- Exit Sign
An exit sign is a pictogram that forms part of the wayfinding features of a building, structure, ship or aircraft to direct building occupants via a path of travel to a nearest required exit and then on to the a discharge point. An exit sign can be passive (emits no light) or active (emits light). An exit sign can be internally illuminated or photoluminescent1.
- 1
The National Construction Code (NCC) imposes certain restrictions (Specification 25) on the use and application for for photoluminescent exit signs.
- 1
Part E4 or the Building Code of Australia, Volume One sets out the performance requirements (Part EP4.1 - Visibility in an emergency) and (EP4.2 - Identification of exits) that underpin the requirements for exit signs, also known as a direction sign or directional exit sign in buildings and structures.
EP4.1 - Visibility in an emergency
To facilitate safe evacuation in an emergency, a building must be provided with a system that—
- ensures a level of visibility sufficient to enable exits, paths of travel to exits and any obstacles along a path of travel to an exit to be identified; and
- activates instantaneously upon the failure of an artificial lighting system, to the degree necessary, appropriate to—
- the function or use of the building; and
- the floor area of the building; and
- the distance of travel to an exit.
EP4.2 - Identification of exits
To facilitate evacuation, suitable signs or other means of identification must, to the degree necessary—
- be provided to identify the location of exits; and
- guide occupants to exits; and
- be clearly visible to occupants; and
- operate in the event of a power failure of the main lighting system for sufficient time for occupants to safely evacuate.