SAFE CONDITION SIGNS
These signs indicate exit routes in the event of a fire or emergency. These signs indicate exit routes in the event of a fire or emergency.
BS 5499 Part 4
BS 5499 part 4 is devoted to an escape route signing and while good sign design practice is important, the correct application and positioning of those signs are 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. It clearly and concisely deals with all aspects of the design of an effective escape route signing system.
Points to consider are
- 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 also 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
- Requirements (if any) of enforcing authorities
- Operational needs of the building’s managers
- Convenience of the users of the building, both workers, and Public
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.
EXAMPLES OF BS 5499 ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNING
Emergency Exit Sign Regulations
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996
This guidance is for employers and duty holders, and others who have responsibility
for the control of work sites and premises, or operating equipment requiring verbal
and/or non-verbal communications.
This third edition provides practical advice on how to comply with the Health and
Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
It also updates references to legislation and standards and has been amended to
accommodate the changes relating to the labelling and packaging of chemicals
made by the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (Amendments to
Secondary Legislation) Regulations 2015. Download free from government website http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l64.pdf
