One of the motivations for ISO 16069 was the Dusseldorf Airport Fire, and was to formalise a code of practice that looked at low proximity guidance systems that have been introduced on board ship. under IMO Regulations.as a consequence of the Herald of Free Enterprise and Scandanavian Star..as a consequence of the Manchester Aircraft Disaster under CAA approvals etc etc like all things a tragedy has to occur before improvements are considered.
The primary objective was to improve egress and effective evacuation.
Low proximity systems are now required within escape stairs under New York Building Code for all commercial buildings over 75 ft as a consequence of findings after 9/11. Escape stairs are in particular unfamiliar and some risk assessments have shown that low proximity illumination and guidance system will greatly improve confidence, egress and evacuation times.
It will be the risk assessment that determines the appropriate provision not prescription..consideration should be given to all appropriate techniques for risk reduction.
