Fire Exit Signs

While high standard fire exit signs design is a significant factor, appliance and lay out is of equal significance in guaranteeing a successful signing system is in place. The scale and positioning of fire exit signs throughout a building is an essential part of the combination. The British Standards Institution has introduced a new Code of Practice that directly deals with all properties of the layout of a working escape route signing system . BS 5499: Part 4: Code of Practice for Escape Route Signing, published in 2000, which includes sections on:

System design
Escape route signs
Sign type, Scale and viewing distance
Construction durability and suitability
Maintaining signs
Illustrations (use of safety signs)
Use of arrows to indicate direction of travel

It addresses the concerns linked with designing a coordinated system of signing throughout any given building. The code outlines that need to be considered in deciding the design, including,

Results of any fire risk assessment ( The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005)
Requirements of enforcing authorities
Operational needs of the building managers
Convenience of the users of the building, both workers and Public

The code states these factors to draw to the attention of the property owner how an effective fire exit sign system for escape route signing can be achieved. It provides clear guidance on how to do this.

 Creating an effective sign system

The Code lists seven aspects that must be considered to create an effective sign system.

Correct choice of Fire exit sign

Fire exit signs must indicate clear, distinct instruction that will guide people directly to an exit out of a building

Location of signs

If fire exit signs are not positioned properly they can quite easily cause difficulty to read an in the case of an emergency this confusion can be life threatening. There are basic regulations for fire exit sign positioning. Including stating the shortest distance to travel from different evacuation starting points to an exit. If there is a case where two escape routes are of equal distance to travel both routes must be indicated by a separate combination of fire exit signs. The Code expands further on these issues, clearly stating the matters related to the subject of sign location.

Mounting Height

Fire exit signs are mounted at various heights. More often than not a fire exit sign is mounted in the middle of a door, as if it was designed this way. Fitting in with the decor should not be taken into account in the sign design system. The code gives clear guidance and deserves to be taken into accountant.

The use of supplementary text

Supplementary text is there to aid the graphical symbol to ensure it give a clear message, now compulsory on all fire safety signs. Again the Code offers good advice.

Use of arrows

Arrows are perhaps the clearest and most common of graphic symbols used in everyday life. But, if positioned incorrectly, they can result in people getting lost. This is a serious issue that can result in at best time loss due to confusion at worst can result in life loss. Arrows must be used with care, identifying the route the reader must take is critical as in the case of an emergency it can save lives. Refer to the code for further advice on use of arrows.

 Sign size

The size of the fire exit sign is another key factor when it comes to signs. Sign size is calculated in relation to the furthest distance from which it is required to be read.

 Position of signs

It is here that the Code excels. This section explains different scenarios that are found on escape routes. Illustrations are used to give example of the type of sign required and how it should be positioned.