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Note for Guidance

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BS 5499 : Part 4 : Escape Route Signing

Introduction

While good sign design practice is important, the correct application and positioning of those signs is of equal significance in ensuring an effective signing system is in place. The size and positioning of signs within a building should form a major part of the package. The British Standards Institution has developed a new Code of Practice that clearly and concisely deals with all aspects of the design of an effective 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, sign size and viewing distance

  • Construction  durability and suitability

  • Servicing and maintenance

  • Illustrations (use of safety signs)

  • Use of arrows to indicate direction of travel

It deals with the issues associated with designing a co­ordinated system of signing throughout any given building. The code outlines items that need to be addressed in considering the overall design, including,

  • Results of any risk assessment

  • Requirements (if any) of enforcing authorities

  • Operational needs of the building’s managers

  • Convenience of the users of the building, both workers and Public

The code stresses that it is only through the consideration of these factors that an effective design 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 elements that must be addressed to create an effective sign system,

  • Correct choice of sign design
         Signs should provide clear, unambiguous instruction that will lead people directly to a final exit out of a building.

  • Location of signs
    Incorrect positioning can cause confusion and in the case of an emergency; could be life threatening. There are basic principles for sign positioning. These include defining the shortest travel distance from various evacuation starting points to the escape route. If at any place there is a choice of two escape routes of equal travel distance, both routes should be indicated by a separate series of signs. The Code expands upon these points, clearly defining the principles surrounding the subject of sign location.

  • Mounting Height
    Signs are often mounted at unusual heights. Quite commonly a final exit sign is mounted in the middle of the door, as though it were a design feature. Fitting in with the decor should not be a consideration in overall sign system design. The Code offers clear advice on mounting heights and deserves careful study.

  • The use of supplementary text
    Supplementary text helps to ensure that the meaning of the graphical symbol, now compulsory on all fire safety signs, is fully understood and may convey additional information. Again the Code offers good advice.

  • Use of arrows
    Arrows are probable the clearest and most common of all the graphical symbols found in everyday life. But, if used incorrectly, they can result in people getting lost. At best this can lead to frustration, at worst it may result in life loss. Arrows must be used with care, correct identification of direction on an escape route is critical and once again the code offers excellent advice on the use of directional arrows.

  • Sign size
    Size does matter when it comes to signs. Sign size is calculated according to the furthest distance from which it is required to be read. The size of sign necessary to achieve this criterion will depend upon both the viewing distance and the illumination of the sign. This section of the code offers comprehensive tables enabling correct calculation for sign size for both internally and externally illuminated signs.

  • Position of signs
    It is here that the Code excels. This section describes various scenarios found on escape routes. With the use of clear illustrations it shows the type of sign required and how it should be positioned. The code also offers information referring to the correct use of supplementary text, sign location and fixing methods.

Examples of BS 5499 4 : 2000 Escape route signing

     

    Green Arrow Sign Running Man Sign Fire Exit Sign

    Supplementary directional arrow.

    		 The internationally recognised graphical symbol for emergency exits Supplementary text

     

Consideration

Exhaustive testing both comprehension and judgment testing of graphical symbols conforming to BS5499 and ISO 7010, ISO16069 achieved the highest comprehension credentials. However as it only achieved some 80%, the British Standard requires supplementary text to aid comprehension. This too was tested and achieved 100% comprehension under ISO 9186. (Comprehension Testing Standard) Both International and British Standard Technical committee agreed that Escape Route Location and directional identification should not be left to graphic symbols alone. Consequently escape route signs should normally consist of three elements, the internationally-recognised graphical symbol for emergency exits, supplementary text (Exit or Fire exit) and a directional arrow.

Other BS 5499 Warning signs

Fire safety sign Hose Reel Sign Fire safety sign Fire telephone Fire safety signs White graphical symbol on a red square.
General Mandatory Sign Mandatory sign keep door shut

General Mandatory action sign

To be used in conjunction with other signs.

 White graphical symbol on a blue circle.
Prohibition sign No Smoking Sign Prohibition sign no matches Prohibition signs Black graphical symbol on a white circle within a circular red band and behind a red crossbar.
Oxidising Sign General warning sign Warning signs Black graphical symbol on a yellow triangle that has a strong black border.
Supplementary sign arrow Supplementary sign flames Supplementary signs and determinative elements Determined by the appropriate sign.

Further Information

  • The British Standard should be available from your local reference library.

  • Further information will be available from BSI, Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL,  Telephone 020 8996 9001, Fax 020 8996 7001, or  BSI website

  • Below is the list of all the BS 4599 Standards. Part 4 is the one this page is concerned with,

    • BS 5499-2:1986 Fire safety signs, notices and graphic symbols. Specification for self-luminous fire safety signs
    • BS 5499-4:2000 Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing
    • BS 5499-5:2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Signs with specific safety meanings
    • BS 5499-1:2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout
    • BS 5499-6:2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Creation and design of graphical symbols for use in safety signs. Requirements
    • BS 5499-11:2002 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Water safety signs
    • BS 5499-10:2006 Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Code of practice for the use of safety signs, including fire safety signs
    • BS 5499-11:2002 (AMD 16783) Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Water safety signs

This handout provides a general overview and basic information on this topic. It may not apply to everyone, consequently to find out if this guide applies to you and to get more information on this subject, study all the relevant legislation, guides and British/European Standards. Also you should seek advice from an expert on the subject or your local Fire Safety Officer or Fire Safety Professional.

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This page was last checked and modified on Thursday, 27 March, 2008 10:07

 
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