Section 27-388
§ 27-388 Retroactive provisions. Except as otherwise provided, the
provisions of this subchapter are not retroactive except that the
provisions of this article and article nine of subchapter six of this
chapter for certain existing office buildings are retroactive. Signs
required by this article must be installed no later than March sixth,
nineteen hundred sixty-nine. Where auxiliary systems for emergency exit
lighting are to be provided, the installation must commence no later
than May sixth, nineteen hundred sixty-nine.
Section 27-389
§ 27-389 Designation of required means of egress. (a) Except for
spaces classified in occupancy J-2 and J-3, the location of each
required means of egress on every floor of every structure shall be
clearly indicated by exit signs. Such signs shall be placed at an angle
with the exit doorway if such placement shall be required for such signs
to serve their purpose adequately. These signs shall be of an approved
phosphorescent material, which after exposure to normal lighting
conditions shall be capable of remaining visible in total darkness for a
period of at least eight hours. They shall also be washable, non-toxic,
non-radioactive, and if subjected to fire must be self-extinguishing
when the flame is removed. Except for illuminated signs, these signs
shall have a phosphorescent background and opaque text. Where means of
egress were required to be indicated by an illuminated sign, there shall
be either (1) an illuminated exit sign with the lettering thereon made
of the approved phosphorescent material, or (2) a supplemental exit sign
made of the approved phosphorescent material with an opaque text, and
placed adjacent to or as close as possible to such illuminated sign.
(b) Except for spaces classified in occupancy groups J-2 and J-3, in
long corridors, in open floor areas and in all other situations where
the location of the means of egress may not be readily discernible or
understood by the occupants, directional signs shall be provided and
maintained to serve as guides from all portions of the floor or
corridor. These signs shall be of an approved phosphorescent material
which after exposure to normal lighting conditions shall be capable of
remaining visible in total darkness for a period of at least eight
hours. They shall also be washable, non-toxic, non-radioactive, and if
subjected to fire must be self-extinguishing when the flame is removed.
Except for illuminated signs these signs shall have a phosphorescent
background and opaque text. Where a directional sign was required to be
illuminated there shall be either (1) an illuminated directional sign
with the lettering, indicator, symbol or other device thereon made of
the aforesaid phosphorescent material, or (2) a supplemental directional
sign with the same lettering, indicator, symbol or device as appears on
the illuminated sign, but opaque, on a background made of the aforesaid
phosphorescent material and placed adjacent to or as close as possible
to such illuminated sign.
(c) Except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of any law, the
lettering of exit signs shall be of letters of at least eight inches
high.
(d) In those buildings not provided with artificial lighting, in those
buildings which maintain one or more auxiliary systems for emergency
exit lighting in the event of a public utility failure, and in those
buildings for which the installation of one or more such auxiliary
systems is commenced on or before August sixth, nineteen hundred
sixty-nine, the signs need not be phosphorescent but shall otherwise
conform to this section.