In critical situations such as a power outage or emergency evacuation, glow in the dark exit marking tapes can literally save lives. Heskins offers two high-quality photoluminescent exit tapes, the H8152 (Premium Grade) and H8154 (Super Grade), which are designed to clearly mark escape routes, stairways, doors and hazards even when the power goes out. In this article, we’ll look at the key specifications of both products, their differences, compliance with safety regulations, durability in low-light conditions and a wide range of applications across a range of industries – all to help you choose the right solution for your safety needs.

Main technical characteristics

Both the H8152 and H8154 egress tapes are designed for outstanding performance and reliability. Below are their key specifications and features:

  • Material and construction : Made from durable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film impregnated with durable photoluminescent pigments. The tapes do not contain toxic or radioactive substances — the glow is achieved by safe phosphorescent compounds that charge in ambient light and re-emit light in the dark. This means that the tape can be «recharged» infinitely from natural or artificial light, and it will not discharge or require batteries.
  • Adhesive Type : With a high-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing for permanent application. Heskins uses a heavy-duty adhesive that creates a strong, waterproof bond to most clean, dry surfaces. Each roll comes with a protective backing – simply peel it off and stick it on. (On very porous surfaces such as unsealed wood, concrete or stone, a primer is recommended to ensure maximum adhesion.)
  • Sizes : Both tapes are available in a variety of sizes to suit different needs. Standard roll widths range from 15mm (0.59 in) to 1220mm (48 in) and lengths up to 50m (164 ft). This flexibility allows for use in both narrow strips along the edges of stairs and large sheets for large-format signage. The overall thickness of the tape is around 0.35–0.37mm, with the Premium tape slightly thicker due to its higher pigment load.
  • Colour and appearance : Under normal lighting conditions, the tape is greenish-yellow (invisible on most surfaces). When the light goes out, it immediately emits a bright green luminescent glow. The glow colour is a bright neon green, to which the human eye is very sensitive in low light, ensuring maximum visibility. (A version with hazard stripes, alternating photoluminescent and black stripes, is also available to mark obstacles or edges with additional contrast.)
  • Luminescence characteristics : These strips provide an exceptionally long afterglow. H8152 and H8154 are designed to meet high photoluminescence standards (DIN 67510 / ISO 17398 classifications and PSPA performance classes). In practice, H8152 can glow for 8-10 hours on a full charge, while H8154 glows for 4-6 hours. The emitted brightness reaches its maximum immediately after the light is switched off and gradually decreases, but both degrees remain above the threshold of visibility in the dark for many hours.
  • Environmentally friendly : Heskins exit belts are designed to withstand typical indoor environmental conditions. They operate in a wide temperature range from -30°C to +90°C (-22°F to 194°F) without loss of performance, making them suitable for use in unheated warehouses or on hot factory floors. The PET construction is moisture and UV resistant for indoor use. When applied correctly, the belts have a long service life and require minimal maintenance – periodic cleaning to remove dust will keep them performing at their best.

Photoluminescent characteristics and glow duration

One of the most important factors for any glow in the dark evacuation marker is how brightly it glows and for how long. Both the H8152 and H8154 use advanced strontium aluminate photoluminescent pigments that charge quickly and glow brightly. Their performance far exceeds the basic code requirements for emergency evacuation markings. According to ASTM E2072 standards (for photoluminescent safety markings), the material must emit at least 30 mcd/m² after 10 minutes in the dark and 4.4 mcd/m² after 60 minutes. High-quality Heskins tapes easily exceed these benchmarks:

