The Ontario Building Code | Exit Signs

9.9.11.3. Exit Signs

(1) Except as required in Sentence (7), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it if the exit serves,

(a) a buildingthat is 3 storeys in building height,

(b) a buildinghaving an occupant load of more than 150, or

(c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.

(2) Except as required in Sentence (6), every exit sign shall,

(a) be visible on approach to the exit,

(b) except as provided in Sentence (3), consist of a green pictogram and a white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, "Graphical Symbols – Safety Colours and Safety Signs – Part 1: Design Principles for Safety Signs and Safety Markings", and

(c) conform to the dimensions indicated in ISO 7010, "Graphical Symbols – Safety Colours and Safety Signs – Safety Signs Used in Workplaces and Public Areas", for the following symbols:

(i) E001 emergency exit left,

(ii) E002 emergency exit right,

(iii) E005 90-degree directional arrow, and

(iv) E006 45-degree directional arrow.

(3) Internally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated, and,

(a) where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA 22.2 No. 141, "Emergency Lighting Equipment", or

(b) where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, be,

(i) constructed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S572, "Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Signs and Path Marking Systems", and

(ii) labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed.

(4) Externally illuminated exit signs shall be illuminated at all times by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.

(5) The circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall,

(a) serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where the exit signs are installed, and

(b) be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentences 9.9.12.3.(2), (3) and (7).

(6) Anexit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided where no exit is visible from,

(a) a public corridor,

(b) a corridor used by the public, or

(c) a principal route serving an openfloor area having an occupant load of more than 150.

(7) Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotelshall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it.