This Compliance Document is prepared by the Department of Building and Housing. The Department of Building and Housing is a GovernmentDepartment established under the State Sector Act 1988.

Enquiries about the content of this document should be directed to:

Department of Building and HousingPO Box 10-729, Wellington.Telephone 0800 242 243Fax 04 494 0290 Email: info@dbh.govt.nz

Sales enquiries should be directed to:Customer Services,Victoria University Book CentrePO Box 12-337, Wellington, New ZealandTelephone 0800 370 370, (04) 463 5511Fax (04) 463 5510Email: dbh@vicbooks.co.nzwww.vicbooks.co.nzISBN 0-477-01606-5

© Department of Building and Housing 2006

This Compliance Document is protected by Crown copyright, unless indicated otherwise.The Department of Building and Housing administers the copyright in this document. You may use and reproduce this document for your personal use or for the purposes of your business provided you reproduce the document accurately and not in an inappropriate or misleading context. You may not distribute this document to others or reproduce it for sale or profit.

The Department of Building and Housing owns or has licences to use all images andtrademarks in this document. You must not use or reproduce images and trademarks featured in this document for any purpose (except as part of an accurate reproduction of this document) unless you first obtain the written permission of the Department of Building and Housing.

Compliance Document for New Zealand Building Code Clause F8SignsPrepared by the Department of Building and Housing

ARCHIVED

Document Status

The most recent version of this document, as detailed in the Document History, is approved by the Chief Executive

of the Department of Building and Housing. It is effective from September 1993 and supersedes all previous versions

of this document.

People using this Compliance Document should check for amendments on a regular basis. The Department of Building

and Housing may amend any part of any Compliance Document at any time. Up-to-date versions of Compliance

Documents are available from www.dbh.govt.nz

F8: Document History

Date Alterations

First published July 1992

Amendment 1 September 1993 p. v, Contents

p. vi, References

p. 4, Table 2

p. 11, 6.4.2 a)

p. 12, 6.4.3, Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 6.5.1

p. 13, 6.6.3, 6.7.1, Figures 15, 16

pp. 15-16 Index

Note: Page numbers relate to the document at the time of Amendment and may not match page numbers in current document.

Status of Compliance Documents

Compliance Documents are prepared by the Department of Building and Housing in accordance with section 22 of the

Building Act 2004. A Compliance Document is for use in establishing compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

A person who complies with a Compliance Document will be treated as having complied with the provisions of the Building

Code to which the Compliance Document relates. However, a Compliance Document is only one method of complying with

the Building Code. There may be alternative ways to comply.

Users should make themselves familiar with the preface to the New Zealand Building Code Handbook, which describes

the status of Compliance Documents and explains alternative methods of achieving compliance.

Defined words (italicised in the text) and classified uses are explained in Clauses A1 of the Building Code and in the Definitions

at the start of this Compliance Document.

ARCHIVED

3

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Clause F8

New Zealand Building Code Clause F8 SignsThis Clause is extracted from the New Zealand Building Code contained in the First Schedule ofthe Building Regulations 1992.

Requirement F8.2 shall not applyto Detached Dwellings, or withinhousehold units of Multi-unitDwellings.

Objective F8.1 (c) shall apply onlyto those buildings to which section25 of the Disabled PersonsCommunity Welfare Act 1975applies.

PPrroovviissiioonnss

OOBBJJEECCTTIIVVEEFF88..11 The objective of this provisionis to:

(a) Safeguard people from injury or illness resulting from inadequate identification of escape routes, or of hazards within or about the building,

(b) Safeguard people from loss of amenity due to inadequate direction, and

(c) Ensure that people with disabilities are able to carry outnormal activities and processes within buildings.

FFUUNNCCTTIIOONNAALL RREEQQUUIIRREEMMEENNTTFF88..22 Signs shall be provided in andabout buildings to identify:

(a) Escape routes,

(b) Emergency related safety features,

(c) Potential hazards, and

(d) Accessible routes and facilities for people with disabilities.

PPEERRFFOORRMMAANNCCEEFF88..33..11 Signs shall be clearly visibleand readily understandable underall conditions of foreseeable use.

FF88..33..22 Signs indicating potentialhazards shall be provided insufficient locations to notify peoplebefore they encounter the hazard.

