Are Fire Exit Signs Required for All Businesses?

Firefighters respond to more than 1.5 million fires every year, and 10% of those (150,000) occur in a non-residential building – which amounts to roughly 400 non-residential fires every single day in the US.

As much as we hope and pray that it doesn’t happen to you and your business, it’s important to ensure your guests and employees are safe if and when it does happen – and that means having a plan in place.

Part of that strategy should include having accessible and easy-to-find fire exits in case of an emergency. And the best way to achieve that is by having fire exit signs that are both easy to read and easy to see.

But that’s not just a recommendation.

In fact, fire exit signs are required for most businesses in the United States – and that includes hotels, educational facilities, banks, retail centers, and industrial, institutional, religious, and medical buildings.

So, to answer the question – “Are fire exit signs required for all businesses?” – yes, they are, but having them is only half the battle. You also need to know where to put them and what they should look like.

Fire Exit Sign Requirements & Standards

You can walk into just about any business or facility in the US and you’ll not only see fire exit signs all throughout that building, but you’ve probably noticed that they all look similar and are in similar areas.

That’s because businesses have national and international standards that they must follow.

Those regulations and standards are primarily set by one of four organizations – the IFC, OSHA, NFPA, and ADA. Complying with their requirements are essential to maintaining a safe environment for all.

Don’t worry – we’re going to help you make sense of everything so you can avoid fines and penalties.

4. International Fire Code (IFC)

The International Fire Code (IFC) is a comprehensive set of regulations designed to establish minimum requirements for fire safety, and was developed by the International Code Council (ICC) in the year 2000.

Here are some of the standards and regulations they’ve created for fire exit signage:

• Fire exit signs aren’t required for rooms with only one exit route
• All exit signs must be approved by a local fire marshal
• Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated at all times
• Exit signs should have visual characters, raised characters, and braille
• The word “EXIT” shall be in high contrast with the background

In addition to fire exit signs, the IFC requires businesses to have LED exit signs for accessible means of egress, areas of refuge, elevators, escalators, stairways, and fire department connections (fire sprinklers, etc.).

3.Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. It was created by then-President Richard Nixon as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The requirements for fire exit signs are listed in standard 1910.37 – here’s what it includes:

• Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings
• Exit routes should be located away from high hazard areas
• Exit signs with emergency lighting should be working at all times
• Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit”
• The line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at all times
• Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles
• Routes that could be mistaken as an exit should be properly identified by a sign

Anyone who owns or is in the process of building a facility should expect to face numerous (and often random) inspections to ensure customers, clients, and employees are safe when inside the premises.

2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was founded in 1896 by a group of insurance companies – as well as a pipe manufacturer – that were concerned about the installation of fire sprinklers indoors.

Their regulations for fire and emergency exit signs are detailed in their Life Safety Code handbook – which includes:

• Exit signs should be mounted no more than 80 inches above the egress opening
• Combo exit signs should be illuminated for a maximum of 90 minutes in the event of lighting or power failure -- and a battery backup could also help
• All exit signs should be illuminated either externally or internally
• The exit sign should be readily visible and contrast with the background
• There should be no decorations, furnishings, or equipment impairing visibility of the sign

Failing to comply with NFPA regulations can (and often will) result in various negative consequences, including legal penalties, fines, lawsuits, insurance issues, increased liability, and a damaged reputation.

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by then-President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. It aims to prevent discrimination against people with mental and physical disabilities.

The ADA sets several standards that must be met with fire exit signs and other fire-related signs, such as:

• Signs should be available for exits, alarms, sprinklers, stair access, and fire extinguishers
• Businesses should have directional signs to point guests in the direction of an exit
• Businesses should have photoluminescent exit signs by doors that lead to an exit
• Characters must be in uppercase and sans serif fonts
• There should be 18 inches by 18 inches of clear floor space in front of the sign

More than just fire exit signs, the ADA is responsible for maintaining standards for everything from room identification signs to informational signs, accessible parking signs, restroom signs, and so much more.

ADA Central: Your One-Stop Shop for ADA Signage

Fire exit signs are essential to any business and/or public building because they provide clear and visible directions to the nearest safe exit in case of an emergency – whether it be a fire, flood, or active shooter.

Failure to comply with national and international regulations could put your guests in harm’s way.

But don’t worry – that’s what ADA Central is here for.

Whether you’re looking for fire exit signs or signs indicating the location of sprinklers, alarms, stairways, extinguishers, or any other type of signage required by the ADA, we can help you achieve compliance.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team at (308) 221-8226 or visit our online sign shop for more info!