blank space

Opinions & Applications for the Fire Code (1997 edition) (revoked November 21, 2007)

9.5.3.5. EXIT SIGNS

9.5.3.5.

   "(1) Each exit door, except for the main entrance to a building, dwelling unit or suite, shall have an exit sign when the exit serves

  1. a building exceeding two storeys in building height,
  2. a building having an occupant load greater than 150 persons, or
  3. a floor area other than a single dwelling unit with a fire escape as part of a means of egress.

(2) Where exit signs are not visible throughout the corridors and passageways, additional exit signs shall be installed in approved locations to indicate the direction or egress

(3) Exit signs required in Sentences (1) and (2) shall have:

  1. the word "EXIT" or the words "EXIT/SORTIE" in red letters on a contrasting background or white letters on a red background,
  2. letters with strokes at least 19 mm wide,
  3. letters at least 150 mm high when the signs are externally illuminated, and
  4. letters at least 114 mm high when the signs are internally illuminated.
    5. "

Intent:

   Exit signs shall be provided at all exit doors (except main entrance) if the building is at least three storeys in height, or has an occupant loading of at least 150 persons, and also, where the exit accesses a fire escape serving more than a single dwelling unit.

As well, exit signs shall be provided in access to exit corridors or passageways to indicate the direction of egress, where the exit signs at the exit doors cannot be seen.

The wording, illumination and the lettering of the exit signs shall be of a prescribed nature to ensure visibility and distinctiveness.

Other Resources:

   NFPA 101, "Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures" (a.k.a : Life Safety Code), O.B.C. 3.4.5., NBC 3.4.5., OFC 9.6.3.6., OFC 2.7.3.

Application:

  
Q1:   Do exit signs in 9.5. buildings require an emergency power supply?
A1:   Whereas exit signs in 9.6 buildings do require an emergency power supply, exit signs in 9.5 buildings do not.
Q2:   In a short access to exit corridor, is it acceptable to have existing exit signs that have smaller lettering than that required in Article 9.5.3.5.?
A2:   Existing life safety devices may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Fire Official. Their decisions should be based upon site conditions and the adequacy of the existing devices. Where new exit signs are to be provided due to a lack of required signage, then these shall comply with the requirements of Article 9.5.3.5.
Q3:   Are photo luminescent or tritium phosphor exit signs acceptable?
A3:   The tritium phosphor exit signs have their own internal light source and can be accepted on the same basis as an internally illuminated exit sign. Because the light is produced by a radioactive source, no connection is required to a source of normal power or emergency power. This type of sign is useful where there is no readily available source of electrical power but they have the disadvantage that they have to be replaced after a number of years (specified in the listing).

The photo luminescent signs do not produce their own light but only store light generated from another source. The length of time that these signs will release a useful amount of light and remain visible depends on the intensity and duration of the initial exposure. For this reason these signs can only be accepted on the same basis as externally illuminated exit signs. An external source of illumination will always be required and, where exit signs require emergency power, this source of external illumination must be connected to emergency power.