FF88..33..33 Signs to facilitate escapeshall:

(a) Be provided in sufficient locations to identify escape routes and guide people to a safeplace, and

LLiimmiittss oonn aapppplliiccaattiioonn

FIRST SCHEDULE–continuedCCllaauussee FF88––SSIIGGNNSS

ARCHIVED

J u l y 1 9 9 2 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G4

S I G N S Clause F8

PPrroovviissiioonnss

((b) Remain visible in the event of a power failure of the main lighting supply, for the same duration as required by Clause F6 “Lighting for Emergency”.

FF88..33..44 Signs shall be provided insufficient locations to identifyaccessible routes and facilitiesprovided for people withdisabilities.

LLiimmiittss oonn aapppplliiccaattiioonn

FIRST SCHEDULE–continued

ARCHIVED

5

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3

Contents F8/VM1 & AS1

Page

References 7

Definitions 9

Verification Method F8/VM1 11

Acceptable Solution F8/AS1 13

1.0 Lettering Type and 13

Proportioning for Signs

2.0 Safety Signs 14

2.1 Safety colours 14

2.2 Sign layout 14

2.3 Design of safety symbols 15

3.0 Escape Routes 15

3.1 Location 15

3.2 Wording 15

3.3 Sign details 16

3.4 Colour 16

3.5 Illumination 16

4.0 Fire Related Safety Features 18

4.1 Call points 18

4.2 Fire and smoke control doors 18

5.0 Access and Facilities for 18

People with Disabilities

6.0 Potential Hazards 19

6.1 Dangerous goods 19

6.2 Electrical hazards 21

6.3 Floor loadings 21

6.4 Fire safety 21

6.5 Machine rooms 22

6.6 Escalators and moving walks 23

6.7 Water supplies 23

Index 25

Contents

Amend 1Sep 1993

ARCHIVED

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3

References F8/VM1 & AS1

For the purposes of New Zealand Building Code compliance, acceptable reference documentsinclude only the quoted edition and specific amendments as listed below.

Where quoted

Standards New Zealand

NZS 4231: 1985 Specification for self-luminous exit signs AS1 3.5.4Amend: A

NZS/BS 5252: 1976 Framework for colour co-ordination for AS1 Table 2building purposes Amend: 1

NZS 6742: 1971 Code of practice for emergency lighting in AS1 3.5.5buildings

British Standards Institution

BS 5378:- Safety signs and coloursPart 1: 1980 Specification for colour and design AS1 2.3.2

ReferencesAmend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

7

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G

ARCHIVED

Definit ions F8/VM1 & AS1

Access route A continuous route that permitspeople and goods to move between theapron or construction edge of the buildingto spaces within a building, and betweenspaces within a building.

Accessible Having features to permitreasonable use by people with disabilities.

Accessible route An access route usable bypeople with disabilities. It shall be acontinuous route that can be negotiatedunaided by a wheelchair user. The routeshall extend from street boundary or carparking area to those spaces within thebuilding required to be accessible to enablepeople with disabilities to carry out normalactivities and processes within the building.

Active conductor Any conductor in which theelectrical potential differs from that of aneutral conductor or earth.

Adequate Adequate to achieve the objectivesof the building code.

Building has the meaning ascribed to it in theBuilding Act 1991.

Controlled area That area where the use ofradioactive material or an irradiatingapparatus may, in the opinion of thelicensee, present a hazard to persons withinthat area.

Dangerous goods Any materials included inthe UN classification, Classes 2-5.

Dangerous goods workroom A roomreserved primarily for the use of dangerousgoods of class 3(a) or class 3(b) (i.e. inflamable liquids).

Doorset A complete assembly comprising adoor leaf or leaves including any glazed orsolid panels adjacent to or over the leaveswithin the door frame including hardware orother inbuilt features; and a door frame, ifany, with its fixings to the wall and, for asliding or tilting door, all guides and theirrespective fixings to the lintel, wall or sill.

Escape route A continuous unobstructedroute from any occupied space in a buildingto a final exit to enable occupants to reacha safe place, and shall comprise one ormore of the following: open paths,protected paths and safe paths.

Exitway All parts of an escape routeprotected by fire or smoke separations, orby distance, when exposed to open air, andterminating at a final exit.

Final exit The point at which an escape routeterminates by giving direct access to a safeplace.

Fire The state of combustion during whichflammable materials burn producing heat,toxic gases, or smoke or flame or anycombination of these.

