Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Exit Signs
Frequently asked questions about fire exit signs. No matter where you go, there are exit signs that direct people what to do and where to go in the face of an emergency. While they might not seem like a big deal, those signs can turn into a big deal when it matters most.
There are a wide array of exit signs out there with different meanings. You may find that you have a few unanswered questions as it pertains to those signs. These questions (and answers) should put those issues to rest in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Exit Signs
- What is an Emergency Exit Sign?
- Do All Workplaces Require Emergency Exits?
- Why is it Necessary for Exits to be Unblocked and Clear?
- Where Do Exit Signs Need to Be Posted?
- How Many Exit Routes are Required?
What is an Emergency Exit Sign?
Whether it be fire exit signs or emergency exit signs, they serve a very specific purpose. In the healthcare sector, commercial, industrial, and retail world, you will find these signs no matter where you turn. They all serve the same purpose: to direct people in the face of an emergency.
An emergency or exit route is considered to be both continuous and unobstructed. These paths lead to an exit point anywhere in the building that is considered to be safe in the face of an emergency. The signs are just part of the exit route. Access to the exit is guided by these signs, providing a clear route when an emergency arises.
Do All Workplaces Require Emergency Exits?
Any place of business, applying to general industry workplaces other than mobile workplace vessels or vehicles, must have emergency exits and signage. There are requirements for each country and are required by law to be adhered to.
Failure to create consistent, reliable exits with the proper signage will result in a violation of that code. Any violations may be punishable by fines and could lead to extra penalties if they are not remedied in a timely fashion. Check with local codes to find out more about those requirements.
Why is it Necessary for Exits to be Unblocked and Clear?
One thing that you will find in any verbiage regarding emergency exits is that they must be clear and unobstructed. They must be that way in order to facilitate a safe, quick exit during an emergency. Any blockages or obstructions can lead to chaos, panic, and delays in the evacuation process.
That could lead to injuries, accidents, and even deaths that could have been avoided otherwise. Requirements include keeping routes free from equipment or material obstructions, dead-end corridors, and locked doors. Proper signage is required at each juncture in order to ensure a timely exit.
Where Do Exit Signs Need to Be Posted?
Part of implementing proper exit signage is having them posted in the right spots. Exit signs or any other type of safety signage needs to be posted on each exit. On top of that, the direction of travel needs to be immediately apparent. Signs must be posted to indicate the direction of travel to the closest exit.
Signs should be posted in a way that it is clearly visible at all times. It should also command a clear, visible line of sight with a clear, concise message.
How Many Exit Routes are Required?
For most places, a workplace is required to have a minimum of two exit routes. This allows employees and any other occupants of the building to get out during an emergency in a timely fashion.
When the size of the building, number of employees, and other workplace arrangements limit the possibility of a safe evacuation, more exit routes may be required. Some rare instances allow for a single exit route, but that depends on the size of the building, the number of employees, its occupancy, and other factors.
