The Shift to the Green Running Man Pictogram
The most significant change in Canadian exit sign regulations was the adoption of the internationally recognised green running man pictogram. This standard completely replaced the traditional red text-based EXIT signs. Under the current Ontario Building Code, all new commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and significant residential renovations must use the green and white pictogram.
OBC Pictogram Requirements
The green running man pictogram removes language barriers. In a smoke-filled corridor during an emergency, a symbol recognised across 65+ countries is more effective than any text-based sign. This is the primary reason the Ontario Building Code moved to the ISO 7010 standard.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The local building inspector or fire marshal is the AHJ for exit sign compliance. Interpretation of "major renovation" varies by municipality. If your project is permit-required, confirm the sign requirement with your AHJ before ordering.
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Illumination and Power Source Requirements
Visibility is the primary function of an exit sign. The Ontario Building Code dictates strict rules on illumination to ensure signs remain visible in dark or smoke-filled corridors.
Electrically Illuminated Signs
Standard exit signs must be connected to a reliable emergency power supply. If main building power fails, signs must remain illuminated for a minimum duration — typically 30, 60, or 120 minutes depending on building classification and occupancy load. This is achieved through integrated backup battery packs or a central emergency generator system.
Maintained vs. Non-Maintained
Maintained signs are illuminated continuously during normal building operation. Non-maintained signs only illuminate when the main power fails. The OBC specifies which type is required based on occupancy classification — confirm with your permit office.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs (ULC-S572)
Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs are fully recognised by the Ontario Building Code as an acceptable alternative to electrically powered signs, provided specific conditions are met.
ULC-S572 Requirements for Photoluminescent Signs
- ✓Must meet ULC-S572 standard for photoluminescent and self-luminous exit signs
- ✓The area must have continuous active ambient lighting while occupied (to charge the photoluminescent material)
- ✓Must emit sufficient luminance for the required duration during total power failure
- ✓No internal wiring, no batteries — zero maintenance electrical costs
- ✓Lifetime typically exceeds 25 years — no annual battery testing required
⚠️ Ambient Light Requirement
Photoluminescent signs cannot be used in areas with intermittent or low ambient lighting. Stairwells with motion-activated lights, for example, may not provide sufficient charging. Confirm your lighting schedule with the AHJ before specifying photoluminescent signs.
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Placement and Installation Rules — OBC Section 3.4.5
Having the correct sign design is only part of compliance. OBC Section 3.4.5 outlines precise placement requirements to ensure an unbroken, logical path of travel to the exterior.
- ✓Above every exit door: An exit sign must be placed directly over every door leading to an exit stairwell or the exterior of the building.
- ✓Changes in direction: Directional exit signs (green pictogram + arrow) must be installed at every corner, intersection, or confusing turn in the evacuation path.
- ✓Maximum viewing distance: Exit signs must be visible from any point in a corridor or public space. If a hallway is long, intermediate signs must be installed so the distance to the nearest visible sign never exceeds the sign's certified viewing distance.
- ✓Height: Signs are typically mounted centred above doors. Must be installed high enough to remain visible above crowds — usually not less than 2 metres above the floor — but not so high as to be obscured by smoke accumulating at the ceiling.
- ✓Stairwells: An exit sign is required at the top of each stairwell leading to an exit. Signs must remain visible from both the corridor side and the stairwell landing.
Pro Tip — Multi-floor buildings: For buildings with three or more floors, prepare a floor-by-floor sign schedule before ordering. Submit the schedule with your permit application so the AHJ can confirm placement before installation. Email us your floor plan and we can assist with the schedule.
Who Needs OBC-Compliant Exit Signs?
Exit sign requirements apply broadly. If your project is permit-required or involves a change in occupancy, expect the building inspector to check exit sign compliance at rough-in and final inspection.
New Construction
All new commercial, industrial, and multi-residential buildings require green pictogram exit signs at permit.
Major Renovations
Projects that trigger a building permit — new walls, new occupancy, fire system upgrades — require compliant exit signs in the affected area.
Change of Use / Occupancy
Converting a space from one occupancy class to another (e.g., warehouse to office) requires a fresh exit sign survey.
Property Management
Annual fire marshal inspections review exit sign illumination, placement, and sign type. Failed exit signs generate an order to comply.
Tenant Fit-Outs
Commercial tenants taking new space are responsible for exit signage within their demised area. Confirm with the landlord what is base-building vs. tenant-supply.
Schools and Institutions
Schools, care facilities, and places of assembly often have more stringent requirements based on occupancy classification. Verify with the AHJ.
Consequences of Inspection Failure
Fire marshals and building inspectors acting as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regularly audit commercial spaces. Non-compliance carries immediate financial and operational consequences:
The cost of a set of compliant exit signs is a fraction of a single day of delayed occupancy. Order before the inspection — not after the order to comply.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are red text EXIT signs still legal in Ontario?
Red text signs are no longer permitted for new construction or major renovations under the Ontario Building Code. The current OBC requires the green running man pictogram (ISO 7010 E001/E002). Older buildings may retain red signs if they have not undergone a permit-required renovation — but any replacement must use the green pictogram.
Can I use photoluminescent exit signs instead of electric ones?
Yes. The Ontario Building Code permits photoluminescent exit signs if they meet ULC-S572 standards. However, the area must have continuous ambient lighting while the building is occupied to charge the photoluminescent material. Confirm with your AHJ that your lighting setup meets the charging requirement before specifying this sign type.
How many exit signs do I need?
An exit sign is required above every door that leads directly to an exit or exit stairwell, and at every change in direction along the evacuation path. For long corridors, intermediate directional signs must be installed so no point in the corridor is more than the sign's certified viewing distance from a visible sign. Your AHJ or fire protection engineer can review your floor plan and confirm the sign count.
What is the viewing distance requirement for exit signs?
The OBC requires that exit signs be visible from any point in a corridor or public space. The certified viewing distance is marked on the sign by the manufacturer and must meet the minimum distance for the sign's letter height under CAN/ULC standards. Signs for long corridors must have a larger viewing distance certification.
Do exit signs need to be maintained (always lit)?
Whether you need a maintained (continuously lit) or non-maintained (power-failure-only) exit sign depends on your building's occupancy classification under the OBC. Confirm with your local building department at the permit application stage — this affects the sign type and power supply design.
Who is responsible for exit sign compliance in a commercial lease?
Typically: base-building exit signs in common areas and egress corridors are the landlord's responsibility; tenant-area exit signs within the demised space are the tenant's responsibility. Confirm the division of responsibility in your lease and building permit drawings. In a fit-out permit, the tenant usually supplies exit signs for their demised area.
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Order OBC-Compliant Exit Signs
Green running man pictogram decals and illuminated fire exit signs meeting Ontario Building Code Section 3.4.5, ULC-S572, and ISO 7010. Ships next day from Ontario. Intake captures your building type and floor count so the sign ships to the right spec.