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Sign Standards, Sizes and Selection helpful information

Use of BS 5499-1 Safety Signs Symbols

Prohibition
Indicates certain behaviour is prohibited
Mandatory
Meaning a specific action is required
Hazard Warning
Gives warning of an identified hazard
Safe Condition
Provides information of safe conditions in use
Fire Equipment
Indicates the location of fire fighting equipment


Emergency Escape
Choosing between the BS5499 signs and European Standards

British Standard
As both these signs have a running man and a directional arrow, both are compliant with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. However only one is recognised by the British Standard. With its supplementary text and open doorway graphic, this range of signs is proven to be more meaningful under test conditions.
European standard
Please note, in EU Countries, the European standard pictogram must be used


Health Services and Hospitals

Hospital Technical Memorandum 65 states that hospitals and health services should display this style of exit and fire exit sign as the flames are deemed to enhance the signs meaning.


Text only signs

In accordance with BS5499, these text signs should be used alongside a running man graphic and, where appropriate, a directional arrow.


Viewing distances

The selection of the correct size of sign requires careful consideration, taking factors such as location, sign height from floor level, ambient light and line of sight into account. Our table gives indications of maximum viewing distances, based on two levels of light at the sign face.


 
Good light
100 Lux
Poor light
50 Lux
300mm x 100mm

11.9m
6.6m
450mm x 150mm

20.4m
11.4m
600mm x 200mm

27.2m
15.2m


Use of Arrows in Escape Route

Note, where an evacuee is required to progress through a doorway and on from there, the arrow should be upward facing.
Progress down from here.
Progress forward from here.
Progress forward and through here.
Progress forward and up from here.
Progress up to the right or;
Progress forward and across to the right.
Progress up to the left or;
Progress forward and across to the left.
Progress to the left.
Progress to the right.
Progress down to the right.
Progress down to the left.


Sign Location Guide

Signs above doors should be mounted between 2m and 2.5m from floor level, measured to the base of the sign.

Signs sited on walls should be mounted between 1.7m and 2.0m from floor level, measured to the base of the sign.

Straight on from here

Final Exit

Right from here
Down and Right from here


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