πŸ“Technical & Compliance

Where Should Fire Exit Signs Be Placed on a Diagram? 2025 Guide

OST
OSHA Safety TeamCertified Fire Safety Specialists
Updated: November 30, 20247 min read
exit signsdiagram placementfire codemarking
MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
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πŸ“Š Key Statistics You Should Know

100%
Of exits must be marked on diagrams
OSHA/Fire code, 2024
2+
Minimum exit routes required per area
OSHA, 2024
6 inch
Minimum exit sign height on physical signs
NFPA 170, 2024
75 ft
Maximum viewing distance for exit signs
IBC, 2024

Exit Marking Requirements

Fire codes require all exits to be clearly marked on evacuation diagrams:

  • Every exit door must be shown
  • Exit symbols must be clearly visible
  • Primary exits should be distinguished from secondary
  • Emergency-only exits should be noted
  • Exit doors vs. non-exit doors must be clear

Standard Exit Symbols

Use recognized symbols for consistency:

  • EXIT text or word in rectangle
  • Running person toward door icon
  • Green color standard for exits
  • Arrow indicating direction of travel
  • Wheelchair symbol for accessible exits

What to Mark vs. What Not to Mark

Be clear about what qualifies as an exit:

  • Mark: All doors leading outside
  • Mark: Stairwell doors (with stair indication)
  • Mark: Emergency exits with alarms
  • Don't mark: Interior doors between rooms
  • Don't mark: Closet or storage doors
  • Don't mark: Doors to dead-end areas
⚠️
Warning: Never mark a door as an exit if it leads to a dead end or locked area.
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Placement Tips

For maximum clarity:

  • Position symbols exactly on the door location
  • Use consistent symbol size throughout
  • Include door swing direction if relevant
  • Label exits numerically for reference
  • Distinguish accessible exits clearly

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❓ Key Takeaways & FAQs

How should exits be marked on evacuation diagrams?

Exits should be marked with a standardized EXIT symbol (typically green rectangle with white text or arrow), positioned exactly where the physical exit is located in the building.

Do I need to show emergency-only exits?

Yes. All exits, including emergency-only exits, must be marked on evacuation diagrams. Note which exits are emergency-only if they have alarms.

Should exit signs match the physical signs in the building?

The symbols don't need to match exactly, but they should be consistent and clearly indicate exit locations. Standard fire safety symbols are preferred.

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MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
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πŸ”₯NFPA Aligned
πŸ‘€Expert Reviewed
πŸ”„Regularly Updated
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