KCC has launched 'LUMISAFE,' a photoluminescent coating that absorbs and stores light to glow on its own in dark environments.
'LUMISAFE' is a coating capable of self-illumination for a certain period of time by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays and visible light generated from sunlight or lamps and emitting them in the form of visible light during a blackout. Even in emergency situations where light is cut off and vision becomes dark—such as power outages, fires, or flooding—it emits light for a certain period of time, helping to secure the 'golden time' for evacuation. In fact, 'LUMISAFE' has been applied on a trial basis to the Sillim-Bongcheon Tunnel in Seoul, where it is used to identify the location of emergency exits during blackouts. With excellent adhesion and weather resistance, it can be easily installed at desired locations such as walls, floors, and columns made of various materials including steel and concrete. In addition, in spaces where light can be blocked, such as tunnels and underground parking lots, it can be custom-made in various designs including emergency exit and pathway markings as well as arrows and human figures, and by utilizing the characteristic of emitting light when the lights are off, it can also be applied as a point design element. Furthermore, 'LUMISAFE' has secured an indoor air quality certificate so that it can be used safely not only outdoors but also inside public facilities and multi-unit residential buildings.
KCC developed the photoluminescent coating 'LUMISAFE' to minimize casualties in preparation for emergency situations such as fires and power outages, as large-scale apartment complexes and underground parking spaces increase. Currently, many underground parking lots are equipped with emergency lighting and guide signs, but some emergency lights rely on power supply under normal conditions and have the limitation of operating only in a restricted manner on built-in batteries during a power outage, and guide signs are, in most cases, impossible to identify in dark environments. 'LUMISAFE' emits light on its own without a separate power supply and can be easily applied regardless of the shape of the structure, so it is expected to draw attention as a new solution that helps enable rapid and safe evacuation.
A KCC official said, "LUMISAFE is a safety-functional coating that can minimize casualties by quickly identifying emergency exits and evacuation routes, enhancing visibility by emitting accumulated light in emergency situations such as sudden blackouts or fires," adding, "We will continue to develop solutions that can be utilized in various spaces in line with safety-enhancement policies and on-site demand." 02-3480-5000