Fire door A doorset, single or multi-leaf,having a specific fire resistance rating, and in certain situations a smoke controlcapability, and forming part of a fireseparation.

COMMENT:

Requirements for fire doors are given in C3/AS1Paragraph 5.0 and Appendix E.

Handrail A rail to provide both support to, orassist with the movement of a person.

Hold open device A device which holds a firedoor open during normal use, but isreleased by deactivating the device by analarm sensing element, allowing the door toclose under the action of a self-closingdevice.

Illuminance The luminous flux falling onto aunit area of surface.

Licensee A person holding a license issuedunder the Radiation Protection Act 1965and for the time being in force.

Open path That part of an escape route(including dead ends) not protected by fireor smoke separations, and whichterminates at a final exit or exitway.

DefinitionsThis is an abbreviated list of definitions for words or terms particularly relevant to this ApprovedDocument. The definitions for any other italicised words may be found in the New ZealandBuilding Code Handbook.

9

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

ARCHIVED

J u l y 1 9 9 2 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G10

S I G N S

People with disabilities People whose abilityto use buildings is affected by mental,physical, hearing or sight impairment.

Safe path That part of an exitway which isprotected from the effects of fire by fireseparations, external walls, or by distancewhen exposed to open air.

Safety colour (green, red or yellow) Acolour of specified properties to which asafety meaning is attributed.

Safety sign A particular type of sign whichcomprises a geometric form and a safetycolour, together with a safety symbol ortext (that is, words, letters numbers or acombination of these) and gives a particularsafety message.

Safety symbol means a graphic symbol usedin a safety sign.

Smoke control door A doorset with closefitting single or multi-leaves which areimpermeable to the passage of smoke,fitted with smoke seals and forming part of a smoke separation.

COMMENT:

Requirements for smoke control doors are given inC3/AS1 Paragraph 5.0.

Smoke separation Any vertical, horizontal orinclined building element with knownsmoke-stopping or smoke-leakagecharacteristics.

Definit ions F8/VM1 & AS1ARCHIVED

11

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Veri f icat ion Method F8/VM1

No specific test methods have been adoptedfor verifying compliance with the Performanceof NZBC F8.

Verification Method F8/VM1ARCHIVED

13

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

1.0 Lettering Type and Proportioning

of Signs

1.0.1 Vertical block type lettering using fullstrokes shall be used.

1.0.2 The letter proportions are as set out inTable 1.

1.0.3 The thickness of the letter (d) can varybetween 15% and 30% of the height of theletter (h).

COMMENT:

Acceptable type sets complying with Paragraph 1.0 areHelvetica and Univers.

Note that for Helvetica bold d = 0.3 h and for Helveticacondensed d = 0.15 h.

Acceptable Solution F8/AS1

Dimensions Ratio Examples of dimensions (mm)

h (10/10) h 10 20 25 40 50 75 100 125

c ( 7/10) h 7 14 17.5 28 35 52.5 70 87.5

a ( 2/10) h 2 4 5 8 10 15 20 25

b (14/10) h 14 28 35 56 70 105 140 175

e ( 6/10) h 6 12 15 24 30 45 60 75

Table 1: Proportioning of Lettering

Paragraph 1.0.2 and Table 4

ARCHIVED

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G14

S I G N S

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

2.0 Safety Signs

2.1 Safety colours

2.1.1 The colours for safety signs shall complywith Table 2.

2.1.2 The choice of safety colours shall complywith Table 3.

2.2 Sign layout

2.2.1 Prohibition and stop signs

Prohibition and stop signs shall:

a) Be circular with a white background, acircular band and crossbar of safety red,and a black safety symbol centrally placedon the background without obliterating thecrossbar,

b) Have the background colour displayed overno less than 35% of the sign face, and

c) Have the proportions given in Figure 1. (Thesafety symbol is omitted from thisexample.)

2.2.2 Caution signs

Caution signs shall:

a) Be of an equilateral triangle with abackground of safety yellow, a blackperimeter band, and a black safety symbolor text located centrally on the background.

b) Have the background colour displayed overno less than 50% of the sign face, and

c) Have the proportions given in Figure 2. (Thesafety symbol is omitted from thisexample.)

2.2.3 Safe condition signs

Safe condition signs shall:

a) Be rectangular or square with a backgroundof safety green, and a white safety symbolor text placed centrally on the background,and

b) Have the background displayed over no lessthan 50% of the sign face.

