Exit Signage

Exit Signage: A Small Guide to Safe Egress Exit signage is more than just a label on a wall. It is a critical safety feature that helps people find their way to safety during emergencies, reducing confusion and speeding evacuation. Well-designed exit signs work in everyday conditions and under stress when visibility and decision-making can be compromised. Design essentials - Clarity: Signs should be easy to read at a glance. Use a simple pictogram of a person exiting, often accompanied by an arrow showing direction. Avoid text-heavy signage; pictures communicate quickly, even to people who speak different languages. - Visibility: High contrast between the sign and its background is essential. In many places, signs are color-coded (green for safety or red for danger, depending on local standards) and use durable materials that resist wear. - Illumination: To be reliable in a power outage, exit signs are usually illuminated. Options include permanently lit signs, self-luminous signs (no power needed but require charging from ambient light or prior exposure), or signs with battery backup that activate during a blackout. - Placement: Signs should be placed above doors, at decision points, and along corridors so exits are visible from multiple approaches. They should not be obstructed by doors, furniture, or decorations and should be repeated along long paths to an exit. Standards and compliance - International and regional standards guide the symbols, colors, and performance of exit signage. ISO 7010 provides standardized safety pictograms, while many countries have their own requirements for exit sign language, color, and illumination. - In the United States, codes such as NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and local building codes govern exit signage, including visibility and backup power requirements. - In other regions, EN, BS, or local equivalents may apply. Always check your local regulations to ensure signage meets the required specifications. Types and options - Directional signs: Indicate where to go to reach an exit or stairwell. - Area signs: Point toward the general location of a nearby exit. - Photoluminescent or self-luminous signs: Useful where electrical power is limited or where retrofitting is needed. - Emergency lighting integration: Signs connected to an emergency lighting system illuminate automatically during a power outage. Maintenance and testing - Regular inspections are essential. Check for legibility, damage, and whether illumination works as intended. - Test backup power systems periodically and replace batteries as needed. - Clean signs to maintain contrast and replace anything that has faded, cracked, or become obscured. Accessibility and inclusivity - Use universal pictograms that transcend language barriers. - Ensure signs are positioned at appropriate heights and are readable for people with varying vision. - Consider multilingual signage in areas with diverse populations. A practical takeaway Effective exit signage combines clear design, reliable illumination, proper placement, and ongoing maintenance. When signage meets these standards, it becomes a trusted guide that can save lives by leading people quickly and safely to exit routes in an emergency. If you’re responsible for a building, consider a quick audit: Are all exits clearly signed? Are signs illuminated and backed up by power? Are they compliant with local codes? Small improvements in signage can make a big difference when it matters most.