If you are not familiar with the law, it can seem like a very daunting task to figure out which building codes apply to your facility. Luckily, Intersign Corporation has you covered at EvacuationPlans.com. 

When determining which codes apply to government and educational facilities, you need to know whether your building is a public or private entity, whether federal or state. If your facility is a private institution serving students or guests, look to the relevant state adopted building codes for reference (other areas of federal law will apply in particular circumstances). State public institutions will also comply with the given state’s adopted codes. 

Federal facilities will usually comply with the same standards as that of the state in which it is located, but the exact building codes will also depend on the federal agency(ies) involved. That is because the Public Buildings Amendments of 1988, 40 U.S.C. § 3312, requires that each building project constructed or altered by GSA (General Services Administration) or any other federal agency shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be in compliance with one of the nationally recognized model building codes and with other applicable nationally recognized codes. Although federal legislation defers to nationally recognized model codes, when it comes to evacuation diagrams, the GSA, for example, defaults to the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Therefore, if a conflict arises when a federal building is the subject of a project, the default application is that of its governing agency.  

Several factors must be considered when drawing up your plans. For example, you must ensure all the relevant interior components of your building are present within the evacuation signage, including stairwells, fire extinguishers, and areas of refuge. The accuracy of evacuation diagrams will help facilitate a smooth evacuation from your building during an emergency. Good evacuation diagrams are paramount! They are current, accurate illustrations of each floor level from the perspective of where the diagram is located. Additionally, mount egress route signage in a location that is clearly visible to the reader. 

Aside from hotels and college dormitories, federal and state building codes do not specifically state mounting locations; but don’t worry, our artisans at EvacuationPlans.com are experienced in addressing these challenges! We will work with you to figure out those logical nuances, producing highly accurate facility evacuation diagrams.

So, allow us at EvacuationPlans.com to help you address your emergency evacuation plans today. For your convenience, we have streamlined the evacuation plans process—simply submit your facility blueprints or floor plans. We then create a mock-up, marking exit areas and pull alarms, and indicate the quickest exit routes. With your approval, we will then produce your building’s custom evacuation plan at our Chattanooga, Tennessee production facility. Our customers can be confident that each sign is covered by unparalleled guarantees, including our Life-of-the-Building and Compliance guarantees. Ensure your facility is prepared for an emergency today—call us at 833.917.1131 or email us at emailus@evacuationplans.com and trust our sign experts at EvacuationPlans.com to help equip your building.