Safe-T-Nose

What Safe-T-Nose does

Safe-T-Nose is a US-based manufacturer of photoluminescent luminous egress path marking systems, headquartered in Salem, Oregon. It is a privately held subsidiary of Pacific Stair Corporation, founded by Bill Gardner as part of an integrated stair-and-egress portfolio that also includes Pacific Stair (steel stair systems), National Redi-Tread (precast treads), and Egress Gate (barrier gates). The company's products — stair nosings, handrail markings, perimeter tapes, directional and exit signs, evacuation route signs, precast treads, and egress gates — are designed to provide code-compliant (IBC 2009/2012/2015, IFC, UL 1994, UL 924, ASTM E2072/E2073) illumination of egress paths during power outages, fires, and other emergencies.

The core technology is the proprietary Photo-Glo® photoluminescent material, an industrial-grade solid polymer embedded with photoluminescent pigment (described as the same material used in golf balls), backed by a 25-year warranty and certified to exceed code luminance requirements by approximately 50%. The portfolio is protected by two US patents: utility patent #8850757 for construction covers that protect nosings during building construction, and design patent #D621961 for the four-piece STNP pour-in-place nosing. The construction cover patent is a notable differentiator, addressing damage during the build phase that would otherwise force replacement.

The business model is direct-to-buyer one-time product sales. The company sells to contractors, architects, specifiers, and building owners in the commercial and institutional construction market (high-rise, hospitality, healthcare, education, stadiums, industrial, and multi-family residential). Distribution is via a proprietary e-commerce website with quote-based custom orders and Stripe checkout, supported by a free Excel-based Blueprint Planning Calculator for take-off estimation. No subscription, recurring, or service revenue streams are evident. The addressable market is the continental United States, with no disclosed international sales or geographic expansion beyond the US.

Name

Safe-T-Nose

Legal name

Safe-T-Nose

Website

https://safetnose.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Safe-T-Nose is a Salem, Oregon-based manufacturer of photoluminescent egress path marking systems — stair nosings, handrail markings, exit signs, and related life-safety products — sold to contractors, architects, and building owners across the continental United States. It is a subsidiary of Pacific Stair Corporation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Building Safety Egress Products

NAICS

Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency, Egress & Exit Lighting (Emergency luminaires, exit signs, battery backup) (IMAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Photoluminescent egress systems
• Stair nosing products
• Exit path marking
• Life safety products
• Building code compliance

Headquarters

HQ city

Salem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Photoluminescent egress marking products: One-time product sales of photoluminescent stair nosings, handrail markings, perimeter tapes, exit signs, and egress gates. Products are sold to contractors, architects, and building owners for new construction and renovation projects. No recurring revenue component identified.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Safe-T-Nose manufactures and sells photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) egress path marking products for new construction and existing buildings. The product line includes stair nosings, handrail markings, perimeter markings, exit signs, evacuation route signs, and barrier gates — all designed to absorb ambient light and glow visibly during power outages, fires, or other emergencies. Products exceed IBC/IFC code requirements and are listed to UL 1994, UL 924, and ASTM E2072/E2073, with the proprietary Photo-Glo® material providing approximately 50% greater brightness than code requires.

Product overview

Safe-T-Nose is a full-line manufacturer of photoluminescent life safety egress systems, providing a complete one-source luminous egress package for new construction and existing buildings. The product portfolio centers on the Photo-Glo premium photoluminescent technology, which utilizes industrial polymer embedded with photoluminescent pigment (same material as golf balls), providing approximately 50% greater brightness than code requires with a 25-year warranty. The product suite includes: Step Edge Marking Nosings (STNP, STNC3, STNC for pour-in-place and cast-in-place applications; STNR and R36 for surface mount retrofit; STNRS for shop-applied OEM use); Handrail Marking products (STNH with contoured dome profile, S9203P with protective cover, and S9203 basic acrylic tape); Perimeter Marking tapes and strips (STNF Photo-Glo strips, O150 obstacle marking tape, LPB panic bar strips, and LDL door latch markers); Directional and Exit Signs (DRML/DRMR running man signs, DAD/DAS directional arrows, EVACFLTR evacuation route signs, ISID stair identification signs, EUL50/EUL502 exit signs with various mounting brackets, and Exit Door Kits); Rhino Tred precast concrete treads (NRT, NRTSTNC3, NRTSTNPT, NRT-Pan) for lightweight stair construction; Egress Gates (Model 100 single and double gates); and the patented Construction Cover system (US Patent #8850757) protecting nosings during construction. All products are IBC 2009/2012/2015 compliant, UL 1994 listed, non-hazardous, non-electrical, and designed to remain visible during power outages or fire emergencies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Photo-Glo®: Premium photoluminescent marking for stair nosing, handrail, and perimeter markings. Uses industrial polymer similar to golf balls with embedded photoluminescent pigment. Comes with a 25-year warranty.

