ESCAPE SIGNS In simple premises a few signs indicating the alternative exit(s) might be all that is needed. In larger and more complex premises, a series of signs directing people along the escape routes towards the fi nal exit might be needed. An “Exit”, “Fire exit” or “Emergency exit” sign should be positioned over every fi nal exit from the building and, where appropriate, any gate or fi nal exit from the premises. Where the sign over the fi nal exit is not visible, additional signs should be provided with appropriate direction arrows leading to the fi nal exit.
Where signs are mounted above doors they should be mounted at 2m to 2.5m above fi nished fl oor level and where they are fi xed on walls they should be mounted a 1.7m to 2.0m above fi nished fl oor level. All escape route signs must be provided with normal lighting and emergency lighting.
The size of the sign depends on the distance it
would be viewed from. The maximum distance (d) from where the sign will be viewed should be no more than 100 times the height of the sign (h) where normally lit, and 200 times the height of the sign (h) when lit from behind (see following diagram).
To comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, escape route signs should be white on a green background and consist of a pictogram, where necessary an arrow and may be provided with text. In the UK we normally use signs complying with BS 5499-1 but an alternative “Euro Style” sign has also been in use. It is important that
the two styles are not mixed in the same building. Also recent research has shown that the “Euro” style sign has not been well understood by the public. This has led to the development of a new Standard EN ISO 7010 based on the BS 5499-1 Standard and the introduction of this Standard during 2011 will lead to the “Euro” sign being phased out.
Fire Exit
Above: BS 5499-1 Sign Above: Euro Style Sign
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO FIRE SAFETY |15
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