Earlier this year we were asked to assist in a site assessment after a tragic accident. During this assessment, it was hard not to notice all of the brand new exit signs the facility had put up (i.e. stuck up as they were stickers). These signs were super clean as compared to the rest of the facility so they really stood out during our “side-walk tour” of the facility and the accident area. As it turns out, the facility had recently been inspected by their local fire department who identified the need for exit signs. So the facility complied with the “safety order” and purchased 38 “exit signs” and placed them exactly as the inspector instructed them they needed one. There was one “small problem” and I say this in jest, trying not to make light of a life-safety code issue. For those who are not SAFTENG members, just know this – SIZE MATTERS when it comes to EXIT signs!
Here is the sign they ordered from my favorite (NOT) safety online vendor:
The image may be deceiving, let me give you the size of the entire sticker and the issue will become crystal clear:
About this item:
- EXIT Decal
- Pressure Sensitive
- Vinyl Press On
- 2.25″ x 9″
- Adhesive Sign
Notice the issue? LOL
Here is the SIZE dimension required by OSHA: (emphasis by me)
| 1910.37(b)(7) Each exit sign must have the word “Exit” in plainly legible letters NOT LESS THAN six inches (15.2 cm) high, with the principal strokes of the letters in the word “Exit” NOT LESS THAN three-fourths of an inch (1.9 cm) wide. |
Here are the IBC requirements: (emphasis by me)
|
Every exit sign and directional exit sign shall have plainly legible letters NOT LESS THAN 6 INCHES (152 mm) high with the principal strokes of the letters NOT LESS THAN 3/4 INCH (19.1 mm) wide. The word “EXIT” shall have letters having a WIDTH NOT LESS THAN 2 INCHES (51 MM) WIDE, except the letter “I,” and the minimum spacing between letters shall be not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this section shall have letter widths, strokes and spacing in proportion to their height. The word “EXIT” shall be in high contrast with the background and shall be clearly discernible when the means of exit sign illumination is or is not energized. If a chevron directional indicator is provided as part of the exit sign, the construction shall be such that the direction of the chevron directional indicator cannot be readily changed. |
Yet you can buy the stickers above for $8 each – quite the savings over the code-compliant options! Size matters!!!!