COMMENT:

The choice of square or rectangular shape will generallyrelate to requirements of the safety symbol or text.

Amend 1Sep 1993

Safety colour Specification

Reference Colour

standard number

Safety Red NZS/BS 525204E53

Safety Yellow NZS/BS 525208E51

Safety Green NZS/BS 525214E53

Table 2: Safety Colours

Paragraph 2.1.1

Safety Meaning or Examples of use Contrasting Symbol colour

colour purpose colour (if

required)

Red Stop Stop signs White BlackProhibition Prohibition signs

Yellow Caution, risk of Indication of hazards Black Blackdanger (fire, explosion,

radiation, chemical etc.)Warning signs

Green Safe condition Emergency exit signs White White

Table 3: Safety Colours and Contrasting Colours

Paragraph 2.1.2

ARCHIVED

15

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

2.3 Design of safety symbols

2.3.1 The design of the safety symbol shall beas simple as possible and details not essentialfor the understanding of the message are tobe omitted.

2.3.2 Examples of acceptable safety symbolsare given in the Appendix to BS 5378 Part 1.

3.0 Escape Routes

3.1 Location

3.1.1 Escape routes shall be identified by exitsigns which are to be located:

a) At each point in the open path where adoor giving access to a final exit or anexitway is not visible in normal use,

b) To clearly indicate each door giving accessto a final exit or an exitway, and

c) To clearly identify the route of travelthrough the exitway.

3.1.2 Where exit signs are provided to identifya door on an escape route, the sign shall bepositioned on the leaf at or above handleheight, or on a vertical surface within 600 mmof the door. The sign shall be positionedwhere it is least likely to be obscured from view.

3.2 Wording

3.2.1 Exit signs shall be safety signscomplying with Paragraph 2.2.3, and displaythe word(s) EXIT or FIRE EXIT, plus a directionarrow if necessary, to identify the escaperoute.

3.2.2 Where a direction arrow is incorporatedas part of the exit sign, a clearance of at least25 mm shall be provided between the word(s)and the arrow.

3.2.3 In addition the following signs shall beprovided:

a) Where any door leads to a lower or upperlevel from an exitway and not to the finalexit, that door shall be identified by a signreading NO EXIT.

b) Where any door in a safe path is at a levelwhere smoke separations are required bythe acceptable solution to NZBC C2“Means of Escape”, and that door leads toan alternative exitway, it shall be identifiedby signs on both sides readingALTERNATIVE EXIT.

Figure 1: Sign Proportions for Prohibition and

Stop Signs

Paragraph 2.2.1 c)

Figure 2: Sign Proportions for Caution Signs

Paragraph 2.2.2 d)

ARCHIVED

J u l y 1 9 9 2 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G16

S I G N S Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

3.3 Sign details

3.3.1 Height of lettering

a) Sign lettering heights shall comply withTable 4.

b) In theatres, cinemas and public halls theletters shall be no less than 100 mm high.

3.3.2 Arrow

The height of the arrow shall match the heightof the lettering in the sign. Arrowproportioning shall comply with Figure 3.

3.3.3 Background

The background shall extend at least 15 mmbeyond the words (and arrow if incorporated)displayed on the sign.

3.4 Colour

3.4.1 Except as given in Paragraph 3.4.2 thetext of an exit sign, and the direction arrowwhere incorporated, shall be white on a safetygreen background.

3.4.2 The sign described in Paragraph 3.2.3 a)shall comprise white text on a safety redbackground.

3.4.3 Where an exit sign is internallyilluminated and normally viewed underdimmed lighting conditions e.g. theatres,auditoria, and the like, the text of the sign (anddirection arrow if any) may be safety green ona black (opaque) background. In the case ofsigns as described in Paragraph 3.2.3 a) thesemay have a text in safety red on a black(opaque) background.

3.5 Illumination

3.5.1 Exit signs shall be provided with externalor internal lighting, or the sign may be self-luminous. Photoluminescent signs are notacceptable.

COMMENT:

1. Exit signs shall be visible at all times that the buildingis in use. In most situations the sign will be visible bymeans of illumination from the general lighting,however in some instances specific lighting, eitherinternal or external or self-luminous fittings, will berequired. Theatres, auditoria and the like wherenormal lighting levels are low, are examples of wherespecific lighting would be required.

