Our Latest Emergency Sign Pictogram
We would like to announce the release of a new pictogram into the Egress Group range of emergency and exit sign designs. The new design represents an emergency escape mask also commonly known around the world as a smoke hood. The design is an addition to The Accessible Exit Sign Project released in 2014.
Why We Need a New Design
The design has been created to fill a gap internationally and to ensure a consistent approach can be adopted to identify these important safety devices. During a building fire it is common for smoke to leak throughout the building (generally upwards) which may cause some parts of the building to fill with smoke, even though the fire is on another level.
Occupant Safety
We believe that everyone deserves a safe means of egress from a building during an emergency, including those that may face some extra challenges negotiating an egress route. Unfortunately, unless the building has an evacuation lift/elevator or smoke protected safe refuges this might mean that people who are unable to evacuate via a stairs might experience toxic smoke whilst they await assistance.
When discussing sprinkler protected and non-smoke protected refuge floors, the NFPA in the U.S has stated “Yes, the area might become smoky or misty and be scary to a person who remains behind when most others have evacuated, but it is not dangerous” (NFPA 101® 2015, 20 Frequently Asked Questions, February 2015). One could ask if it is acceptable to leave people at risk of breathing in toxic smoke, particularly for those that have respiratory conditions or are unable to get down below the smoke layer as the area becomes untenable.
Licensed Partners
We encourage signage companies around the world to become licensed partners of the Accessible Exit Sign Project. By doing so you will not only present as an organisation that considers corporate social responsibility a priority, but you’ll also have a unique product in the market place. You can then use the Smoke Hood Icon on our designs, or you can design your own signs to suit your needs or local legislative requirements. Please contact us as we’d love to add you to our list of licensed partners.
Three Designs
We offer three different options in the design of the Smoke Hood Icon:
Egress Group 