Exit Signage Regulations

There are state and federal exit signage laws.

The United States Department of Labor regulates exit signage through the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA). Section 1910.37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) covers exit sign routes, lighting, placement and actual letter size. States also have regulations about exit signage, such as California's Code of Regulations which oversees California exit signs. Additionally, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission warns that some exit signs are radioactive and must be disposed of properly.

OSHA Exit Sign Route Regulations

Each door along the exit route that is not an exit must be clearly marked "not an exit."

Section 1910.37 of the CFR states that exit routes must be free of all obstructions at all times. The exit corridor cannot go through rooms that can be locked, such as bathrooms, and the exit route must be level, or else stairs or a ramp must be provided. OSHA standards say that exit "lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate." There must be enough light along the exit route for someone with normal eyesight to clearly see their way out. The exit signage must be clearly visible along the route and there must be no decorations or "signs that obstruct the visibility of the exit route door."

OSHA Sign Requirements

OSHA dictates lighting guidelines for exit signs.

According to OSHA regulations, exit signs must "be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color. Self-luminous or electroluminescent signs that have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06 foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/m2) are permitted." Exit signs must say "exit" in clearly legible letters that are six inches or higher, "with the principal strokes of the letters in the word "exit" not less than 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) wide."

State Exit Signage Regulations

California's exit signage laws are contained in the California Code of Regulations.

In addition to OSHA standards, states have their own exit signage laws as well. In California, for instance, the exit sign laws are governed by the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3216. The California exit sign letter width and height requirements are the same as OSHA requirements, but the lighting requirements are different, with a minimum of 50 lux as compared to OSHA's minimum of 54 lux. Most often, if you meet the OSHA codes, the state codes are met. But it is wise to make sure by contacting your state and local offices for their exit signage requirements.

Tritium Exit Signs

Tritium exit signs are licensed for use by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both posted on line information about Tritium exit signs and the dangers of their improper disposal. Tritium exit signs are self-illuminating exit signs which are lit up by radioactive Tritium gas. The NRC says they are "widely used in a variety of facilities across the United States, such as public and private office buildings, theaters, stores, schools and churches -- anywhere the public needs a rapid exit path." People who possess these signs have special licenses from the NRC for their use and proper record-keeping exists to ensure knowledge as to the whereabouts of these units to make sure they are disposed of responsibly as toxic waste. Tritium exit signs must not be disposed of as regular trash and specific guidelines as to their use and disposal are addressed on both the NRC and EPA websites.

References

• US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Means of Egress 1910.37
• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3216
• U.S. NRC Fact Sheet on Tritium Exit Signs
• EPA Rad Town USA: Discarded Tritium Exit Signs