Enter and Exit Signs in Atlanta

Here's a synopsis of how to interpret emergency exit sign symbols:

Symbols On Exit Signs

The most prevalent mark is an image of a running person which signifies people in the building should rapidly proceed to a safe place.

A running man may appear in any orientation including leftwards (←), rightwards (→) or downwards (↓) showing where the closest exit is located at or towards which an individual should face when evacuating the premise abruptly.

Another common icon that is often used on egress signs are arrows pointing outwards to indicate where people should proceed in order to reach the nearest exit or escape routes.

Arrows shall be employed in intersections or decision points so as to direct the occupants into the right exit path.

Other marks might also be used but should be simple for everyone living or working there to understand.

Colors On Exit Signs

While the text and symbols on this sign are usually in red or black, the background should always be either green or white .

Normally, important messages are written in red thus the word “EXIT” could appear such color.

Unlike red which is a warning color, emergency exit signs are always made of green since it is associated with safety and “go” in many societies.

Positions Of Exit Signs

They should be placed or fixed above any door that leads to an exit point or passageway i.e., staircases, passageways alongside buildings among others.

The signs should be visible from every point within the structure including places without enough light or full of smoke.

It’s better when exit signs are installed high enough-approximately six feet above ground level so that they can be seen comfortably by people if necessary.

Exit path direction or direction arrows should point to the nearest exit.

Individuals residing in buildings can use this information to identify the quickest and safest way out of buildings during emergencies.

The running man symbol and green background are increasingly seen globally.

The two primary types of exit signs are:

Single Face Exit Signs: These signs have the exit legend (the word “EXIT” or similar) on one side only. They are designed to be mounted on walls or above doors where only one side of the sign will be visible.

This type of exit sign is suitable for placement at the end of hallways or directly above exit doors where the sign only needs to be seen from one direction.

Double Faced Exit Signs: These signs display the exit legend on both sides. They are often used in locations where visibility from multiple directions is necessary. These signs are ideal for installation in the middle of hallways, large open areas, or above doors in a large room where visibility from both sides is essential for safe evacuation

Exit signs in the United States must—most commonly—be either green or red where their lettering must contrast with the sign housing color. The exact color requirements for these vary across states and local jurisdictions:

Red exit signs are required by law in South Carolina, Rhode Island, and Illinois.
In Maryland and Utah there must be used green exit signs.

Helena, Montana uses orange exit signs.

Elsewhere in most states, in other areas local authorities can choose between green or red or a combination of them. The letters should be at least six inches in height while possessing a 3/4 of an inch thick stroke width; besides this, the color should be distinctive enough to ensure its visibility.

Some towns also have their own rules concerning exit signs:

l Metal housing with 8 inch long red letters is mandatory within New York City limits.
l There must be 6 inch long red letters found on a metal housing in Chicago.
l Independently of other regulations in force concerning signs, Los Angeles requires 6 inch tall green characters with dual-circuit relay backup mounted on a metallic housing.

This selection depends primarily on visibility where orange can serve as a warning signal whereas green light means you can proceed with safety since it is visually more appealing to people’s eyes than any other combination of colors commonly used for this sign.

The lights illuminating exit signs shall be on at all times when the building is in use, no matter the color.

Such signs are usually made from LED (light emitting diode) or photoluminescent materials though in terms of duration that it can last, LED leads.