JAUE2024-086: Evaluation of the Affordance of Voice-assisted Flashing Exit Signs

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of voice-assisted flashing exit signs during the evacuation of disaster victims, focusing on their utility for visually and hearing-impaired individuals. These exit signs combine flashing lights and voice messages to indicate the location of exits during a fire, enhancing accessibility and safety for those with sensory impairments. The installation of such signs is mandated under the "Act on the Guarantee of Convenience Promotion of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, Pregnant Women, and Nursing Mothers" which requires these signs to be positioned near escape stairs and floors. However, to prevent confusion during evacuations, they should not be placed at exits leading from individual rooms to hallways. Despite the importance of these devices, current laws lack specific performance standards, installation guidelines, and requirements for the number of installations. Additionally, existing fire safety regulations do not adequately address the needs of the visually and hearing impaired, leading to potential confusion in emergencies. This study addresses these gaps by experimentally evaluating the performance of voice-assisted flashing exit signs, providing data to support the development of clear installation standards and improve overall safety during evacuations.