Products and services

• STNP Pour-In-Place Stair Nosing Four-piece pour-in-place stair nosing for concrete-filled steel pan stairs, featuring a non-conductive PVC isolator, replaceable anodized nosing, replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip, and patented Construction Cover. Designed for contractors installing nosings into steel stair pans during concrete pours.
• STNC3 Cast-In-Place Stair Nosing 3" anodized aluminum nosing with replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip and 1.5" traction strip for formed concrete or pre-cast treads. Anchors clip onto steel stair pan to hold nosing during concrete pour.
• STNC Cast-In-Place Stair Nosing Four-piece cast-in-place stair nosing for pre-cast treads or formed concrete with PVC isolator, replaceable anodized nosing, and replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip. Patented Construction Cover included.
• STNR Surface Mount Stair Nosing Low profile 2" wide anodized aluminum nosing with replaceable 1" patented Photo-Glo or traction strip. Designed for existing stairways, bleachers, auditoriums, and sports stadium steps. Available with optional patented Construction Cover or 3M VHB adhesive.
• S9203PM Economical Cast-In-Place Nosing Most economical nosing option with photoluminescent insert that embeds into assembly. Features patented protective cover protecting photoluminescent acrylic tape from paint and dirt. Suitable for cast-in-place, precast tread, or floor and mid-level landings.
• STNRS Shop Applied Stair Nosing Durable commercial-grade 2" wide step edge for stair manufacturers with replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip. Shop applied during fabrication process with construction cover protection during building construction. For indoor or outdoor use.
• R36 Pre-Cut DIY Stair Nosing Pre-cut 36" nosing designed for DIY applications, existing stairways, bleachers, residential front steps, dock steps, and decks. One nosing per package with retail merchandising packaging including benefits and installation information.
• STNH Handrail Marking Strip Pre-curved Photo-Glo photoluminescent 1" wide industrial polymer strip with contoured dome profile and smooth beveled edges. For 1.5" outside diameter round pipe or tube railing. Peel and stick adhesive backing included. 10-foot lengths.
• S9203P Protective Cover Acrylic Strip Acrylic photoluminescent strip with patented protective cover. Can be applied before final paint, then protective cover peeled off at building turnover. Chip resistant, best on smooth surfaces. 1" x 150' roll.
• S9203 Basic Acrylic Photoluminescent Tape Basic acrylic photoluminescent tape, chip resistant, best on smooth surfaces. Used for marking perimeters of egress on floors, walls, and doors.
• STNF Photo-Glo Perimeter Strip Photoluminescent 1" wide industrial polymer strip using same material as golf balls with embedded photoluminescent pigment. For marking perimeter of egress on floors, walls, and doors. Approximately 50% brighter than code requires. 100-foot rolls.
• O150 Obstacle Marking Tape Acrylic obstacle marking tape with 45-degree alternating black and photoluminescent stripes. For marking obstructions within path of egress at or below 6'6" that project more than 4 inches. NYC compliant. 150-foot rolls.
• LPB Exit Door Panic Bar Strip Photo-Glo exit door panic bar photoluminescent strip. Industrial plastic durable and easy to clean. 1" x 16" dimensions. Aggressive high tack peel and stick adhesive backing.
• LDL Exit Door Latch Marking Photoluminescent 4" x 4" square for marking exit door latch. Easy peel and stick application activated by natural or artificial light.
• DRML Running Man Left Sign Photoluminescent Running Man Left directional sign. Required at final exit, centered on exit door no higher than 18 inches from floor. Green Running Man on photoluminescent background. Best when paired with Directional Arrow. 5" x 5" square.
• DRMR Running Man Right Sign Photoluminescent Running Man Right directional sign. Required at final exit, centered on exit door no higher than 18 inches from floor. Green Running Man on photoluminescent background. Best when paired with Directional Arrow. 5" x 5" square.
• DAD Diagonal Arrow Directional Sign Photoluminescent diagonal arrow sign. 5" x 5" square with easy peel and stick application. Green arrow on photoluminescent background. Best when paired with Running Man. Activated by natural or artificial light.
