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4.5 Location of signs
The system designer should identify the primary escape route from each place within the ship. This will normally be the shortest travel distance to a place of relative safety. If there is a choice of escape routes, the escape route signing system should indicate the shortest travel distance. If at any place there is a choice of two escape routes of equal travel distance both routes should be indicated by a separate series of signs.
The following principles apply:-
(a) At least one escape route or doorway leading to an escape route should be visible from any place within every room or enclosure. Where this route is not conspicuous or confusion could occur, the route should be indicated by a sign.
(b) Where direct sight of the escape route or of the sign indicating the escape route is obstructed, one or more intermediate signs should be provided.
(c) Doors or passageways which might be confused as leading to a designated escape route should be marked clearly.
(d) Escape route signs should take precedence over all other signs. Signs with a potentially conflicting message (e.g. no thoroughfare) should not be used in the same location. Where this conflict is unavoidable a supplementary text sign (e.g. except in an emergency) should be provided to override the prohibition message.
(e) All changes of direction in corridors, stairways and open spaces forming part of an escape route should be marked with intermediate signs. Each intermediate door or junction should be similarly signed. Thus persons escaping along any designated escape route will always have an escape route sign in sight whenever a choice of direction or door has to be made.
(f) So far as is reasonably practicable signs should be evenly spaced and consistently located so that the evacuee can effectively and quickly predict the location of the next sign within the escape route.
(g) Additional signs should be provided where the line of sight to the next sign would otherwise exceed the recommended maximum viewing distance for the chosen size of sign.
(h) A sign should be provided wherever confusion may otherwise occur.
(i) Every designated escape route will lead to a place of relative safety. A place of relative safety should not be provided with escape route signs but shall be provided with a sign indicating 'assembly station.'
(j) Signs should not be fixed to doors or sited where they may be obscured by opening doors.
(k) Where commercial or artistic considerations require signs or objects which because of their size, brightness design or proximity might be confused with or prevent recognition of an escape route sign, the location of the escape route sign may be slightly displaced provided safety is not compromised thereby. Otherwise the confusing signs or objects should be removed.
(l) The effectiveness of any escape route sign should not be adversely affected by the presence of other signs conveying directional information in a similar format or by other internally illuminated signs or by competing or distracting light sources.
4.6 Mounting height
Escape route signs should be sited conspicuously within the normal field of vision. The following principles apply:-
(a) Signs above doors or open spaces should be mounted between 2m and 2.5m from floor level, measured to the base of the sign and be sited as close to the centre line of the escape route as practicable. This mounting height is intended to ensure principally that exit can be readily seen eg. over the heads of people.
(b) Signs sited on walls should be mounted between 1.7m and 2.0m, from floor level measured to the base of the sign and is the principle field for directional signs to assembly stations. This mounting height is intended to ensure the signs are within the immediate field of vision.
(c) Mounting heights greater than 2.5m may be used eg, in large open spaces or for operational reasons, but care should be taken to ensure that such signs are both conspicuous and legible. Larger signs may therefore be necessary.
(d) Signs should be sited at the same height throughout the escape route so far as is reasonably practicable. This will assist the evacuee to predict the location of successive signs.
(e) Signs sited at low location is given in ISO15370.
4.7 Use of supplementary text
All escape route sign should incorporate or be accompanied by a supplementary text sign or be complementary text complying with ISO/WDXXX Part 2.
The supplementary text sign or complimentary text will help to ensure that the meaning of the graphical symbol is fully understood and may be used to convey additional information. Supplementary text and complimentary text may be in english or in dual language according to the passenger and crew language or the ship's flag.
Care should be taken that the supplementary text does not overpower the graphical symbol. The supplementary text height is not used to determine the maximum viewing distance. (See clause ?).
(Note: The supplementary text shall not be used on its own and may need to be in more than one language).
(a) A supplementary text sign reading 'exit' should be used with an escape route sign to indicate a doorway or other suitable opening that leads to an embarkation station.
(b) A supplementary text sign reading 'exit for emergency use only' should be used with an escape route sign to indicate a doorway or other opening that leads to a place of safety, which has been provided specifically as an alternative exit and is intended only for use in the event of the evacuation of the ship or vessel. A door marked 'exit for emergency use only' should not be used during the day-to-day occupation.
(c) The consistent use of the graphical symbol with the safety meaning exit is essential for identification of all exits. This graphical symbol shall be used for all emergency issues from the ship or installation such as escape windows and hatches. Supplementary text shall be used to describe the exact nature of the issue.
(Note: Signs reading 'exit' and 'exit for emergency use only' should not be used in close proximity as this could cause confusion).
4.8 Use of arrows
Every escape route sign for the directional movement of evacuees should incorporate or be accompanied by a directional arrow complying with ISO 7010. The arrow should indicate uniquely the direction of travel leading to the place of relative safety.
The use of an appropriate arrow will assist with the understanding of the direction of egress and make the sign more conspicuous.
The following principles apply:-
(a) An arrow should not be used on its own.
(b) Arrows should be correctly orientated (see figure 1).
(c) Arrows should be used to indicate each change of direction or change of level.
(d) Arrows should be used wherever additional signs are provided in accordance with 4.4 (g) ie. where the line of sight to the next sign would otherwise exceed the recommended maximum viewing distance for the chosen size of sign.
(e) An arrow should be provided wherever confusion might otherwise occur.
(f) The graphical symbol should normally be accompanied by an arrow except where this could cause confusion (e.g. vomitory exits).
(g) Within cinema, theatre and similar auditoria, where the escape route signs are internally-illuminated, the arrow element of escape route signs may be omitted when the signs are sited immediately above the exits.
Figure 1 illustrates the recommended combination of graphical symbol with supplementary text and the arrow.
Appendix ? illustrates the recommended use of arrows to indicate direction of travel.
4 Directional meaning of arrows - Figure 1
| Sign |
Meaning (as viewed from in front of sign) |
Examples of location |
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1. Progress down to the right. (indicating change
of level). |
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1. Progress up to the right. (Indicating change
of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the right from here when suspended within an
open area. |
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1. Progress down to the left. (Indicating change
of level). |
|
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1. Progress up to the left. (Indicating change
of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the left from here when suspended within an
open area. |
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1. Progress forward from here. (Indicating direction
of travel).
2 .Progress forward and through from here; when sign is sited above a door. (Indicating
direction of travel).
3. Progress forward and up from here. (Indicating change of level). |
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1. Progress to the right from here. (Indicating
direction of travel). |
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1. Progress to the left from here. (Indicating
direction of travel). |
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1. Progress down from here. (Indicating change
of level). |
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5. Means of escape sign types 5.1. Assembly Station
5.2. Deck and zone complimentary signs
5.2. Embarkation station Lifeboat station
5.3. Exit and Emergency Exit
5.4. Life saving equipment
5.5. Survival craft
5.6. Emergency equipment
5.7. Fire fighting equipment
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