  • H8152 Premium Grade : This is the highest performing strip. Once properly “charged” by light, the H8152 has an initial luminance of over 220 mcd/m² for 10 minutes and around 27 mcd/m² for 60 minutes – extremely bright by photoluminescence standards. In complete darkness, it takes around 1800 minutes (30 hours) for the H8152 to fade to the human visibility threshold of 0.32 mcd/m². In other words, when fully charged, it can remain at least marginally visible for an entire day! The practical usable glow (the time it remains clearly visible to the eyes of occupants) is around 8-10 hours or more, covering even the longest nighttime power outage scenarios. This premium tape meets or exceeds PSPA Class C specifications — the category for materials with very high afterglow — providing an extra margin of safety for critical environments.
  • H8154 Super Grade : The “super” grade provides slightly lower photoluminescent performance, but is still very reliable. It has a slightly lower initial brightness and will decline to 0.32 mcd/m² in about 450 minutes (≈7.5 hours). This equates to about 4-6 hours of strong, visible light in the dark after a full charge. H8154 still far exceeds the ASTM E2072 minimums (it easily delivers over 30 mcd/m² in 10 minutes and 4.4 mcd/m² in 60 minutes). In terms of classification, it provides Class A or B level photoluminescent performance, which is more than sufficient for most standard safety requirements (many building codes only require 90 minutes to 2 hours of visibility for escape route markings).

The difference in glow duration between the two grades is due to the concentration and type of photoluminescent pigment in the tape. The H8152 formula contains a higher grade of pigment that initially glows brighter and longer, while H8154 uses a slightly lower grade of pigment with a shorter afterglow period. The important thing is that neither tape requires electrical power – a few minutes of exposure to ambient light (whether sunlight or indoor lighting) “charges” the tape, and it releases that energy as a glow when it’s dark. The tapes can be recharged indefinitely, cycle after cycle, maintaining their performance for years of use.

H8152 (Premium) vs H8154 (Super): Key Differences and Choice

Heskins offers both versions to give customers a choice based on performance needs and budget. Here is a summary of the differences between the H8152 and H8154 and why you might choose one over the other:

  • Afterglow Duration and Brightness : The Premium H8152 is the best option, offering approximately 4 times the glow time of the Super H8154 under the same charging conditions. If your application requires maximum longevity (such as in large facilities where evacuation may be extended, or if you want the tape to remain visible until power is restored), the H8152 is the ideal choice. The H8152’s higher initial brightness can also make a difference in the first few minutes of an evacuation, shining extremely brightly when people are disoriented. The H8154, on the other hand, still provides a very reliable glow for several hours – more than enough for typical building evacuation timeframes or short-term outages – but fades sooner than the H8152.
  • Material Thickness : The H8152 is about 0.37mm thick, compared to 0.35mm for the H8154. This slight difference is due to the extra photoluminescent material in the premium version. In practice, both strips look and feel the same – thin, flexible strips that conform to surfaces – but the premium version has a slightly thicker glow layer. The H8152’s thicker pigment layer contributes to its longer glow time.
  • Cost Effectiveness : Due to the higher pigment load and performance, H8152 is typically priced higher than H8154. Heskins offers these two levels to ensure customers only ‘spend what they need’ for the luminescence performance they require. If your risk assessment or local regulations require the highest grade of photoluminescence, the premium grade is worth the investment. However, if you only need compliance and reliable performance, the super grade may be a more cost effective solution while still exceeding safety requirements. In many cases, H8154 will do the job effectively for less, especially for smaller buildings or reserve markings.
  • Compliance Level : Both tapes meet international safety standards, but the H8152’s performance matches the highest exit safety classifications (able to meet stringent requirements like NYC local codes or ISO Class C/D levels), while the H8154 comfortably meets basic code compliance (OSHA, NFPA, IBC/IFC requirements for illuminated exit path markings). We’ll discuss the regulations in more detail below, but essentially, if you expect very stringent inspections or want an extra margin of safety, lean toward the H8152.
  • Use cases : You can use the two grades in different ways. For example, in a facility you can use H8152 on critical routes (main corridors, stairwells, main exits where you need maximum visibility) and use H8154 on less critical areas (secondary corridors, rooms with backup emergency lighting, etc.) to optimize costs. Both grades are available in the same formats and colors, so they can be mixed without problems — visually no one will notice the difference, only the performance characteristics change over time.