• DAS Straight Arrow Directional Sign Photoluminescent straight arrow directional sign for marking egress path, final exit door and vestibule doors on higher floors. Custom made sign placed in corridors and rooms where exit is least obvious.
• EVACFLTR Evacuation Route Sign Photoluminescent evacuation route sign providing occupants visual action plan in event of emergency. Custom made for each location within the building. 8" x 11" photoluminescent background. Required in R1 occupancy. Shows building floor map, exit locations, 'You are Here' marker, and routes to nearest exit.
• ISID Stair Identification Sign Photoluminescent Stair Identification Sign (IBC) / Stairway Identification Sign (NFPA 101). Required at each floor level in exit enclosures. Custom-made with text to building needs. 12" x 18" photoluminescent background with raised letters, floor number, and Braille complying with ICC A117.1.
• EUL50 Single Sided Exit Sign Photoluminescent single sided 50-foot exit sign. 90-minute emergency illumination. 16" x 9" dimensions. Optional mounting bracket available. Can be used for low level exit sign for R1 occupancy. UL 924 listed. Available in Silver, Black, Green, or Red backgrounds.
• EUL502 Double Sided Exit Sign Photoluminescent double sided 50-foot exit sign. Double-sided visibility for corridor or overhead mounting. Available in Silver, Green, or Red backgrounds.
• EUL50MB Exit Sign Mounting Bracket 2.5" x 4" bracket for overhead or flag mounting of EUL50 exit signs. Includes screws and anchors.
• UTMBT T-Bar Ceiling Mounting Bracket 2.5" x 12" T-Bar bracket for ceiling mounting of exit signs. Includes all hardware.
• Exit Door Kit Complete glow-in-the-dark exit door identification kit for industrial buildings, schools, and sports complexes. Includes reverse overlay for existing EXIT signs, 20 feet of glow tape for door jambs and hardware, and low-level sign for crawling exit conditions. All components glow green for visibility through fog, smoke, and when wet. Maintenance-free with no batteries.
• NRT Precast Concrete Tread (Rhino Tred) Precast concrete treads with honeycomb core design reducing weight by up to 70%. Standard 11.625" deep and 1.5" nominal thickness. High traction epoxy finish with custom colors available. Lengths up to 10' available. Ultra lightweight at less than 34 lbs per 48" tread.
• Rhino Tred with STNC3 Nosing (NRTSTNC3) Rhino Tred precast tread with pre-installed 3" Safe-T-Nose anodized aluminum nosing, replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip, and 1.5" traction strip. Combines precast tread with full egress marking capability.
• Rhino Tred with STNP Nosing (NRTSTNPT) Rhino Tred with pre-installed 3" Safe-T-Nose anodized aluminum nosing, replaceable 1" Photo-Glo strip, and 1" black traction strip.
• NRT-Pan Steel Sub-Pan Sub-pan designed to fit any riser height between 5.5" and 7.375". Creates closed riser stair. 14-gauge steel pre-engineered to 48" treads with optional 10 or 12-gauge steel for wider treads.
• Model 100 Single Egress Gate Universal stair egress barrier gate with extendable/adjustable width to fit most openings. Universal swing direction, universal wall mounting system, self-closing. Includes photoluminescent 'No Exit' sign.
• Model 100 Double Egress Gate Universal stair egress barrier double gate with extendable/adjustable width to fit most openings. Universal swing direction, universal wall mounting system, self-closing. Includes photoluminescent 'No Exit' sign.
• Patented Construction Cover (CCM/CCL/CCX) US Patent #8850757. Patented construction cover protecting stair nose from concrete splatters, paint drips and foot traffic during construction. Snap-off and recycle design. CCM works with STNR and STNC; CCL works with STNC3 and Wooster/Nystrom 3" nosings; CCX available. Included at no additional cost with applicable nosing products.
• Photo-Glo Premium Photoluminescent Material Premium photoluminescent marking technology utilizing same industrial grade solid polymer used in golf balls with embedded photoluminescent pigment. Approximately 50% brighter than code requires. Washable and easily sanitized. 25-year warranty. Exceeds IBC and IFC requirements.
• Blueprint Planning Calculator (Take-Off Tool) Excel-based estimation tool for standard projects with riser widths up to 4 feet. Two simple inputs calculate all products needed to meet code requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products glow visibly for up to 24 hours after light source fails
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered parent and sister.

