University of Oregon Law Library Selects MN8 Foxfire for its New Photoluminescent Emergency Exit System

EUGENE, Ore., Feb. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MN8-Foxfire, developer of photoluminescent safety products, today announced that the University of Oregon (UO) Law Library chose MN8 Foxfire for its new photoluminescent emergency exit system to provide safe evacuation in any condition.

In the past two years, the UO Law Library experienced numerous power outages, including a steam tunnel explosion during which the emergency back-up electrical lighting system failed. Staff members at the library were uneasy about not having a fail-safe evacuation system. In response to staff concerns, the UO Law Library installed MN8 Foxfire's photoluminescent safety and exit signage in the stairwells.

"If our emergency back-up power system fails, the Foxfire exit path markings and signage glow so brightly, anyone could easily just walk right out of the building," said Jim Horstrup, Building Manager at University of Oregon Law Center. "You could almost read a newspaper by it! If there were an emergency, I wouldn't worry about needing a flashlight or any other illuminating device in our stairwells. With Foxfire, the potential for safe evacuation has increased drastically."

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, photoluminescent exit signs are the most energy efficient exit signs available. They charge quickly from any light source and can be recharged indefinitely. In locations with proper charging sources, they can have an unlimited service life.

The William Knight Law Center (in which the Law Library resides) is LEED Gold certified. They monitor the use of electricity and heating closely. In addition to providing life-saving exit guidance, Foxfire's photoluminescent safety products also qualify for LEED credits, which according to Horstrup will be helpful when the Law Center applies for LEED re-certification.

International Building & Fire Codes
Now a part of the International Building Code and International Fire Code (which Oregon has adopted), photoluminescent exit path markings are required within the emergency escape stairwell enclosures of all buildings over 75 feet in height.

"Even though the University of Oregon Law Library building is below state requirements, they are proactively following these codes to ensure their staff and patrons feel safe and know they have a fail-safe evacuation system," said Zach Green, CEO of MN8 Foxfire. "Battery-powered systems and back-up generators used as redundancy systems for emergency and egress lighting are unreliable and create an immense false sense of security. Foxfire's photoluminescent eco-friendly products reduce panic, increase safety, and most importantly – work when you need them most."

Innovative Rescue Solutions, Foxfire's Oregon Distributor, will be demonstrating the Law Library's photoluminescent products at the University of Oregon Reverse Vendor Fair Wednesday, February 25^th 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. To book a meeting, please contact the Foxfire team at [email protected].

About MN8-Foxfire
MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter-owned company that develops energy-efficient and cost-effective photoluminescent products for more than 60,000 firefighters and hundreds of safety and egress systems in 25 countries around the world. MN8-Foxfire's fire safety products, including photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wraps, equipment bands, and helmet tetrahedrons, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and proven performance. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce awarded MN8-Foxfire 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2013; and both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing technology that keeps both firefighters and civilians safe. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.mn8foxfire.com.

SOURCE MN8-Foxfire

Related Links

http://www.mn8foxfire.com