Creating more visible paths to exits for emergency cases

Occupational health and safety is an issue that has broad ramifications, not only in practice but also in principle. Because we are becoming more aware of safety concerns, we are becoming more serious about the welfare of our employees, as well as the visitors to our buildings, factories and other sites such as hospitals, retail stores, apartment complexes, nursing homes and such.

This sudden interest in safety is not only to satisfy the occupational health and safety guidelines that are in all building codes, but to also look at ways in which we can promote a higher degree of safety for all Australians. A key element in this preparation is the strategy and one of the most strategic safety plans is an evacuation system that works efficiently and safely in the event of a major fire, total blackout due to power failure, or other scenario where time is a key element in the evacuation of any trapped individuals.

"Safety is one of the key concerns most people have today, and if by implementing new ideas and new technology in the way we look at safety and preventative measure then we have found a success in the safety path system."

Solar Safety Management is a Melbourne firm with a dedicated team of manufacturing engineers that has achieved a high level of success in the research and development of a safety evacuation system that meets the criteria set by the industry. "Our objective is to raise the standard in Australia, and judging by the response we have received to date regarding the safety path evacuation system, we will be instrumental in changing the way industry thinks about building safety codes in this country," says Zoran Ovuka, a manufacturing engineer and one of the directors of Solar Safety management.

The terrorist attack on The World Trade Center in New York on 11 September 2001 was sadly indicative of the need to have efficient evacuation plans in place in case of similar events occurring here. We saw in disbelief the confusion that engulfed the many hundreds if not thousands of people who were trapped inside the buildings searching for exits, but because of the dense smoke, darkness, and rubble were unable to find a clear exit pathway that may have helped them find a way out.

Safety is one of the key concerns most people have today, and if by implementing new ideas and new technology in the way we look at safety and preventative measure then we have found a success in the safety path system. This product is not only innovative, it is setting the benchmark in this field for standard, integrity, sustainability, and cost effectiveness.

Apart from the obvious potential as a major export, there is significant interest from within the building industry where discussions regarding the inclusion of safety paths in all buildings should be compulsory in Australia. This decision will be based on the expertise and support of all associated divisions and groups within the building industry and will possibly lead to setting standards not only here but also overseas.

The company says it is widening its demographic by branching out into the Asian and Middle Eastern market from where it has received considerable interest in regards to safety evacuation systems, placing it in the enviable position of possibly becoming a major player in Australia's manufacturing and export market. Research and development it seems is alive and well in Australia as reflected in the work ethic of like-minded companies where the main focus is securing a safer Australia.