Work Item
ASTM WK69989
Revision of E2072-14 Standard Specification for Photoluminescent (Phosphorescent) Safety Markings
Rationale
Specification E2072 is one of two U.S. standard choices listed to qualify photoluminescent egress path markings that are required by the U.S. wide building codes for installation inside high-rise building emergency staircases to aide in the evacuation of multi-story buildings, such as high-rise hotels/motels, hospitals, office/ administrative occupancies. One of the two qualifying U.S. Standards is UL1994 Luminous Egress Path Marking Systems, published by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. A manufacturer that promotes a valid UL1994-listing has to manufacture at a UL-authorized manufacturing facility in accordance with the UL follow-up services requirements (where a UL field inspector inspects the manufacturing facility with unannounced visits up to four times a year), plus has to repeatedly each year submit material samples for re-testing to determine the continued conformity of the covered life safety products to UL1994-requirements. By having UL 1994 and ASTM E2072 both listed as either / or OPTION in the Code, it gives users of the Code the impression both documents as identically stringent. Yet these two documents are radically different, only perceived equal. This Ballot activity shall improve the Specification language.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 09-20-2019
Technical Contact: Marina Batzke
Item: 001
Ballot: E12 (19-04)
Status: Negative Votes Need Resolution