Click Here to view an excerpt from the 2007 Supplement International Building Code.

On page 14, Section 403.16 states:

"403.16 Exit path markings. Exit path markings shall be provided in accordance with Section 1027."

Pages 106-107, Section 1027 states the following:

"SECTION 1027
EXIT PATH MARKINGS

1027.1 General. Approved luminous markings delineating the exit path shall be provided in exit enclosures, including vertical exit enclosures and exit passageways, of buildings of Group A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 having occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
and shall comply with Sections 1027.1.1 through 1027.1.7.

Exception: Exit path markings shall not be required in lobbies or areas of open parking garages, where such lobby or area is located on the level of exit discharge and complies with the exception to Section 1023.1.

1027.1.1 Steps. A stripe shall be applied to the horizontal leading edge of each step and shall extend for the full length of the step. Outlining stripes shall have a minimum horizontal width of 1 inch (25 mm) and a maximum width of 2 inches (51 mm). The leading edge of the stripe shall be placed at a maximum of ½ inch (13 mm) from the leading edge of the step and the stripe shall not overlap the leading edge of the step by not more than ½ inch (13 mm) down the vertical face of the step.

1027.1.2 Landings: The leading edge of landings shall be marked with a stripe consistent with the dimensional requirements for steps.

1027.1.3 Handrails: All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a stripe having a minimum width of 1 inch (25 mm). The stripe shall be placed on the top surface of the handrail for the entire length of the handrail, including extensions and newel post caps. Where handrails or handrail extensions bend or turn corners, the stripe shall not have a gap of more than 4 inches (102 mm).

1027.1.4 Perimeter demarcation lines: Stair landings and other floor areas within exit enclosures, with the exception of the sides of steps, shall be provided with demarcation lines on the floor or on the walls or a combination of both. The stripes shall be 1 (25 mm) to 2 inches (51 mm) wide with interruptions not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm).

1027.1.4.1 Floor mounted demarcation lines: Perimeter demarcation lines shall be placed within 4 inches of the wall and shall extend to within 2 inches (51 mm) of the markings on the leading edge of landings. The demarcation lines shall continue across the floor in front of all doors.

Exception: Demarcation lines shall not extend in front of exit doors that lead out of an exit enclosure and through which occupants must travel to complete the exit path.

1027.1.4.2 Wall mounted demarcation lines: Perimeter demarcation lines shall be placed on the wall with the bottom edge of the stripe no more than 4 inches (102 mm) above the finished floor. At the top or bottom of the stairs, demarcation lines shall drop vertically to the floor within 2 inches (51 mm) of the step or landing edge. Demarcation lines on walls shall transition vertically to the floor and then extend across the floor where a line on the floor is the only practical method of outlining the path. Where the wall line is broken by a door, demarcation lines on walls shall continue across the face of the door or transition to the floor and extend across the floor in front of such doors.

Exception: Demarcation lines shall not extend in front of exit doors that lead out of an exit enclosure and through which occupants must travel to complete the exit path.

1027.1.4.3 Transition. Where a wall mounted demarcation line transitions to a floor mounted demarcation line, or vice-versa, the wall mounted demarcation line shall drop vertically to the floor to meet a complimentary extension of the floor mounted demarcation line, thus forming a continuous marking.

1027.1.5 Uniformity. Placement and dimensions of markings shall be consistent and uniform throughout the same exit enclosure.

1027.1.6 Materials. Luminescent exit path markings shall be permitted to be made of any material, including paint, provided that an electrical charge is not required to maintain the required luminance. Such materials shall include, but not limited to, self-luminous materials and photoluminescent materials. Materials shall comply with either:
1. UL 1994, or
2. ASTM E 2072, except that the charging source shall be 1 fc (10 lux) of fluorescent illumination for 60 minutes, and the minimum luminance shall be 5 milicandelas per square meter after 90 minutes.

1027.1.7 Illumination. Exit enclosures where photoluminescent exit path markings are installed shall be provided with the minimum means of egress illumination required by Section 1006 for at least 60 minutes prior to periods when the building is occupied."