Other than the above points, H8152 and H8154 use the same adhesive, base material, daylight color, and installation method. Both are non-toxic, non-electrical safety solutions. Your choice ultimately comes down to the level of glow duration you require and budget considerations.

Compliance with safety and evacuation regulations

Using photoluminescent tape for exit markings isn’t just a safety best practice – in many cases, it’s mandated by codes or standards. Heskins H8152 and H8154 tapes are designed to help businesses comply with strict exit safety regulations in a variety of regions and industries:

  • Building and Fire Codes : Many modern building codes (e.g., the International Building Code and the International Fire Code, as well as local derivatives) require illuminated escape route markings on stairwells and escape routes of multi-family and high-rise buildings. These tapes meet the performance criteria outlined in standards such as ASTM E2072 for photoluminescent markings. As noted earlier, both grades significantly exceed the ASTM minimum 10- and 60-minute luminance levels, meaning they provide an adequate margin of safety to meet the code’s visibility requirements. For example, even SuperClass H8154, with ~7 hours to fade, significantly exceeds the 90-minute visibility requirement set forth in many fire codes.
  • OSHA and Workplace Regulations : In industrial and occupational settings, OSHA regulations require emergency exit markings to ensure that workers can find exits, stairways, and safety features in power outage situations. Heskins glow-in-the-dark tape is ideal for meeting these regulations. It can highlight exit doorways, plant floor escape routes, and equipment such as fire extinguishers or alarm stations. Because the tapes are self-adhesive and highly visible, they allow employers to easily retrofit older facilities to meet current safety standards without expensive electrical signs. During safety inspections, photoluminescent exit markings like Heskins tapes signal a proactive safety culture and help demonstrate compliance with OSHA 1910 standards for exit route markings.
  • Standards and Certification : Heskins high-quality exit tapes have been tested to relevant standards such as DIN 67510 (the German standard for classifying phosphorescent materials) and BS 8493 (the British standard for measuring light reflectance values) to ensure they perform as advertised. Although H8152/54 may not have a specific UL 1994 listing (the UL standard for illuminated exit route markers) in their marketing literature, their performance characteristics meet UL 1994 requirements in terms of brightness and burn time. The materials are also flame retardant and self-extinguishing, as required for interior trim materials on exits. Additionally, the tapes are free of hazardous substances (RoHS compliant) and contain no radioactive additives, meaning they “do not violate any state, federal or international standards” for toxic material content.
  • Safety Sign Integration : These tapes can be used in conjunction with other safety signs (such as glow-in-the-dark exit signs or floor arrows) to form a complete illuminated egress path marking system. This can help comply with comprehensive safety regulations such as NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 170 for signs, which increasingly reference photoluminescent markings as an accepted technology. Heskins tapes have been successfully used in buildings to comply with local fire codes (such as New York City Local Law 26, which requires photoluminescent egress path markings in high-rise office building stairwells).

In short, whether you are a manufacturing facility under OSHA regulation or a public building under the inspection of the Fire Marshal, H8152 and H8154 provide a code-compliant solution. Not only do they help you pass inspections, but more importantly, they improve the actual safety of occupants during an emergency.

Durability and performance in low light conditions

Heskins H8152 and H8154 belts are designed for durability and reliability, but it is important to use them correctly to maximise their service life:

