Safety signs and symbols are easily recognizable graphic labels that represent the general protocol and safety instructions in workplaces, establishments, or public spaces. The appearance of safety signs and symbols can sometimes vary depending on the country or region, but their general goal is to communicate safety information that transcends language barriers and can be interpreted globally.
To pass inspection from a fire code enforcement official, exit signs, emergency lighting, and egress signs require certification from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) that the product has been tested to meet or exceed all necessary standards and requirements for that class of products.
Sign Zone is a UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) Certified Shop.
Types of Safety Symbols
There are four basic types—all of which are available at Sign Zone LA. Standardized safety signs and symbols are characterized by images, pictograms, shapes, words, phrases, sentences, or statements. Each shape conveys a different meaning, and each color represents the type of precaution for which it is categorized:
Egress Signs
Often seen in high-rise buildings, Photo Luminescent Egress Signs provide additional guidance above and beyond standard exit signs and emergency lights. An essential component of the design and construction of public buildings is the provision of proper and luminous means of egress (exit & entry) from the building, especially from the standpoint of life safety during a fire or emergency incident.
The International Building Code, adopted widely by municipalities across the US, stipulates design requirements for the means of egress in public buildings. OSHA stipulates the standards for the signs required to designate an exit or entry in the Code of Federal Regulations. California and several other states have also adopted requirements for exit signs that focus on accessibility issues.
At Sign Zone, we understand these requirements and will help ensure that your signs are always within specific codes and regulations as stipulated by the federal/state governments and local municipalities where your building resides.
Exit Signs
In case of a fire, exit signs can save lives. Sign Zone features a variety of exit signs to comply with building fire codes and insurance standards. At Sign Zone, we understand the building & safety codes and guarantee your exit signs will comply with stated local, state, and federal requirements.
Emergency Evacuation Maps
OSHA does not require facilities to have a printed map for evacuation in the case of an emergency; but other governmental agencies, insurance carriers, fire marshals, and state/local agencies may require evacuation maps. As a precaution always check, however, OSHA does have requirements for any Emergency Action Plan (EAP) including:
- Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- Procedures for emergency evacuation, including the type of evacuation and exit route assignments.
- Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical operations before they evacuate.
- Procedure to account for all employees after an evacuation.
- Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties.
- The name or job title of every employee who should be contacted in case of an emergency.
Evacuation maps serve as a visual tool to communicate the following information from your EAP plan.
- “You are here”.
- Exits/handicapped accessible exit locations.
- Exit routes with alternate routes.
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Fire alarm locations
- First aid material locations
- Oxygen tank locations
- PPE locations
- AED locations
- Tornado/hurricane/earthquake/safe room locations
- Spill kit locations
- Tornado, hurricane, earthquake & safe locations
- Security desk locations
- Restroom locations
- Roof accessibility
- Emergency phones and contact number locations
- Electrical panel locations
Need an evacuation map? Sign Zone can help. We offer professional services to design, print and install your evacuation map. Or, if you prefer, send us the completed design and we will do the rest. Remember, no matter how you proceed, together we will ensure that any evacuation map we create and install is accurate, detailed and strategically posted.
Sounds like a lot? That’s what Sign Zone is here for – to help you navigate even the toughest of challenges in gathering information, sign design and installation for all Safety Signage needs.