2. Internally illuminated signs are preferred to externallyilluminated ones as they are a self-contained unit andare more easily seen in smoky conditions. Selfluminous signs, although permitted, should only beused where it is impractical to use anything else.

3.5.2 Externally illuminated exit signs

Signs which rely for their visibility onillumination from an exterior source shall have:

a) An illuminance of no less than 55 luxprovided at the face of the sign,

b) A variation of illuminance of no greater than 3:1,

c) Luminaires positioned so that the clarity ofthe sign message is not reduced at therequired viewing positions, by reflections onthe sign face, and

Viewing Letter height

distance ‘h’ mm

0 - 20 m 5020 - 30 m 7530 - 40 m 10040 - 50 m 125

Note: ‘h’ refers to the letter height as illustrated in Table 1.

Table 4: Height of Lettering

Paragraphs 3.3.1 a) and 6.1.3

Figure 3: Arrow Dimensions

Paragraph 3.3.2

ARCHIVED

d) The luminaires screened from the view ofpeople passing through the area.

3.5.3 Internally illuminated exit signs

Signs which rely for their visibility on internalillumination shall comply with the followingrequirements:

a) For exit signs with a white text and safetygreen background:

i) the luminance of the background within 25 mm of the text shall be no less than 8 cd/m2,

ii) the ratio of the luminance of the text to that of the background shall be no less than 4:1, and

iii) the variation in luminance within the textand within the background shall be no more than 5:1.

b) For exit signs with a safety green legendand a black (opaque) background:

i) the luminance of the text shall lie within the range 2 cd/m2 to 25 cd/m2, and

ii) the variation in luminance within the textshall be no more than 5:1.

3.5.4 Self-luminous exit signs

Self-luminous exit signs shall comply with NZS 4231 modified as follows:

Clause 1 Delete, and replace with:

“1. Scope

This document describes an acceptablesolution for the manufacture, installationand testing of self-luminous exit signs.These fittings are self-energising in respectof luminosity and require no external sourceof power.”

Clause 5.1 Replace the words “figure 1” with“F8/AS1”.

Clause 6.1 Reword to read:

“The background of the sign shall extend no less than 25 mm beyond the lettering (and arrow if appropriate) at the sides, and 31 mm at the top and bottom.”

Clause 7.1 Delete the last sentence of thefirst paragraph.

Clause 8 Delete.

Clause 9.1 Delete the words “if required”.

Clause 13.1 Replace the words “basicradiation symbol given in BS 3510” in thefirst paragraph, with “radiation warningsymbol given in The Radiation ProtectionRegulations 1982 or F8/AS1”.

Clause 13.1 Replace the words “BritishStandards Institution” in the first paragraphwith “Standards Association of NewZealand”.

Clause 13.2 Replace the reference to “BS 4218” with “NZS 4231”.

Figure 1 Delete.

3.5.5 Lighting supply

The lighting installation providing illuminationto exit signs shall comply with NZBC G9“Electricity”. In particular, where an alternativesupply provides the illumination for exit signsduring interruption of the normal lightingsupply, that installation shall comply with NZS 6742 as modified in F6/AS1”.

COMMENT:

In the event of failure of the normal lighting, the visibilityof the exit signs shall be maintained by illumination(internal or external) powered by an alternative supply. In most cases this illumination will be provided by thesame fittings that provide the ‘Lighting for emergency’(refer NZBC F6), but this is not necessarily the case.When separate fittings are used, the details of theinstallation are to meet the requirements of NZBC F6 in respect of duration and protection from fire damage.

17

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1 ARCHIVED

18

S I G N S Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

4.0 Fire Related Safety Features

4.1 Call points

4.1.1 Call points shall be positioned inaccordance with NZBC F7 “Warning Systems”.

4.1.2 Signs as shown in Figure 4 shall beprovided on or adjacent to each call point. The method of operation, and the telephonenumber of the local fire brigade, shall beinserted in the spaces provided.

4.1.3 The sign colours shall be white andsafety red.

4.2 Fire and smoke control doors

4.2.1 Fire doors and smoke control doors shallbe provided as required by NZBC C3 “Spreadof Fire”.

4.2.2 Every doorset required to possess fire orsmoke stopping capabilities, shall have a signfixed to both sides of the door leaf adjacent tothe handle or push plate, stating “Fire Door,Please Keep Closed” or “Smoke Control Door,Please Keep Closed”, except that door leavesfitted with hold open devices shall have a signstating only “Fire Door” or “Smoke Control Door”.

