Fire Exit Sign Requirements: OSHA & NFPA Standards 2025
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Key Statistics You Should Know
OSHA Exit Sign Requirements
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.37 establishes the baseline requirements for exit signs in the workplace. These federal requirements apply to most employers and form the foundation of exit signage compliance.
- Every exit must be clearly marked with an exit sign
- Signs must be illuminated by a reliable light source (minimum 5 foot-candles)
- Lettering must be at least 6 inches high with 3/4 inch stroke width
- Emergency power (battery or generator) must provide 90+ minutes backup
- Signs must be visible from any direction of approach
- The word "EXIT" must be in letters of distinctive color
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Requirements
NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, provides more detailed exit sign requirements. Many state and local fire codes adopt NFPA standards, making these requirements legally binding in most jurisdictions.
- Exit signs required at every exit and exit access door
- Maximum 100 feet travel distance between exit signs
- Signs must indicate direction to exits when path is not obvious
- Externally illuminated signs require minimum 5 foot-candles
- Internally illuminated signs require specific brightness levels
- Photoluminescent signs allowed under specific conditions
Exit Sign Placement Rules
Proper placement ensures exit signs are visible during emergencies when smoke may obscure vision at ceiling level.
- Install at or near the ceiling, or overhead if possible
- Bottom of sign no higher than 6 feet 8 inches from floor (some codes)
- Low-level exit signs may be required (within 18 inches of floor)
- Signs visible from any approach direction
- No obstructions (decorations, equipment) blocking visibility
- Additional directional signs where path to exit is not obvious
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Emergency Illumination Requirements
Exit signs must remain illuminated during power outages. The specific requirements ensure occupants can safely evacuate even in complete darkness.
- Battery backup: 90 minutes minimum duration
- Monthly visual inspection required
- Annual 90-minute functional test required
- Self-luminous signs: No external power needed, 10-20 year lifespan
- Photoluminescent signs: Must charge from reliable light source
- Generator backup acceptable if automatic transfer within 10 seconds
Common Exit Sign Violations
Avoid these frequently cited violations that can result in significant penalties:
- Burned out or dim bulbs reducing visibility
- Missing battery backup or dead batteries
- Obstructed signs (decorations, equipment, furniture)
- Incorrect sign wording (must say "EXIT" not "Exit" or "exit")
- Wrong color combination or faded letters
- Missing signs at required locations
- Directional signs pointing wrong direction
Exit Signs and Evacuation Maps
Exit signs and evacuation maps work together as part of your complete emergency egress system. Your evacuation maps should identify all exit sign locations.
- Mark exit sign locations on evacuation maps
- Ensure exit routes on maps align with signage
- Include directional signage in map planning
- Verify "You Are Here" locations near exit signs
- Update maps when signage changes
Key Takeaways & FAQs
What color should exit signs be?
OSHA requires exit signs to have distinctive colors. Red lettering on a white background or white lettering on a red background are both acceptable. Green exit signs are common internationally and acceptable in many jurisdictions, but verify with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
How bright must exit signs be?
OSHA requires exit signs to be illuminated with a reliable light source providing not less than 5 foot-candles on the illuminated surface. Self-luminous and electroluminescent signs must have minimum luminance of 0.06 foot-lamberts for the sign face.
Do exit signs need battery backup?
Yes. Exit signs must be illuminated at all times during building occupancy. They require an emergency power source (battery backup or generator) that provides at least 90 minutes of illumination during power outages.
How often should exit signs be tested?
Monthly visual inspections are required to ensure signs are illuminated. Annual 90-minute tests are required for battery-powered emergency lighting. Document all inspections and tests.
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