The employer is obliged to install phosphorescent safety and/or health signage in the workplace. Such signage becomes essential when risks cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by other means, in accordance with Directive 89/391/EEC. It is a key tool for limiting dangerous situations and reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents. In particular, signage must clearly identify:

• the dangers and obstacles present,

• the routes leading to emergency exits,

• fire-fighting equipment,

• the obligations to be respected and the prohibitions to be observed.

Phosphorescent signage at work

Safety signage relies on the use of visual, luminous or acoustic signals.
► In the event of insufficient or failing natural lighting, photoluminescent colours, reflective materials or suitable artificial lighting should be used. The shape and colours of signs are determined according to their specific function (page 4: Safety signs according to ISO 7010). The choice of material depends on its ability to withstand impact, weather conditions and the stresses of the working environment (page 25: recommendations for choosing appropriate photoluminescent equipment).

Installation and positioning

• Signs must be placed as close as possible to risk areas.

• Whether permanent or temporary, signage must remain visible in all circumstances.

• They must be of sufficient size and installed at a height appropriate to the angle and distance of observation (page 16: Installation and distance of observation).

• Signs must be properly designed, present in adequate numbers and maintained in good condition.

• In order to preserve their effectiveness, it is essential to avoid any confusion caused by an excessive accumulation of signs in the same area.

Phosphorescent traffic lanes

When worker safety requires it, both inside and outside buildings, traffic routes for vehicles and machinery must be clearly marked. This identification is done using continuous strips of a highly visible colour, usually white or yellow, taking into account the colour of the ground.

LLL guidance

Certain environments require the implementation of a photoluminescent evacuation guidance system. This system relies on the use of specific equipment, such as LLL strips and photoluminescent signs.
Reference text: European Directive 92/58/EEC – Safety at work – Member States' laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to safety signs at work.
Note: The requirements of this directive do not apply to road, rail, inland waterway, maritime and air transport sectors.

Phosphorescent emergency exits

The photoluminescent emergency exit signs developed by ARCO IRIS play an essential role in ensuring people's safety in emergency situations. They are particularly useful during power cuts, fires or smoke emissions, when electrical systems may become inoperative. Thanks to their high-performance photoluminescent pigments, these signs absorb ambient light under normal conditions and release it in the dark for an extended period of time, ensuring continuous visibility of evacuation routes. This equipment is used to clearly mark emergency exits, guide occupants to the exits and reduce panic. It can be installed in industrial buildings, public buildings, car parks and tertiary infrastructure. Its autonomous operation, without the need for a power supply or complex maintenance, makes it a reliable and sustainable solution.

ARCO IRIS photoluminescent emergency exit signs comply with European Directive 92/58/EEC on safety signage in the workplace and use ISO 7010 standardised pictograms, ensuring immediate and universal understanding. They can also be incorporated into a low-level lighting (LLL) photoluminescent guidance system, enhancing the overall safety of evacuation routes.

Phosphorescent safety equipment
Phosphorescent safety signals
Phosphorescent evacuation guidance