• Pacific Stair CorporationparentOthersPacific Stair Corporation is the parent company of Safe-T-Nose. Over 30 years, Pacific Stair transformed from a local fabrication shop to a leading commercial stair system supplier. Founder Bill Gardner developed several companies including Pacific Stair for steel stair systems, Safe-T-Nose for Luminous Egress Products, National Redi-Tread for precast treads, and Egress Gate for adjustable egress barrier gates.
• National Redi-TreadsisterOthersSister company under Pacific Stair Corporation providing precast treads (Rhino Tred products). NRT products are offered through Safe-T-Nose website and are complementary stair system components.
• Egress GatesisterOthersSister company under Pacific Stair Corporation providing adjustable egress barrier gates. Model 100 single and double gates are marketed through Safe-T-Nose website.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights10 records

Broad incumbents

• Hubbell Lighting: Hubbell Lighting is a major US lighting manufacturer with extensive emergency and exit sign product lines. It serves the same commercial construction and specification channel as Safe-T-Nose but operates at significantly greater scale across the broader lighting industry.
• Eaton (Cooper Lighting Solutions): Eaton's Cooper Lighting Solutions business manufactures a broad portfolio of commercial, industrial, and emergency lighting including exit signs. It competes with Safe-T-Nose through wider specification presence and distributor networks rather than focused photoluminescent offerings.
• Beghelli: Beghelli is a global lighting and emergency lighting manufacturer offering a broad portfolio of electric and addressable emergency luminaires and exit signs. It is a broader incumbent that competes with Safe-T-Nose in the emergency exit sign category but with a wider product range spanning electric fixtures.
• Signify (Philips Emergency Lighting): Signify, the parent of Philips lighting, produces a broad range of LED and emergency lighting including exit signs and luminaires for commercial and institutional buildings. It is a broad incumbent that overlaps with Safe-T-Nose's exit sign and emergency lighting categories as part of a much larger portfolio.
• Acuity Brands: Acuity Brands is one of North America's largest lighting and building solutions companies, including Lithonia Lighting emergency and exit signage. It competes with Safe-T-Nose in spec-driven commercial projects as a broad incumbent rather than a niche photoluminescent specialist.

Direct peers

• American PERMALIGHT: American PERMALIGHT manufactures photoluminescent safety signage, egress path markings, and low-level exit signs in North America. It is a direct peer serving the same code-driven commercial construction and retrofit market as Safe-T-Nose.
• Ecoglo: Ecoglo is a leading global manufacturer of photoluminescent stair nosings, handrail markings, and egress path-marking products. It directly competes with Safe-T-Nose in the same IBC/IFC-compliant luminous egress category with comparable UL 1994-listed offerings.
• Jalite: Jalite is a UK-based manufacturer of photoluminescent safety signage and egress path marking products with global distribution. It overlaps directly with Safe-T-Nose on photoluminescent exit signs, stair nosings, and wayfinding products meeting IBC/IFC-equivalent codes.
• Architectural Safety Inc (ASI Modules): ASI Modules designs and manufactures photoluminescent exit signs and egress safety products for commercial and institutional buildings. It directly overlaps with Safe-T-Nose's photoluminescent exit sign and low-level egress offerings.
• Glo Brite International: Glo Brite International produces photoluminescent exit signs, egress path markers, and safety signage for commercial buildings. It competes directly with Safe-T-Nose's UL 924-listed exit signs and luminous egress product line for the same architect and contractor customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCid-NaJ8ROyzzz_mSQkaE4g

Compliance19 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Safe-T-Nose