  • Intended Environment : These tapes are primarily intended for indoor use (or indoor outdoor areas) where they are not constantly exposed to UV light or harsh weather. The photoluminescent pigment is encapsulated in the PET plastic, protecting it from moisture or abrasion to some extent, but excessive UV exposure over many years can slowly degrade the glow (as with any photoluminescent material). Most indoor environments – offices, hospitals, factories, etc. – are ideal for these tapes, and they will last for many years with good performance.
  • Wear and Foot Traffic : It is important to note that exit marking tapes are intended for use on walls, doors and floor edges, and not for use as a floor covering in high traffic areas. The smooth photoluminescent surface can wear away from constant foot traffic or equipment movement. Heskins strongly recommends that these tapes be applied to areas that are “not subject to foot traffic” as heavy abrasion will quickly degrade the luminescent surface. For example, you can safely place them on skirting boards, wall trims, around door frames, on handrails or along stair treads, but you would not apply photoluminescent tape in the centre of a walkway on a floor where people walk directly (for flooring, Heskins offers anti-slip photoluminescent tapes with abrasive tops designed for walking). By limiting use to low-wear surfaces, the exit strips will retain their photoluminescent coating and transparency for a long time. Many installations report little wear even after 5+ years on walls or infrequently used surfaces.
  • Adhesion and Cleanability : Once applied, the aggressive acrylic adhesive forms a strong bond that will last indefinitely under normal conditions. The tape is waterproof and will not peel off due to humidity or minor stains. It is also resistant to common cleaning products, so you can mop floors or wipe down surfaces near the tape without worry. If you apply the tape to a clean, smooth surface, you can expect it to stay in place without curling or peeling off. If you ever need to remove or move it, the tape can be peeled off, but very old applications may leave some residue (which can be cleaned with adhesive remover). Temperature changes from cold to hot do not significantly affect adhesion or glow — the tape remains stable and functional in a range of -30 to 90 °C.
  • Luminescent pigment life : The photoluminescent pigment used has a virtually unlimited life when recharged. Unlike battery-powered lights with a fixed runtime or tritium signs that fade after a few years, these strips can continue to charge and glow for decades. The pigment does not “wear out” from repeated charging. As long as the material is not damaged or coated with dirt, it will continue to work. Heskins uses high-quality strontium aluminate doped pigments that have extremely long-term chemical stability. In practice, the strips can be expected to provide a useful glow for 15+ years; any slight reduction in performance is more likely to be due to surface aging or severe environmental stress rather than pigment depletion.
  • Maintenance : Tapes require minimal maintenance. Facility staff should ensure that the tapes are not painted over, covered, or excessively dirty. A simple wipe with a damp cloth can be done during routine cleaning to remove any dust that may accumulate (dust can dim the perceived brightness by covering the luminous surface). Avoid abrasive cleaning, which can scratch the tape; gentle cleaning is sufficient. If a section of tape is damaged, a new piece can be easily cut and replaced.

In low light and emergency situations, these strips really do glow (literally). They activate immediately in the dark to emit a strong glow, even in smoke-filled or hazy environments where normal lighting may be difficult. The green glow is very effective in smoky conditions common in fires, as it cuts through with a distinct color. The rugged construction means that even if building occupants brush against them or vibrations occur (in industrial settings), the strips remain firmly in place and effective. Overall, the H8152 and H8154 strips are a reliable, low-maintenance safety solution – install them once and they will be ready to guide people to safety for years to come.

Applications in various industries

One of the main advantages of Heskins glow-in-the-dark evacuation tapes is their versatility. Almost any environment that can suddenly go dark can benefit from these highly visible markings. Here are some examples of applications in various industries and environments:

