Egress Signs along with its traditional line of Egress Signs. By offering these new signs we are in part helping to inspire continuous change in the advancement of public safety for all people – including those with physical challenges. We proudly offer the new accessible egress signage with the information you need to share with facility occupants.

Interested in joining our initiative or incorporating Accessible Egress signs into your building facility? Contact Us Today!

Accessible Signage Initiative:
New IBC/IFC 2009, 2012, 2015 requirements continue to advance codes related to life saving photo-luminescent egress systems. By offering these photo-luminescent egress signs, in accordance with UL 1994, we are including physically challenged citizens with the same life saving information. We are proud to partner with Egress Group Pty Ltd. on our Accessible Signage Initiative. Click to learn more.

Posted on May 18, 2017 April 9, 2018 by Emily GBC

Glow Bars – #1 Backup Lighting Source

Imagine walking down a long hallway when suddenly – the lights go out. There are no windows around, you are not familiar with the building, no one is around, and you are now left in complete darkness. Where do you go? What do you do? How do you find an exit?

When electricity fails, trust GBC Safety Glow’s Glow Bars – one of the world’s most trusted back-up lighting sources for power outages. Glow bars are easy to install, affordable, and add safety to rooms, hallways, elevators, basements, and more. Glow Bars fasten to existing light fixtures by magnetic tabs wherever you find back-up lighting necessary.

Many industries are utilizing this affordable alternative to second source lighting in power outage situations such as hospitals, manufacturing buildings, warehouses, schools, stadiums, and more.

Why be left in the dark? Don’t wait until the power goes out to realize you need backup lighting. Contact us today to discuss the benefits of adding Glow Bars to your building. You’ll be glad that you did.