Jalite systems ‘above minimum’ requirements
03 September 2008
Serious consideration should be given to installing safety way-guidance systems and safety signs in stairwells and along escape paths in buildings.
Tenants are obviously concerned about their working environment and safety included but also about ecology and energy issues.
The general population is receptive to arguments in these areas and are prepared to pay for some extras, especially when it has been shown over and again that meeting minimum requirements carries a non-negligible residual risk.
These additional provisions in buildings can be called ‘above minimum requirements’. Property owners and management companies can build competitive advantage and have higher average rentals and/or occupancy with relatively small investments in these areas.
The basis for ‘above minimum requirements’ and the ultimate demonstration of care and responsiveness come from a risk assessment approach to safety. Any formal risk assessment carried out in a building today must take into account the recent history, failure to do so is not only a lack of care but may, in the event of an incident, be deemed negligent. The consequence to business of not addressing the risk of being careless or negligent is high. The opportunity of being seen to be actively caring and thoughtful is extremely positive.
Tenants will have an added benefit of being in buildings that have ‘above minimum requirements’ since it can be quantified and has proven to save lives.
Jalite has specialised in photoluminescent systems now for over 25 years. The first applications were Military and Civil Defence in the mountains of Switzerland.
In the last 25 years there have been a string of disasters that have had detailed analysis of ‘minimum requirements’ not meeting the needs. All the subsequent inquiries have lead to recommendations for improved directional signing and low location escape path marking systems.
Photoluminescent Safety way-guidance systems are continuous escape path marking lines on floors walls and handrails up to and including the exit door and an unambiguous series of safety signs to give direction to the exit.
The systems harvest energy given by the normal lighting that is required on the escape path, which is then subsequently released over time as visible light in case of loss of lighting. Jalite brought the proof of their effectiveness in collaborative research with the National Research Canada already back in 1998 which was the basis for stairway provisions.
Jalite products are engineered specifically to charge quickly and well under relatively low lighting although performance maybe significantly enhanced by adjustments to the installed lighting.
Jalite systems are all designed to be ‘above minimum’ requirement and can be tailored to expected evacuation times or for greater conspicuousness.
Jalite systems have the highest credentials and accreditations of any systems on the market with the most prestigious reference list of clients over its now very long history.
Jalite works exclusively through a trained and qualified distributor network to provide essential logistic support and services.
Like any other safety system there is a need to choose the right product for the risk, install the product effectively and to maintain it. ‘Above minimum’ is assured by qualified expertise, Jalite as manufacturer and Jalite distributors’ expertise in securing client relationships and to deliver advice, installation and maintenance services.
Jalite and Chubb have formed this level of co-operation for many years in the UK and in Hong Kong now for over five years.
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