There are signs no matter where you go that you probably haven’t noticed before. Those signs are actually crucial when it comes to getting out of the building in a safe manner during an Emergency. As it turns out, there is more involved in that signage than meets the eye.

Exit signs and Exit routes are crucial for just about any type of public building. Read on to find out why these signs and routes are so important, and how exit routes are identified.

What are Exit Signs?

Before you go looking for exit signs from a trusted vendor like RS, it helps to know what exit signs are in the first place. These signs are meant to display the path to a safe exit route in any public building in the event of an emergency. These paths are meant to provide a fast, safe, reliable exit.

An exit route is one that is clear and unobstructed. Exit signs point out the clear path to an exit, making it possible to get everyone out of the building in short order. Exit signs help occupants locate exits within the building, keeping occupants safe in the event of an emergency like a fire.

Why are Exit Signs Important?

There are two primary reasons why emergency exits are important. The first is that they help to identify nearby exit doors. In the event of an emergency, time is of the essence. Being able to act quickly and identify potential exit routes can create a smooth exit, literally becoming a matter of life and death.

Emergency exit signs also act as a light source in the event of a power outage. Should lighting go out, emergency signs will have to be lit in order to comply with local codes and regulations. By having illuminated exit signs, occupants can get out of the building safely even without a main source of power providing lighting.

Requirements for Exit Signs

There are laws and requirements for exit signs in areas around the world. These regulations are in place to ensure that effective signage is in place, promoting a fast, safe exit. During an emergency, the ability to keep calm and reduce chaos can make a difference in getting everyone out of the building safely.

Signs should be properly illuminated, with clearly legible “EXIT” wording on a contrasting background. Signs must have an alternate source of lighting in the event of a power outage. Lighting should be able to last at least 90 minutes should the power go out. For buildings that are higher than two stories, exit ramps and stairs must be clearly marked as well.

Emergency Lighting

Egress or emergency lighting is required to identify and illuminate hallways, stairways, ramps, exit doors, and passages in a building. With proper emergency lighting, the path out of the building will become visible even in the event of a power outage. Emergency lighting must be available on exit signs in educational centers, medical centers, hospitals, public houses, religious centers, business buildings, and industrial buildings.

Emergency lighting should be provided through any exits, principal routes that provide access to an exit located in an open floor area, underground walkways, and public corridors. Without that signage, things can become panicked, with people making rash decisions. Those decisions can lead to chaos, accidents, and injuries that could have been otherwise avoided. Check with local ordinances to ensure that all emergency exit requirements are being met. Failing to do so can result in fines and other penalties that could have otherwise been avoided.