When Are Exit Signs Required?
Under the Ontario Building Code (OBC), exit signs are required in all buildings where the exit is not immediately visible and obvious. This includes virtually every commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential building:
- Every exit door from a floor area
- Every exit stairwell door at each floor
- Along corridors at changes of direction toward an exit
- At the intersection of corridors
- At exits from underground parking garages
- At the exit from a room with an occupant load of 150+ persons
- In any location where the path to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent
Design & Size Specifications
StandardCSA C860 (internally illuminated) or ULC S572 (photoluminescent)
ColourGreen background with white text/symbol (OBC compliant) — red EXIT signs are still found but green running man is preferred for new installations
Minimum Letter Height150 mm (6 inches) for the word “EXIT” — must be legible from the maximum viewing distance
Running Man PictogramISO 7010 E001/E002 — minimum 150 mm high, directional arrow indicating exit direction
Visibility DistanceMust be legible from a minimum of 30 metres (100 feet) under normal lighting
CSA C860 / OBC O.Reg 332/12
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Illumination Requirements
Exit signs must be illuminated at all times — including during power failures:
- Internally illuminated: LED or fluorescent signs with battery backup (CSA C860). Must maintain illumination for minimum 2 hours on battery power.
- Photoluminescent: Glow-in-the-dark signs (ULC S572). Must be charged by ambient light and maintain visibility for minimum 90 minutes in darkness. Requires minimum 25 lux ambient charging light.
- Edge-lit: Acceptable if CSA certified with battery backup.
- Externally illuminated: Rarely used in new installations but acceptable if connected to emergency power and the sign face meets visibility requirements.
Placement & Height Rules
The OBC specifies exact placement requirements:
- ✓ Above exit doors: Mounted directly above or adjacent to the exit door, top of sign no higher than 200 mm above the door frame
- ✓ Corridor height: Bottom of sign between 2,000 mm and 2,700 mm from the floor
- ✓ Low-level (supplementary): For high-smoke-risk buildings, additional signs at 450 mm from floor level (below smoke layer)
- ✓ Directional arrows: At corridor intersections pointing toward the nearest exit
- ✓ Not obstructed: No decorations, banners, merchandise, or storage blocking view of exit sign
Running Man vs. EXIT Text
Ontario accepts both the traditional “EXIT” text sign and the ISO 7010 “running man” pictogram. However, there is a clear trend:
- Running man (green): Preferred for new installations. Language-independent, internationally recognized. Required in some jurisdictions outside Ontario.
- EXIT text (red or green): Still code-compliant in Ontario. Common in older buildings. Red background with white text remains legal but green is preferred for new construction.
- Combination: Signs with both the running man pictogram AND the word “EXIT” offer maximum clarity and are accepted everywhere.
Battery Backup Requirements
Internally illuminated exit signs must have battery backup per the Ontario Fire Code:
- Duration: Minimum 2 hours of illumination on battery power
- Testing: Monthly 30-second test (manual or automatic). Annual 2-hour duration test.
- Battery type: Sealed lead-acid, NiCd, or NiMH batteries. Must be replaced per manufacturer schedule.
- Transfer time: Must illuminate within 10 seconds of power failure
- Records: Monthly and annual test results must be documented and available for fire inspection
Monthly & Annual Inspections
The Ontario Fire Code requires documented inspections:
Monthly Inspection
- ✅ All exit signs illuminated and visible
- ✅ 30-second battery transfer test
- ✅ No obstructions blocking signs
- ✅ Damaged or burned-out signs replaced
- ✅ Results recorded in fire safety log
Annual Inspection
- ✅ Full 2-hour battery duration test
- ✅ Battery replacement per manufacturer schedule
- ✅ Photoluminescent sign charging verification
- ✅ Sign visibility from maximum viewing distance
- ✅ Documentation provided to fire inspector
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Missing or non-functional exit sign: Fire Code violation — order to comply within 24-72 hours
No battery backup: Immediate compliance order — sign must be functional during power failure
Failed inspection: Re-inspection fee + potential $50,000 fine for corporations
Obstruction of exit signs: Fire Code violation — immediate remediation required
Missing inspection records: Fine + increased inspection frequency
Source: Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997; Ontario Fire Code O.Reg 213/07
Exit Sign Inspection Checklist
- All exit signs are illuminated and clearly legible
- Exit signs are mounted above or adjacent to every exit door
- Directional signs at corridor intersections point toward nearest exit
- No obstructions (banners, merchandise, storage) blocking view
- Battery backup holds charge for minimum 2 hours (annual test)
- Monthly 30-second transfer test completed and documented
- Photoluminescent signs have adequate charging light (25+ lux)
- Signs are CSA C860 or ULC S572 certified
- Fire safety log is current with all test records
- Damaged or faded signs replaced
Related Safety Sign Guides
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CSA-certified exit signs, fire route signs, and occupancy signs. Green running man, photoluminescent, and LED options. Ships in 1-2 business days from Ontario.