HUD NSPIRE November Newsletter:
Exit Signs
In November’s Newsletter, the topic is Exit Signs – a Life-Threatening Health & Safety under NSPIRE. The good news is that this LT deficiency would score once for all Exit Signs on the Outside and just once per building for the Inside (Common Areas).
First – a quick update to my September Newsletter about deficiencies that were supposed to start scoring Oct 1, 2024. HUD is STILL not scoring those items listed and are discussing postponing the scoring until October 1, 2025 – but until they decide, they will remain non-scoring.
HUD states they will post their decision here: NSPIRE Official Announcements
What Kind of Exit Signs can be installed?
The Exit Sign Standard specifically mentions them in the definition as well as a component:
HUD also states they must be “adequately illuminated,” but do not mention what exactly would be considered “adequate.” Unfortunately, this fact leaves the deficiency criteria extremely subjective.
When in doubt…fall back on Code and you can never go wrong!
This website delves into photoluminescent exit signs much deeper than this Newsletter does: https://blog.qrfs.com/326-are-photoluminescent-exit-and-egress-signs-osha-compliant/
There are many different types of exit signs – you’ll need to find the ones that best suit your property.
Remember, code requires they stay illuminated at least 90 minutes during a situation of main power loss.
When I push the test button, do you want the Exit Sign to go dark?
No!!!
By pushing the test button, you are cutting the exit sign off from the main power supply and are checking the back-up battery. You want the sign to stay lit up while depressing the test button.
Don’t forget to hook up the battery when you install new Exit Signs!
Keep in mind that if you have a combination auxiliary light and exit sign, it gets cited as a LT AND Severe H&S if the sign/lights do not illuminate when the test button is pushed.
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