Emergency Exit Signage and Route Marking: UK Compliance Requirements Explained
Emergency exit signs are one of the most visible elements of any building's fire safety system, yet they are also one of the most commonly non-compliant. Faded signs, incorrect pictograms, missing directional arrows, and inadequate illumination are findings that appear in fire risk assessments across Greater Manchester with alarming regularity.
The legal framework governing emergency exit signage is not optional. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and British Standards BS 5499 and BS ISO 7010 all set clear requirements. This guide covers what you need to know to keep your building compliant.
What the Law Requires
Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must provide safety signs where a risk cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Emergency escape route signs and fire exit signs fall squarely within this requirement.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 reinforces this by requiring the responsible person to ensure that escape routes are indicated by appropriate signs and that emergency lighting illuminates these routes and signs when normal lighting fails.
In practical terms, this means every commercial building must have:
- Exit signs at every final exit door leading to a place of safety.
- Directional signs at every point where the direction of the nearest exit is not obvious — corridor junctions, stairwells, open-plan areas, and any location where occupants might hesitate.
- Illuminated or photoluminescent signs that remain visible when normal lighting fails. This can be achieved through internally illuminated signs, externally illuminated signs powered by the emergency lighting circuit, or photoluminescent signs that glow after absorbing light.
- Consistent design using the standardised green and white colour scheme and the running man pictogram defined in BS ISO 7010.
The Running Man Pictogram: BS ISO 7010
Since 2013, UK signage has been required to use the internationally standardised BS ISO 7010 pictograms. The familiar running man symbol — a white figure moving towards a doorway on a green background — replaced the older text-only "FIRE EXIT" signs that were common in British buildings for decades.
Key points about the running man sign:
- The pictogram must show a figure moving towards an open doorway, with a directional arrow indicating the route to safety.
- The arrow direction must match the actual escape route. A sign pointing left when the exit is to the right creates dangerous confusion in an emergency.
- The green and white colour scheme is mandatory. Green indicates safe condition and escape routes under BS ISO 7010.
- Text may accompany the pictogram but cannot replace it. A sign reading "FIRE EXIT" without the pictogram is no longer compliant on its own.
- Older text-only signs should be replaced during refurbishment, when signage is damaged, or when identified during a fire risk assessment. There is no formal deadline for replacement, but retaining outdated signage can be flagged as a finding.
Placement Rules: Where Signs Must Go
Getting sign placement right is critical. A sign that nobody can see in smoke or darkness serves no purpose. BS 5499-4 provides detailed guidance on sign placement:
At every final exit: Every door that leads directly to a place of safety — typically the open air — must have an exit sign. This applies even if the door is clearly a main entrance used daily. In an emergency with smoke and panic, occupants need confirmation that this door leads to safety.
At every change of direction: Wherever an escape route changes direction — at corridor junctions, T-intersections, and stairwell landings — a directional sign must indicate the continuing route. The sign should be visible from the point where the decision is made, not hidden around the corner.
At every change of level: Stairwells require signs at every floor landing indicating the direction of travel to the final exit. In multi-storey buildings, signs should also indicate the floor number and whether to go up or down.
In open-plan areas: Large open-plan offices, warehouses, and retail spaces present a particular challenge. Occupants may not be able to see the exits from their position, especially in smoke conditions. Overhead hanging signs, low-level way-guidance signs, or illuminated signs positioned at regular intervals address this.
Above or beside doors: Signs should be mounted above doors (typically 2.0 to 2.5 metres from floor level) or beside them at eye level. The sign must be visible from the approach direction and should not be obscured by doors opening, stored items, or decorative features.
Viewing distance: BS 5499-4 specifies that the viewing distance of a sign depends on its size. A standard 150mm by 300mm sign is visible from approximately 18 metres. Larger signs are needed for longer corridors and bigger spaces. The formula is straightforward: viewing distance in metres equals the sign height in millimetres multiplied by a factor determined by the sign type and illumination.
Illumination Requirements
Emergency exit signs must remain visible when normal lighting fails. There are three accepted methods:
Internally illuminated signs: These have a built-in light source — typically LED — connected to the emergency lighting circuit. When mains power fails, the emergency lighting battery maintains illumination for the required duration (usually three hours under BS 5266-1). These are the most reliable option for high-risk or high-occupancy buildings.
