Photoluminescent Safety Signs & Markings: What They Do and Why They Matter

Why Photoluminescent Safety Products Matters

When the lights go out, photoluminescent safety signs, tapes and markings provide essential guidance, helping workers navigate safely in low-light or emergency situations.

From glow-in-the-dark safety signs to floor markings and Glo-Brite Photoluminescent (Fire Exit Running Man) Tapes, these products play a critical role in highlighting emergency escape routes, preventing disorientation, and reducing risks in power failures or smoke-filled environments.

But with different product names (glow-in-the-dark, ‘nite glo’, ‘photolume’, and photoluminescent) and misleading claims about glow duration, how do you know which ones actually work?

At SafetyBuyer, we believe in clear, accurate information. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right photoluminescent safety products with confidence.

How Do Photoluminescent Safety Signs & Markings Work?

Photoluminescent safety products absorb and store light from a good light source and emit it in darkness, ensuring visibility when normal lighting is lost.

They glow brightly at first, providing clear guidance for evacuation.
Over time, the glow gradually fades but remains visible for several hours.
They must be properly exposed to light beforehand to function effectively.

⚠Important: If placed in poorly lit areas, photoluminescent products won’t fully charge, reducing their effectiveness in an emergency.

Understanding Photoluminescent Classifications

To help buyers compare real performance, the UK follows a classification system developed by the Photoluminescent Safety Products Association (PSPA).

This system ranks products based on:

Initial brightness (luminance level)
How quickly the glow fades once the light source is removed

This classification ensures you know exactly what to expect in an emergency.

Luminance mcd/m2	2 mins	10 mins	30 mins	60 mins
Class A	108	25	7	3
Class B	210	50	15	7
Class C	690	140	45	20
Class D	1100	260	85	35
Class E	1800	400	120	55
Class F	2300	520	155	70
Class G	3000	650	190	80

With all product categories, brightness levels will decay by 76% to 80% after 10 minutes, and by 97% after an hour

Why You Should Trust SafetyBuyer for Photoluminescent Safety Signs

Many online product descriptions claim 6, 12, or even 24-hour glow durations, but these numbers can be misleading.

The reality: After an hour, most products retain only 3% of their original brightness - which is why understanding PSPA classifications is so important.

At SafetyBuyer, we ensure:
✔ Accurate product descriptions - no exaggerated claims, just real performance data.
✔ Compliance with PSPA classifications - all products meet or exceed industry standards.
✔ Material samples & technical certification on request - so you can check before you buy.
✔ Expert support - helping you choose the right products for your emergency escape plans.

Find the Right Photoluminescent Safety Signs & Markings

For trusted, high-quality glow-in-the-dark safety solutions, explore SafetyBuyer’s wide selection of photoluminescent safety signs - all clearly marked with the performance details you need.