The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  in the U.S. introduced a compliance circular requiring aisle way PL marking on airliners in 1984.

In 1989, California adopted a law requiring pathway marking and low level exit signage in new assembly, educational, healthcare and hospital facilities.

In 1993, following a cruise ship fire that killed 158 people, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) passed a similar requirement as in California.

The American Passenger Transit Association (APTA) passed a requirement for pathway marking on all new commuter trains as of 2001, and existing commuter trains by 2006.

ASTM has recently developed a Standard 2030-99, “Guide for Recommended Uses of Photoluminescent Safety Markings”; shows a system that provides a continuous stream of information for facility occupants during egress.

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) conducted a study in 1999 supporting a stream of information.
The NRC reported, “Photo luminescent pathway markings appears to be a cost-effective replacement for traditional electrical emergency lighting, since it does not consume energy, requires no wiring, needs minimum maintenance and is totally reliable, provided it is installed in locations where permanent full lighting is provided.”

The International Standards Organization (ISO) is developing the new ISO 16069 through a Technical Committee (TC145), “Safeway Guidance Systems”.  This standard is reported to be available for publication in 2004, and will primarily address PL application for emergency egress.

IMO Resolution A.752(18)

Guidelines of evaluation, testing and application of low location lighting on passenger ships.

IMO Resolution MSC.61(67)

Adaptation of the international code for application of fire test procedures.

IMO Resolution MSC.57(67)

Adaptation of amendments to the international convention for the safety of life at sea, 1974.

ISO/CD 15370

Low location lighting on passenger ships

ISO 16069/TC145

Safe Way Guidance System (SWGS) [Draft]

ISO/DIS 3864

Safety colours and safety signs

ISO 6309

Fire protection - Safety signs

IEC 60598-2-22

Luminaries - Particular requirements - Luminaries for emergency lighting

IEC Publication 50

International electrotechnical vocabulary, Chapter 845; Lighting

UL 1994

Standard for low level path marking and lighting systems

UL 410

Standard for slip resistance for floor surface materials

UL 924

Standard for safety emergency lighting & power equipment

ANSI SS-EN 60598-2-22

Particular requirements - Luminaries for emergency lighting

ICS 47.020.60,29.140.50

Regulation on low location lighting installed on passenger ships

ASTM E 2030-99

Guide for recommended uses of photoluminescent safety markings

ASTM E 2072-00

Standard specification for photoluminescent (phosphorescent) safety markings

ASTM E 2073-00

Standard test method for photopic luminance of photoluminescent markings

ASTM D 1654-92

Standard test method for evaluation of painted or coated specimens subjected to corrosive elements

ASTM D 4828-94(1999)

Standard test methods for practical washability of organic coatings

ASTM D 1242-95a

Standard test methods for resistance of plastic materials to abrasion

ASTM 162

Surface flammability using a radiant heat energy source

ASTM 648

Critical radiant flux

ASTM 662

Specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials

APTA SS-PS-004-99

Standard for low location exit path markings

APTA SS-PS-002-98 Rev. 1

Standard for emergency signage for egress / access of passenger rail equipment

1998 CaliforniaBuilding Code 7/21/98 Low Level Exit Sign Regulations

1007.2.8 - Floor Level
1007.3.12 - Exit Signs
1007.5.13 - Exit Signs

1998 California Fire Code

Section 1211 - Means of egress illumination
Section 1212 - Means of egress identification
Section 3214 - Exit Signs
Section 4110 - Exit illumination

NFPA Life Safety Code 101

7.10 - Marking of means of egress
7.10.1.2 - Exits
7.10.1.5 - Floor proximity exit signs
7.10.1.5 - Floor proximity egress path markings
7.10.2 - Directions signs
7.10.7.2 - Photoluminescent signs