Requirements Your Building Needs to Know About Exit Signs With Arrows

If you are a building owner you are likely already familiar with the numerous agencies and codes surrounding emergency lighting and exit sight requirements. Authorities include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), International Building Code and International Fire Code. Beyond their requirements, building owners and employers within the building need to follow standards set forth by their own local authority having jurisdiction. It might seem like a lot to follow and monitor, but in the end when emergency strikes it is important these rules are followed.

Jessup Manufacturing is breaking down common questions surrounding exit signs with arrows, also called directional exit signs in this article.

1. What type of exit sign with arrow does my building need?

When it comes to emergency exit signs you have a variety of options. The most well known and used are electrical (LED) and photoluminescent exit signs, both approved by regulating authorities.

Electrical exit signs require an electric source and battery in order to stay illuminated 24/7 and meet regulations. You must also test the battery on a monthly basis and have a lifespan around 5-7 years.

Photoluminescent exit signs have become a popular option over electrical exit signs for new construction or building renovations because of their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness. Because they do not require electricity, but are self-illuminating, building owners save on up-front installation costs and electricity over the years. They also have a long lifespan, upwards of 25 years, which is more than any other exit sign technology on the market today.

2. Where do I need to put exit signs with arrows?

Exit signs with arrows need to be placed in every location where occupants of the building are not able to see the emergency exit sign, the path isn’t clearly apparent, or as directed by your local fire marshal.

Depending on your exit location, you will need one of four exit signs with arrows- left, right, up or down. The up arrow exit sign should be placed to show people to continue along the route or in the case they need to go upwards. In some cases, it is used to designate the final exit. The down arrow exit sign guides people to continue their route, going downstairs, and can also be used as a final exit sign.

3. What do regulations say about exit signs with arrows?

The NFPA Life Safety Code standards state similar regulations around exit signs with arrows as they do with non-directional exit signs. That means to make sure your exit signs with arrows:

• Are visibly illuminated through a reliable light source (externally, internally, and photoluminescent illuminated signs are all permissible).
• Create at least 90 minutes of illumination in the the case of a power outage
• Lighting must be an average of 1 foot candle and not less then than .1 foot candle
• If self-luminous the sign must comply with the UL 924 standards(i.e. photoluminescent or tritium exit signs).

This is by no means a full list of all regulations, so please check with all authorities to ensure your exit signs with arrows meet requirements.

Shop Exit Signs with Arrows

Jessup Manufacturing is a leader in photoluminescent fire safety signage. Shop our wide selection of various sizes, directions, and options when it comes to glow in the dark exit signs with arrows.