4.2.3 The sign shall measure no less than 90 mmx 50 mm and shall be in white letters no lessthan 8 mm high on a safety green background.

5.0 Access and Facilities for People

with Disabilities

5.0.1 Signs shall be provided to:

a) Identify accessible routes, and

b) Identify facilities provided specifically forpeople with disabilities. Such facilities are:

- Reserved car parking

- Accessible entrance

- Services available in the building

- Accessible routes through the building

- Toilet facilities

5.0.2 All signs (except as required byParagraph 5.0.3) shall:

a) Display the symbol of access, and asappropriate, include the direction of traveland name of the facility (see Figure 5),

b) Use lettering and symbols in a colour whichcontrasts clearly with the sign background,and

c) Use the proportional layout of the symbol ofaccess, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 4: Call Point Sign

Paragraph 4.1.2

toilet

Figure 5: Example of Sign Indicating Facilities

and its Direction

Paragraph 5.0.2 a)

J u l y 1 9 9 2 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G

ARCHIVED

19

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G J u l y 1 9 9 2

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

5.0.3 Where a listening system is installed, asign displaying the international symbol fordeafness, as shown in Figure 7, shall beprovided at the main door(s) to the buildingand the room.

6.0 Potential Hazards

6.1 Dangerous goods

6.1.1 Classes of dangerous goods given hereare as described in Appendix A of F3/AS1.

6.1.2 Signs warning of dangerous goods shallcomply with the requirements for cautionsigns (see Paragraph 2.2.2).

6.1.3 Alternatively, signs conforming withParagraph 6.1.4 may be used. Except as notedotherwise, they shall have text in safety redon a white background, and lettering heightcomplying with Table 4.

6.1.4 The text and location of signs shallconform with the following requirementsaccording to the class of dangerous goods.

COMMENT:

Signs having similar wording but conveying the samemessage may also be acceptable.

Class 1

Buildings storing explosives shall be providedwith a sign at the entrance saying“EXPLOSIVES - CAUTION”.

Class 2

a) At places storing Class 2(b) dangerousgoods there shall be displayed at theentrance a sign bearing the words“FLAMMABLE GAS AREA – NO SMOKING”.

b) Any room or chamber where any flammablegas of Class 2(b) which forms an explosivemixture with air is discharged, shall have a warning notice bearing the words“FLAMMABLE GAS AREA – NO SMOKING”located at its entrance.

c) Rooms storing more than the equivalent of 60 m

3of acetylene, measured at a

temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 1 atmosphere, inside any building shalldisplay at the entrance to the room, a warning notice bearing the words“ACETYLENE – NO SMOKING OR OPENFLAMES”.

Figure 6: Symbol of Access

Paragraph 5.0.2 c)

Figure 7: International Symbol for Deafness

Paragraph 5.0.3

ARCHIVED

J u l y 1 9 9 2 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G20

S I G N S Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

d) Vehicle refuelling stations for dispensingdangerous goods of Class 2(d) shall displaya notice reading “FLAMMABLE GAS – NOSMOKING – STOP YOUR ENGINE – APPLYHANDBRAKE”.

e) Filling stations, for filling cylinders having a capacity of no more than 5 kg withdangerous goods of Class 2(d) shall displaya warning notice reading “FLAMMABLEGAS AREA – NO SMOKING OR OPENFLAMES”.

f) Spaces storing Class 2(d) dangerous goodsshall display a notice bearing the words“FLAMMABLE GAS AREA – NO SMOKING”.

g) Spaces storing Class 2(g) dangerous goodsin bulk (i.e. in receptacles of liquid capacitygreater than 250 litres) shall display at theentrance a notice bearing the name of thegas followed by the warning – “NOSMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES”.

Class 3

a) Spaces storing Class 3(a) or Class 3(b)dangerous goods other than in bulk, (i.e. inreceptacles of less than 250 litres capacity),shall display at the entrance a warningnotice bearing the words “FLAMMABLELIQUIDS STORE – NO SMOKING”.

b) Every entrance to a dangerous goodsworkroom or building using Class 3(a) orClass 3(b) dangerous goods shall display a warning notice bearing the words“FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AREA – NOSMOKING”.

Class 5

Buildings storing Class 5(b) dangerous goodsin quantities exceeding 25 kg shall display atthe entrance the warning “FLAMMABLEORGANIC PEROXIDES – NO SMOKING”.

