Using Exit Signs with Arrow
Imagine being in an unfamiliar building like a hotel or doctors office and a fire strikes. Power goes out, smoke billows around you and it is hard to distinguish where the nearest exit path is. Instead of panicking or trying to find your way, you notice illuminated exit signs with arrows that direct you to the quickest route outside.
Having the right fire safety signage is life saving. While many buildings might never need to use such signage, not having it is not only irresponsible, but against the law. In order to keep building occupants safe and comply with state and local regulations, exit signs with arrows are used throughout buildings. We are sharing insight into where to install and what is required of your exit sign with arrows.
Regulations and Requirements
OSHA and NFPA are two of the main authorities that offer guidance and regulation of fire safety signage. When it comes to exit signs with arrows their directions are simple:
“You will need to provide guidance to find the exit if it is not immediately apparent.”
Exit signs with arrows are just about the easiest option on the market to inexpensively and effectively do this. In addition, you can add egress markers that glow in the dark around floors, stairs, or doors.
Requirements for exit signs with arrows include:
● Visibly illuminated (externally, internally, and photoluminescent illuminated signs are all permissible).
● 90 minutes of illumination minimum
● Lighting must be an average of 1 foot-candle and not less than .1 foot candle
Where to Install Exit Signs With Arrows
This part is fairly straightforward. When deciding where to install exit signs with arrows look throughout your building and assess where you can not visible see the emergency exit sign. Exit signs with arrows need to be posted along the exit routes in order to indicate the direction of travel to the nearest exit when it is not apparent.
Exit signs with arrows can have directions pointing left, right, up, or down. A commonly asked question is when to use the up or down arrow exit signs. The up exit sign with arrow should guide people to go up stairs or can be used to designate the final exit unless a step-down or ramp is outside. The down arrow sign can be used to indicate going downstairs, guide people to continue on the route, or as a final exit unless a step-down or ramp is outside. Also, if after an exit sign there is a staircase leading down, then a down arrow exit sign is required.
Exit Sign Options
Several different technologies are available for exit signs with arrows. LED and photoluminescent exit signs with arrows are the most well-known and popular options on the market.
LED exit signs with arrows require an electrical source and battery back-up. They will last 5+ years.
Photoluminescent exit signs with arrows do not require any electricity or battery back-up. They use ambient light to store and then use when needed. Their lifespan is 20+ years.
No matter what technology you choose for your exit signs with arrows you will want to ensure it meets your federal and state regulations. For example, all photoluminescent exit signs with arrows must be UL 924 listed.
Shop Exit Signs with Arrows
Jessup Manufacturing is a leader in photoluminescent fire safety signage. Shop our entire line of exit signs with arrows now.
