Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Building Services Engineeringen_US
dc.creatorWong, Yee-ping-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3138-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleA visibility study on photoluminescent exit signs in building corridoren_US
dcterms.abstractEmergency lighting and electrically powered exit signs are always considered to be critical provisions for safe egress, but their system reliability largely depends on the maintenance efforts, and not every critical situation could trigger off the systems, if the main power was not off, particularly in situations when there are fires with heavy smoke. To enhance the safety of the buildings, it is essential to have lighting provisions that could be functioned independently in emergency condition, and it is where the photoluminescent signage and way-guidance systems come in effect and influence on recent fire engineering design for safe egress. In this dissertation, the importance of exit signs functioning in emergency situation is emphasized, leading to the emergence of application of photoluminescent system as safety signage and way-guidance system. International standards, fire codes and building codes related to the adoption of photoluminescent signage and way-guidance system for safety provisions are being reviewed. The distance factor, Z factor, to determine the design of signage by viewing distance was discussed, which is the foundation to develop an engineering approach for sign design and application in building fire safety. Experiment was carried out to determine the observation distance and Z factor for photoluminescent signs in different lighting conditions, including normal, emergency situations and in complete darkness, as well as comparison of different classes of luminance performance. Different designs of exit signs according to the Hong Kong code, ISO design as well as UL standard were used for comparison to determine legibility of the sign. Questionnaire was also used to collect the subjective opinions about the applicability of photoluminescent signs in comparing with traditional electrically powered signs. The results from this research shows possibility of adopting photoluminescent sign, while not only limited to the use of low location visual aid, but as alternative exit sign system to enhance safety egress in means of egress against a proper lighting system to give illumination. Also, it works out a framework with the use of Z factor application, thus giving building engineers a flexible way for designing exit signs and directional signs.en_US
dcterms.extentviii, 124, 16, 12 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm.en_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2007en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.Sc.en_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations.en_US
dcterms.LCSHPhotoluminescence.en_US
dcterms.LCSHSigns and signboards -- Lighting.en_US
dcterms.LCSHSafety signs -- Lighting.en_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b21176061.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)2.34 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3138