Class 7

a) Any place storing radioactive material shalldisplay a warning sign at each entrance or other point of access. The sign (see Figure 8) shall bear the radiation warningsymbol with an overall diameter of at least 100 mm. Its colour is to be black, magenta, or purple on a yellow background. The sign

shall bear the words “CAUTION –RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL” in letters atleast 8.0 mm high.

However, signs are not required if theradioactive material is adequately protectedagainst unauthorised removal, and is:

i) packed and labelled in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency Transport Regulations, or

ii) held temporarily in containers labelled in accordance with Clause 3 of the Second Schedule to the Radiation Protection Regulations 1982.

b) Any place using radioactive material, or anyirradiating apparatus in a controlled area,shall display a warning sign at eachentrance or other point of access. The signshall be as described in a) above, exceptthat the text shall read “CAUTION –CONTROLLED AREA”, and in additionbears the words “ENTRY PROHIBITEDEXCEPT WITH THE AUTHORITY OF (nameof licensee/Radiation Safety Officer). Allletters shall be at least 8.0 mm high.

Figure 8: Radiation Warning Symbol

Paragraph 6.1.4 (Class 7)

ARCHIVED

6.2 Electrical hazards

6.2.1 Bare active conductors that are exposedshall be indentified:

a) At each termination,

b) At intervals of no more than 15 m, and

c) In each room through which they pass.

6.2.2 The caution safety sign shall comply withFigure 9 and Paragraph 2.2.2.

6.3 Floor loadings

6.3.1 Buildings

a) In all workrooms, workshops, factories,warehouses, stores and garages the designlive load appropriate to each section of thefloor shall be displayed on a sign placed in a conspicuous position.

b) The sign shall be no less than 900 mmabove the floor, 230 mm long and 100 mmwide, and worded as shown in Figure 10with letters at least 8.0 mm high.

6.3.2 Lifts

a) Passenger lifts

A sign shall be fitted to each lift car anddisplay, in lettering at least 6.0 mm high, thelift’s rated load in persons and kilograms.

b) Service lifts

A sign shall be fitted at each landing anddisplay in lettering at least 6.0 mm high, thecontract load in kilograms.

COMMENT:

It is recommended that signs required by Paragraph 6.3be safety red on a white background.

6.4 Fire safety

6.4.1 Lifts

A sign shall be provided on or adjacent to eachlanding call button plate. In letters at least 8.0mm high it shall read “DO NOT USE LIFT INEVENT OF FIRE” or “IN EVENT OF FIRE - DONOT USE LIFT”.

COMMENT:

It is recommended that signs required by Paragraph6.4.1 be safety red on a white background.

6.4.2 Sprinklered buildings

a) Where storage heights could exceed thosefor which the sprinkler system has beendesigned, warning signs shall be provided.

b) Signs shall be positioned so that the bottomof the sign is at the highest level to whichstorage is permitted.

c) Signs shall be visible from 90% of alllocations within aisles.

d) The sign shall comprise lettering, arrowsand 45º lines in safety red on a whitebackground and be sized as shown inFigure 11.

Figure 9: Electrical Hazard Sign

Paragraph 6.2.2

Figure 10: Example of Floor Loading Sign

Paragraph 6.3.1 b)

21

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

Amend 1Sep 1993

ARCHIVED

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G22

S I G N S

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

COMMENT:

The height limitation of 4.0 m shown in Figure 11 is an example only. In use the actual height limitationappropriate to the situation will be shown.

6.4.3 Use of stairs by fire service personnel

a) Stairs used by fire service personnel shallbe provided with signs to identify the floorlevel. The sign shall be clearly visible fromeach floor level landing.

b) Where fire hydrants are located insidespaces containing a stairway, stair doorswhich give access to those hydrants shallbe identified. This requirement applies onlyto those doors located on floors to whichfire service personnel have direct accessfrom the street and where more than onestair leads away from those floors. Anacceptable sign is shown in Figure 12.

c) Where fire hydrants are located in spacescontaining scissor stairs, the stairway doorsat each level providing direct access fromthe street for fire service personnel shalldisplay a sign indicating the floor levellocation of hydrants which can be accessedfrom that particular door. An acceptable signis shown in Figure 13.

d) Signs required by Paragraph 6.4.3 shallcomply with Paragraph 1.0 and havelettering of no less than 25 mm in height.Signs required by Paragraphs 6.4.3 b) and6.4.3 c) shall comprise white lettering on a safety red background.

