Exit Sign Requirements — Ontario Fire Code
Regulation O.Reg 213/07 s.2.7.3 · Province of Ontario
§Source summary
O.Reg 213/07 s.2.7.3 — Regulation O.Reg 213/07 s.2.7.3
Exit signs should be installed and illuminated at all exits, exit access doorways, and along paths of egress throughout a building.
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Green EXIT signs or illuminated exit symbols must mark every exit door and the path to get there. They should be visible from any point in the room.
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At every exit door
Along path of egress throughout building
Illuminated — internally or externally
Green or red (green preferred in Canada)
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📖Deep Dive
Exit Sign Specifications Under Ontario Fire Code
The Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) requires exit signs at every exit door, along the path of egress, and at any point where the exit direction is not immediately obvious. Here are the detailed specifications:
| Specification | Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Text | "EXIT" or running-person pictogram (ISO 7010) | Ontario Building Code 3.4.5 |
| Colour | Green background with white text/symbol (preferred in Canada) | CSA C22.2 No. 141 |
| Letter Height | Minimum 150 mm (6") for "EXIT" text signs | OBC 3.4.5.1 |
| Illumination | Should be illuminated at all times when building is occupied | O.Reg 213/07 s.2.7.3 |
| Emergency Power | Battery backup for minimum 30 minutes (2 hours in high-rise) | OBC 3.2.7 |
| Visibility | Visible from any point in the exit access corridor | O.Reg 213/07 |
| Mounting Height | 2.0 m to 2.7 m above finished floor (directly above or beside door) | OBC 3.4.5 |
When Are Exit Signs Required?
- All commercial buildings — offices, retail, restaurants, warehouses
- Multi-unit residential — apartments, condominiums (common areas)
- Industrial facilities — factories, workshops, storage
- Assembly occupancies — theatres, arenas, churches, schools
- Hotels and motels — all corridor exits and stairwell entrances
Single-family homes and duplexes are exempt. Buildings with only one exit visible from all points may not require directional exit signs, but the exit door itself must still be marked.
Common Exit Sign Inspection Failures
⚠️ Top 5 reasons buildings fail exit sign inspections:
- Dead batteries — backup illumination doesn't activate during power failure test
- Obstructed signs — signs hidden behind pipes, ducts, or stored materials
- Missing directional signs — corridors with turns lack directional arrows
- Faded or damaged signs — text no longer legible from required distance
- Wrong colour — red signs installed instead of green (both are legal, but inspectors may flag inconsistency)
Penalties for Missing Exit Signs
Under the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, failure to maintain compliant exit signage can result in:
- Fines up to $100,000 for individuals and the current corporate maximum for corporations
- Fire Marshal orders requiring immediate remediation
- Building occupancy restrictions until signage is brought into compliance
- Potential criminal liability if missing signs contribute to injury or death during a fire
📚Sources & Authority
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🏛 Official Government Sources
Ontario Fire Code — O. Reg. 213/07
Ontario.ca · March 2026
The Ontario Fire Code establishes requirements for fire safety in buildings including exit signs, fire route signs, occupancy load signs, and emergency lighting.
Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Ontario.ca · March 2026
The OFPPA gives fire chiefs authority to designate fire routes, order sign installation, and enforce compliance. Maximum penalties: $100,000 individual and the current corporate maximum.
🏢 Industry Organizations
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
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Shop Fire Code SignsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- O.Reg 213/07 s.2.7.3
- Jurisdiction
- 🏛 Province of Ontario
- Category
- Ontario Fire Code
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