  • Manufacturing and Warehousing : Industrial plants often have large areas, complex equipment, and racks that can become dangerous labyrinths when the power goes out. Photoluminescent tape can mark escape routes on factory floors, mark the perimeter of equipment or warehouse racks, and identify safe paths for workers. For example, applying tape along baseboards on walls or along the bottom edge of equipment can guide workers to exits during a power outage. They are also useful for marking low-hanging pipes or beams—a strip of luminous tape on a low obstacle in a warehouse will alert forklift drivers or staff, preventing head injuries in the dark. Warehouses can use tape on the edges of loading docks, stair railings, and around emergency exits to comply with OSHA exit marking regulations and reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Healthcare Facilities : Hospitals and nursing homes cannot afford the chaos of a power outage – patients and staff need clear exit directions and backup systems. Heskins H8152/H8154 tapes can be used to mark hallway walls, door frames and handrails in hospitals so that even if backup generators fail, a constant glow indicates the exit. They are also useful for marking critical equipment or circuit breaker panels. Being non-toxic and having a clean appearance (neutral pale color when exposed to light), they are suitable for clinical settings. For example, a hospital could apply photoluminescent tape around the perimeter of emergency exit door frames and stairwell doors, as well as on the stairwell itself (on the vertical riser or side of the steps) to meet NFPA and Joint Commission emergency preparedness standards. In healthcare settings where people may be on life support or have limited mobility, these tapes add an extra layer of safety to ensure everyone can be directed to safety with minimal confusion.
  • Transport hubs (airports, train/bus stations) : Transport facilities often have crowded conditions and complex layouts. In an emergency evacuation or simply during a nighttime power outage, photoluminescent marking tapes can direct crowds to exits or safe areas. Airport terminals may use them along walkways leading to emergency exits or on the edges of jetways; train and subway stations often install glow-in-the-dark stripes on platform edges and along tunnel evacuation passages. Even on vehicles – some passenger trains and ships use photoluminescent tape to mark evacuation routes (although at sea, specialist marine products are used). For public transport buildings, Heskins tapes provide a quick retrofit solution to improve exit markings without having to rewire or add electrical signage. They are also useful in parking garages or tunnels to mark walls or curbs, guiding vehicles and people when normal lighting fails.
  • Commercial and public buildings : Office buildings, schools, shopping malls, theaters, hotels—virtually any public space can use these tapes. Modern building codes often require illuminated egress route markings in high-rise buildings and windowless spaces. For example, in a theater or auditorium, luminous tape can mark passageways, steps, and exits in a way that is barely visible when the lights are on, but clearly visible when the theater lights are off (this is why it is commonly used in movie theaters). Schools and universities can cover the baseboards in hallways with photoluminescent tape to ensure that even if an emergency occurs during a nighttime class, students will be able to find their way out. In offices and hotels, tapes can supplement emergency lighting by marking doorways, stairways, and even door hardware—a small piece on a door handle can make it easier to find and turn in complete darkness. Facility managers in public buildings understand that these tapes improve safety without compromising aesthetics (since they are not visible until needed).
  • Warehousing and Logistics : In addition to manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers benefit greatly from glow-in-the-dark safety markings. They often have large, open spaces where exit signs may be far apart. Photoluminescent floor marking tape can create a continuous line to the nearest exit. They are also great for marking steps on stairs or stairwells in back rooms or the edges of loading docks to prevent workers from tripping in low light. Being able to see the outlines of paths and hazards even if all the lights go out can prevent injuries and damage to goods.Other Specialty Uses : The applications are endless. Power plants and server rooms use these tapes to mark rows of equipment and exits so technicians can evacuate during power outages. Museums and historic buildings (where running new wiring for exit signs may be difficult or undesirable) can use photoluminescent markings as a non-invasive safety upgrade. Cruise ships and marine vessels have used similar tapes in hallways (marine versions often have additional saltwater certifications). Even in residential buildings, property managers sometimes install glowing tape in basements and stairwells to help residents in emergency situations.

It’s worth noting that the H8152 and H8154 tapes are flexible in application – they can be cut to length or even shaped into shapes (arrows, stripes, etc.). This means that a creative safety officer can adapt them to many scenarios: for example, cutting out arrow shapes to stick on the floor to indicate exits, or creating glowing outlines around smoke alarms to make them easier to find in the dark. Heskins tapes adhere to metal, painted plasterboard, wood, plastic and more, so they really can be used across the entire spectrum of the industries mentioned. The easy peel and stick feature of these markers makes them a convenient solution for upgrading safety in an existing facility with minimal downtime.