6.5 Machine rooms

6.5.1 The sign shown in Figure 14 shall beprovided adjacent to every lift and escalatormachine room door.

6.5.2 The word DANGER shall be printed in 50 mm high letters, and the remainder of thenotice in letters at least 25 mm high.

6.5.3 The sign shall be placed where it is notobscured when the door is in the open position.

COMMENT:

It is recommended that signs required by Paragraph 6.5be safety red on a white background.

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

4.0m

Figure 11: Storage Height Signs

Paragraph 6.4.2 d)

Figure 12: Sign for Door to Stair with Fire

Hydrants

Paragraph 6.4.3 b)

Figure 13: Sign for Door to Scissor Stair with Fire

Hydrants

Paragraph 6.4.3 c)

Figure 14: Machine Room Sign

Paragraph 6.5.1

Amend 1Sep 1993

ARCHIVED

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3 23

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G

Acceptable Solut ion F8/AS1

6.6 Escalators and moving walks

6.6.1 Signs shall be displayed at the entranceto escalators and moving walks.

6.6.2 If the signs comprise words only, theyshall contain the following instructions, whereappropriate, in letters at least 8.0 mm high:

a) Small children must be firmly held byadults,

b) Hold the handrail,

c) Stand facing the direction of travel,

d) Keep feet away from sides.

6.6.3 If diagrams are used they shall be asshown in Figure 15 with a minimum size of 80 mm x 80 mm and colours of blue on awhite background, with the cross (X) in red.

6.7 Water supplies

6.7.1 Outlets of non-potable water shall beidentified as not being suitable for drinking, by using the prohibition safety sign shown inFigure 16.

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Figure 16: Non-potable Water Sign

Paragraph 6.7.1

Figure 15: Diagrams for Escalators and Moving Walks

Paragraph 6.6

ARCHIVED

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3 25

S I G N S

D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G

Index F8/VM1 & AS1

Escape routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.0exitways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.1.1 a) b) c), 3.2.3 a) b)final exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.1.1 a) b), 3.2.3 a)open paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.1.1 a)safe paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.2.3 b)

People with disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0access route identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.1 a) b)facility identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.1 b)listening system identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.3, Figure 7

Signs

exit signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.0alternative exit signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.2.3 b)arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.2.2, 3.3.2, Figure 3backgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.3.3colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.1, 3.4, 3.5.3 a) b), 4.1.3, Table 3illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.5externally illuminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.5.2

internally illuminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.5.3lighting supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.5.5self-luminous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.5.4

lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.3.1, Table 4location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.1no exit signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.2.3 a)wording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 3.2

fire safety signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 4.0, 6.4call points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 4.1, Figure 4colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 4.1.3fire and smoke control doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 4.2lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.4.1stairs for Fire Service personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.4.3,

Figures 12 and 13storage heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.4.2, Figure 11

hazard signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.0dangerous goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1

class 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4class 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4class 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4class 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4class 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4

colour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.3, 6.1.4radiation warning symbol . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4, Figure 8

colour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.3layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.3lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.3, 6.1.4location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.1.4

Index F8/VM1 & AS1All references to Verification Methods and Acceptable Solutions are preceded by VM or AS

respectively.

Amend 1Sep 1993

ARCHIVED

S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3 D E P A R T M E N T O F B U I L D I N G A N D H O U S I N G26

S I G N S Index F8/VM1 & AS1

Signs (continued)

electrical hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.2, Figure 9escalators and moving walks . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.6, Figure 15floor loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.3

buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.3.1, Figure 10lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.3.2

passenger lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.3.2 a)service lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.3.2 b)

lettering type and proportions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 1.0, Table 1machine rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.5, Figure 14non-potable water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 6.7, Figure 16

people with disabilities signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0access symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.2 c), Figure 6layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.2 Figure 5listening systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 5.0.3, Figure 7

safety signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.0, 3.2.1caution signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.2.2, 6.1.2, 6.2.2, Figure 2colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.1, Table 3layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.2prohibition and stop signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.2.1, 6.7.1,

Figure 1safe condition signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.2.3safety symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AS1 2.3

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

Amend 1Sep 1993

ARCHIVED