Resource Centre
What is Photoluminescent Materials (PLM)?
There have been various types of PLM offered in the marketplace, as the Technology has advanced. PNA/JESSUP uses STRONTIUM ALUMINATE, mined from the ground. In its original state, it has minimal Luminance, and no Longevity, making it quite useless as an Energy Conservation, or Safety Product.
In order to improve its Quality, originally the catalysts that were added were Zinc, and Phosphorous, which are TOXIC. PNA/JESSUP have developed a Proprietary Laboratory process, which is 100% NON-TOXIC, yet performs at a higher level than any other product available.
As a result of this, and after many years, our Products have now achieved every Building, Fire, and Safety Code there is in North America. Our products perform in any Emergency, which cannot be said for products available requiring Back-up Power, or Generators.
Our Products are completely LEED Qualified, and Environmentally friendly as well, which again cannot be said for any competitive option.
PLM Material is now fully accepted as an alternative to "traditional options", in 2 separate Categories:
1) ENERGY CONSERVATION - EXIT SIGNS
2) SAFETY WAY GUIDANCE STRIPS AND SAFETY SIGNAGE
BACKGROUND
PhotoLuminescent Material (PLM) has been used throughout Europe and Asia for SAFETY, and Emergency Egress since the mid 1980's. In 1988 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) made PLM MANDATORY for all Passenger Ships, for SAFETY WAY GUIDANCE SYSTEMS in all Stairwells and Hallways, as well as Safety Signage. (I.M.O. RESOLUTION A-752 [18])
WHY? Because only PLM material is GUARANTEED to always perform in any Emergency, and it has been proven to SAVE LIVES.
Similarly, The International Standards Organization (I.S.O. 15370, 16069) implemented the same standards for Safety Way Guidance Systems in Buildings.
In 2001, in the aftermath of The World Trade Centre Tragedy, it was noted by survivors that in the 2nd Tower, some of the stairwells were illuminated by Strips of a "GLOWING" material. These strips provided enough light through the smoke and darkness to assist these people to get out of the Building quicker. These were PLM Safety Way Guidance Strips, and although all other power was cut off, including Back up Generators, and Exit Signs, PLM worked!
As a result, New York City passed a number of new Laws for PUBLIC SAFETY as BY LAW 26. One of these new Mandatory Regulations was to require PLM in all stairways throughout all Buildings 3 storeys or higher (75 FEET). The LAW requires PLM strips on the Walls, Handrails, and Steps. It also requires Low Level Safety Signs throughout.
WHY? TO SAVE LIVES.
Since this initial Legislation, similar Laws are being passed throughout North America. The Safety Way Guidance System, using PLM has received support from every Safety Organization, ranging from the N.F.P.A., E.P.A., PUBLIC WORKS CANADA, O.H.S.A., U.L., U.L.C., C.C.M.C., I.C.C., and many more (please see The Standards and Codes Sheet).
The current ASTM Standard for Safety Way Guidance Systems requires 2.8 mcd/m2 after 60 minutes. Our PLM used for Safety Way Guidance Systems achieves 22.7 mcd/m2, which is a far superior level than any other Lighting option. In addition, only PLM is GUARANTEED to always perform in any Emergency.