Exit signs are probably one of the most important signs in any commercial and public building. They are regulated by various safety organizations such as the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and OSHA, to ensure safe evacuation during an emergency.
Where are these signs required? Exit signs are mandatory and must be installed in:
- Commercial buildings (offices, retail stores, warehouses)
- Apartment complexes with interior hallways
- Hotels and hospitality buildings
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions (schools, universities)
- Theaters and entertainment venues
- Factories and industrial sites
Exit signs must be placed above doorways, at exit access points, and along escape routes so they are clearly visible from anywhere inside the building.
NFPA 101 requires exit signs to be continuously illuminated with internally or externally light options. Red and green color are both acceptable. However, there are some states and cities mandated which color to be used and is being enforced by local building codes. It is important to check the regional requirements before deciding which color to choose.
While red is widely accepted color for Emergency Exit signs, there are some states and cities that require green lettering such as District of Columbia, Maryland, Baltimore, Rhode Island, Salt Lake City, Portland, San Francisco and Bay area.
OSHA (29 CFR 1910.37) requires that exit signs must always be visible (at least 5fc of illumination) and stay lit (can be internally or externally illuminated). In the event of power outages, NFPA 101 requires a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination. As such, the exit signages need reliable backup power sources such as emergency battery packs, emergency generators, or a backup lighting circuit.
To summarize, here are some of the core requirements per OSHA & NFPA 101:
• Lettering: It must read “EXIT” in plain legible block letters (min 6” high & width of min ¾”).
• Illumination: Signs must be internally or externally illuminated. If electric, they must have a reliable light source or battery backup (at least 90 minutes of illumination).
• Photoluminescent Signs: Must be certified (UL 924).
Exit signs must be placed above doorways, at exit access points, and along escape routes so they are clearly visible from anywhere inside the building.
NFPA 101 requires exit signs to be continuously illuminated with internally or externally light options. Red and green color are both acceptable. However, there are some states and cities mandated which color to be used and is being enforced by local building codes. It is important to check the regional requirements before deciding which color to choose.
While red is widely accepted color for Emergency Exit signs, there are some states and cities that require green lettering such as District of Columbia, Maryland, Baltimore, Rhode Island, Salt Lake City, Portland, San Francisco and Bay area.
OSHA (29 CFR 1910.37) requires that exit signs must always be visible (at least 5fc of illumination) and stay lit (can be internally or externally illuminated). In the event of power outages, NFPA 101 requires a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination. As such, the exit signages need reliable backup power sources such as emergency battery packs, emergency generators, or a backup lighting circuit.
To summarize, here are some of the core requirements per OSHA & NFPA 101:
• Lettering: It must read “EXIT” in plain legible block letters (min 6” high & width of min ¾”).
• Illumination: Signs must be internally or externally illuminated. If electric, they must have a reliable light source or battery backup (at least 90 minutes of illumination).
• Photoluminescent Signs: Must be certified (UL 924).
• Visibility & Color: It must be high contrast in red or green letters and maintain visibility within 100 feet or less.
• Directional Indicators: Arrows must be used to indicate the direction of travel if the exit path is not immediately obvious.
• Exit mounting height: Exit signs must be visible from any access point or direction of travel. They should be mounted with the bottom of the exit no more than 80” above the top edge of the egress opening. Floor proximity in some occupancies, the exit signs are required 6-18” above the floor.
We, at NaturaLED, offer several selectable Bi-Color (Red/Green) EXIT signs that meet both the OSHA & NFPA 101 standards.