Externally illuminated signs: These are standard printed or photoluminescent signs positioned where the emergency lighting system illuminates them. The emergency luminaire must provide sufficient light on the sign face for it to be readable. This requires careful positioning of both the sign and the luminaire.
Photoluminescent signs: These signs absorb light energy from ambient lighting and re-emit it as a visible glow when lighting fails. They require no electrical connection and no battery. However, they need adequate charging — a minimum of 25 lux of ambient light on the sign face during normal conditions to achieve sufficient afterglow. In darker areas such as basements, plant rooms, or windowless corridors, photoluminescent signs may not charge sufficiently and should be supplemented with illuminated alternatives.
BS 5266-1 requires that emergency exit signs achieve a luminance of at least 2 cd/m² within five minutes of lighting failure and maintain at least 0.5 cd/m² at the end of the rated duration. Your emergency lighting designer or installer should verify this.
Low-Level Way-Guidance Systems
In some buildings, particularly high-rise, complex, or high-risk premises, low-level way-guidance systems provide additional safety. These are photoluminescent or illuminated strips and signs installed at floor level or on the lower portions of walls, typically below 400mm from the floor.
The rationale is simple: in a fire, smoke rises. The air closest to the floor remains clearest for longest. Low-level guidance systems help occupants find escape routes when visibility at standing height is severely reduced.
BS 5266-6 covers the design and installation of low-level way-guidance systems. They are not a legal requirement for all buildings, but fire risk assessors may recommend them for:
- High-rise buildings with complex escape routes.
- Hotels and guest accommodation where occupants are unfamiliar with the layout.
- Premises where vulnerable people sleep, such as care homes and hospitals.
- Buildings with long or complex escape corridors.
- Underground car parks and basements.
Common Non-Compliance Issues in Manchester Buildings
Fire risk assessments across Greater Manchester regularly identify signage issues. The most common problems include:
- Faded or damaged signs — photoluminescent signs lose effectiveness over time, especially in areas with poor ambient lighting. UV damage, dirt, and physical damage reduce visibility.
- Incorrect arrow direction — signs pointing the wrong way are surprisingly common, particularly after building alterations that change escape routes. Every time a layout changes, signage must be reviewed.
- Missing signs at decision points — corridor junctions and stairwell entries often lack directional signs. Occupants should never have to guess which way to turn.
- Obstructed signs — signs hidden behind open doors, shelving, posters, or decorative features defeat their purpose. Regular walkthroughs should check visibility.
- Old text-only signs — "FIRE EXIT" signs without the running man pictogram are outdated. While not immediately dangerous, they should be replaced to meet current standards.
- Inadequate illumination — signs in areas where emergency lighting does not reach, or photoluminescent signs in poorly lit corridors, fail when needed most.
- Inconsistent signage — a mix of old and new sign styles, different sizes, and varying mounting heights creates confusion. Consistency helps occupants follow routes instinctively.
Maintaining Your Signage
Exit signage is not a fit-and-forget installation. Ongoing maintenance ensures continued compliance:
- Monthly visual checks — walk the escape routes and verify that all signs are visible, undamaged, and correctly oriented. This can be combined with your monthly emergency lighting functional test.
- Annual detailed inspection — check photoluminescent performance, verify illumination levels on externally lit signs, and confirm that internally illuminated signs function correctly on battery power.
- After any building alteration — whenever escape routes change, signage must be updated immediately. This includes temporary changes during refurbishment works.
- Record keeping — document all inspections, replacements, and updates in your fire safety log book. Your fire risk assessor will want to see these records.
Getting Your Signage Compliant
If your fire risk assessment has identified signage issues, or if you are unsure whether your current signs meet the requirements, a professional review is the most efficient way to get compliant. A qualified fire safety contractor can survey your building, identify gaps, and install compliant signage as part of a planned programme.
Contact Manchester Compliance:
- Phone: 0161 312 2930
- Email: hello@manchestercompliance.co.uk
- Address: 25 Holden Clough Drive, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 9TH
Related guides: