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The basis for action
Traction Solutions Limited employs certified Walkway Auditor Certificate Holders (WACH). These certified personnel, have also undertaken training in the understanding and interpretation of multiple international building codes, with an emphasis on safety. With these international standards setting the benchmark, the certified auditors utilise specialised equipment to evaluate various factors as it relates to the safety of the means of egress. Upon completion of the audit, our clients are supplied with a confidential report detailing our findings as well as recommendations for addressing any risks identified with the means of egress. This service assists our clients in achieving a high level of safety standard, thereby protecting all occupants and visitors to their premises.
This audit is composed of three main components including walking/working surfaces, egress illumination and emergency markings/signs. Any shortcomings in any of these components can adversely affect the safety of personnel especially in times of emergency.
Overview
Measuring the the wet Coefficient of Friction (COF) of the floor surface is basically a measurement that records how slip-resistant the floor surface is when it is wet. This is done by a trained operator to ensure the test measurement is reliable. This measurement is used as a guide to aid in the prevention of slip and fall accidents and assist in the elimination, reduction, and/or control of hazards from undesired incidents of slips, trips and falls. The IBC 2015 Section 1003.4 states “Walking surfaces of the means of egress shall have a slip-resistant surface...”
Walking and Working Surfaces
The International Building Code 2015 states that “Illumination shall be provided in the means of egress in accordance with Section 1008.2. Under emergency power, means of egress illumination shall comply with Section 1008.3.” The NFPA states that “When fire occurs in a building, the degree of visibility in aisles, corridors, stairs, and exit passageways might mean the difference between orderly evacuation and chaos and, possibly, the difference between life and death.” The NFPA goes on to state “Illumination of means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.8 for every building...”
Egress Illumination
NFPA Section 7.10.1.2.1 states “Exits, other than main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits, shall be marked by an approved sign that is readily visible from any direction of exit access.” IBC 2015 Section 1013.1 states “Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases
where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants.”
Emergency Markings and Signs
What is a building code?
“....it is a compendium of minimum safety standards arranged in a systematic manner (codified) for easy reference...”
International Code Council