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Bs 5499: Part 4: Code of practice for escape route signing

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 (as required under the Workplace Regulations)
  
• Requirements (if any) of enforcing authorities
  
• Operational needs of the building’s managers
  
• Convenience of the users of the building, both workers and Public

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,

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.

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.

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