Guidance Sheet: Correct use of escape route signs with directional meaning of arrows
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An escape route sign should incorporate, or be used with, an arrow which is in accordance with BS5499-4 : 2000. The arrow serves to denote the direction of travel that an occupant should take in order to reach a place of safety.

 The following is an extract from BS5499: Part 4: 2000:

"4.7 Use of arrows
The use of an appropriate arrow will assist with understanding of the direction of egress and also make the sign more conspicuous."

ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS (meaning and use of graphical symbol with directional arrow)
Sign Meaning as viewed from in front of the sign Examples of location

1. Progress down to the right (indicating change of level). 1. On wall or suspended at head of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.

1. Progress up to the right (indicating change of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the right from here (when suspended within an open area).		 1. On wall or suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
4. Suspended in open areas.

1. Progress down to the left (indicating change of level). 1. On wall or suspended at head of stairs.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.

1. Progress up to the left (indicating change of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the left from here (when suspended within an open area).		 1. On wall or suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
4. Suspended in open areas.

1. Progress forward from here (indicating direction of travel).
2. Progress forward and through from here; when sign is sited above a door (indicating direction of travel).
3. Progress forward and up from here (indicating change of level).		 1. Suspended in corridor leading to door.
2. Suspended in front of door.
3. Positioned above door.
4. Suspended in open areas.
5. Suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.

1. Progress to the right from here (indicating direction of travel). 1. On corridor walls.
2. Suspended adjacent and left of the exit.
3. Suspended at change of direction.

1. Progress to the left from here (indicating direction of travel). 1. On corridor walls.
2. Suspended adjacent and right of the exit.
3. Suspended at change of direction.

1. Progress down from here (indicating change of level). 1. Suspended at head of stairs or ramp.
2. Suspended at change of level.

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