The benefits of using Heskins Egress tapes for safety and compliance

In summary, Heskins H8152 and H8154 high quality warning tapes offer a number of benefits that give you confidence in their effectiveness and the quality of your safety program:

  • Enhanced Life Safety : These tapes provide permanently visible evacuation route markings when normal lighting is not available. In a crisis situation – be it a fire, power outage or other emergency – they help prevent panic by clearly indicating where people should go. Occupants can quickly identify exits, stairs and safe routes by the illuminated strips, reducing disorientation and evacuation time. This can directly save lives and reduce injuries during evacuation.
  • Code Compliance : By installing photoluminescent exit markings, you are complying with the latest safety codes and standards. H8152/54 tapes ensure that you exceed the minimum requirements set by OSHA and building codes for exit visibility. Not only does this avoid potential fines or violations, but it also demonstrates due diligence. Insurers and auditors will also look favorably on facilities that have taken this extra step to reduce risk.
  • No Power Required – Reliability : Unlike emergency lighting that runs on electricity or batteries, these light strips are a passive safety system. They will operate automatically when it is dark. There is no chance of a bulb failing or a battery running out at an inopportune time. As long as the area receives regular ambient light (which usually happens during normal use), the strips are always “charged” and on standby. This reliability is invaluable in critical situations – essentially, you have one less thing to worry about in your emergency preparedness, as photoluminescent markings cannot “fail” due to a loss of power (they are designed to cover exactly this scenario).
  • Long lasting and low maintenance : Heskins exit tape is made from industrial grade materials (durable PET film and strong adhesive). Once installed, they require virtually no maintenance other than occasional cleaning. There are no bulbs to replace, no batteries to check and the product itself can last for many years. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions, so whether it’s a cold storage warehouse or a hot machine room, the tape will continue to perform. Over the life of the building, this makes them a very cost effective solution compared to electrical systems which require ongoing testing and replacement costs.
  • Quick and easy installation : Tape application is simple and does not require specialized labor. Site personnel or general laborers can install it by removing the backing and pressing the tape firmly onto the desired surface. Curved or inclined surfaces are not a problem due to the tape’s flexibility. This ease of installation means you can update your safety markings with minimal disruption to your operations—no need to turn off power, drill holes, or run wires. Even large sites can be equipped with photoluminescent path markings in a short time. If the site’s layout changes, the tape can often be removed and new lines applied at little cost.
  • Versatility of use : As shown above, the same product is suitable for a variety of scenarios, from highlighting a single step to marking an entire emergency exit route. You can cut the tape to a custom length or shape, combine it with other signage, or use different widths for different purposes. This flexibility ensures that one product line (H8152/8154) can solve a variety of safety marking problems at your facility. Plus, having two grades means you can choose a custom performance level and price for each area (use premium where you need extra long-lasting glow, and standard grade elsewhere), while maintaining a consistent look and quality.
  • Professional appearance : Heskins tapes have a neat, professional appearance. In normal conditions, the pale yellow-green colour of the tape is not distracting to the eye and the tape lies flat and smooth. It will not create a tripping or snagging hazard. When illuminated, it emits a solid, uniform colour. This conveys a sense of quality – occupants will notice that the building has clearly defined illuminated pathways and will feel safer. Unlike some cheaper illuminated products that can glow in patches or peel at the edges, Heskins products are known for their high quality workmanship, giving facility managers confidence that once applied, the tapes will perform as expected over time.

In conclusion, Heskins’ high-quality H8152 and H8154 glow-in-the-dark warning tapes are a powerful addition to any safety toolkit. They combine advanced photoluminescent technology with a practical, robust design. Whether you manage an industrial plant, a hospital, a high-rise office or any environment where safe evacuation is a priority, these tapes can elevate your safety infrastructure with relatively little effort. By clearly highlighting exits and hazards in the darkest conditions, you protect your staff and visitors when it matters most. Investing in these glow-in-the-dark warning tapes is more than just ticking a compliance box – it’s a demonstration of commitment to safety and preparedness. With Heskins’ reputation and the technical capabilities of the H8152 and H8154 tapes, you can be confident in the quality and performance of the product day in and day out.