Posted By Paul
Any help with this one would be appreciated.

I have just visited a building to carry out a fire risk assessment where there is a number of dark rooms (Developing photos). No light can be let in therefore making it difficult for people to find the fire exits. Is photo-luminescent signage the only logical recommendation?

Thanks

Posted By Robert K Lewis
Just a thought from my days developing films - are these rooms without even a "safe light" There was always a red safe light in the dark rooms I knew of.

Bob

Posted By David Bannister
Are these small darkrooms where 1 person works at a time or larger ones with several or many?

If the former then it is likely that the darkroom user will be very familiar with working in the dark and familiar with the environment. Is an illuminated sign needed? Question of opinion I suppose, so long as once out of the room the exit route is clearly signed.

If there are many users in a larger room then there is a greater chance for confusion and collisions and some form of formal system would be needed.

I remember many years ago doing some work at a well-known manufacturer of photo film and paper. They had a policy of employing blind persons who would not be uncomfortable with working in the dark. They had large rooms where the emulsions etc were applied and these had complex labyrinth entrances at either end so as to prevent stray light entering.

At first I was horrified but was subsequently convinced by the company that these arrangements were OK and the local Fire Officer was happy too.

I wonder whether they would get away with that approach now with self-regulation.