Place AS/NZS 2293 exit signs along every egress path—at required exits, stairs and corridor junctions—so the next sign is always visible.
Good evacuation signage does two jobs: it shows people where the nearest safe exit is and it confirms they’re still on the right path as they move. This article explains practical placement principles, common locations in typical Australian buildings, sign types that improve visibility, and materials that handle local conditions. It is general guidance only—always confirm final locations with your fire safety professional and the requirements that apply to your site.
Keep symbols consistent with AS/NZS 2293 running‑man conventions site‑wide to avoid mixed messages from legacy signage.
Order online: our evacuation diagrams are drafted to AS 3745 conventions with your site plan, reviewed by our in‑house team, and supplied as framed prints and a matching PDF for your records.
Maintenance and inspection
Check that all route signs remain visible, legible and correctly oriented. Look for damage, vandalism, fading, missing arrows after refurbishments, or obstructions from new fixtures. For photoluminescent signage, confirm that normal lighting conditions provide sufficient charge.
- Wipe clean with non‑abrasive cleaners; avoid solvents that can haze acrylic.
- Re‑adhere or refix any loose panels; inspect tapes and anchors annually or per site policy.
- Replace scratched or yellowed panels and any diagram that no longer reflects the current layout.
- Coordinate with 6‑monthly exit luminaire tests under AS/NZS 2293.2: combine the lights‑off test with a visual check that supplementary printed signs maintain a continuous line of sight.
Repair and replacement
Damage, refits or compliance updates happen—keep your route intact with like‑for‑like replacements:
- Match specification: Replace with the same substrate, size, symbol set and arrow orientation to preserve sight‑lines and consistency.
- Record changes: Update the site sign schedule and evacuation diagrams when routes or door numbers change.
- Fast turnaround: Use your past job number or purchase order—our production files are archived, so we can remake panels without re‑measuring.
- Temporary controls: If a sign is removed during works, install a temporary substitute immediately to avoid gaps in the visual chain.
- On‑site photo match: Photograph the location and rear label before removal; our team will confirm the SKU and arrow orientation to prevent mismatches.
Through our Trade Portal, facilities teams can trigger a “repair reorder” against the original SKU to ensure a perfect match, with optional photo upload of the affected location. Typical reprint lead time for archived artwork is 48 hours from approval.
How we manufacture these signs
For rigid exit and directional signage, we direct‑print onto ACP or acrylic using our two Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbeds for durable, high‑contrast graphics. Panels are then cut to size and shape on the MultiCam SM2412 CNC router (ACP) or laser‑cut on the Trotec Speedy 500 (acrylic blades) for clean edges and accurate fits to brackets.
Where vinyl is preferred—such as photoluminescent or reflective options—graphics are printed and contour‑cut on our Roland VG‑640, then laminated and applied to the chosen substrate in our clean print rooms. This in‑house workflow controls colour consistency and lead time, and supports custom sizes, arrows and double‑sided messaging.
We ship Australia‑wide, including regional and remote delivery, with protective packaging suited to rigid panels and blades. If you manage multiple sites, our Trade Portal can support consistent reorders and site‑specific catalogues. During QA, each batch is spot‑checked for colour deltaE against stored profiles, adhesion is verified on representative panels, and edges are deburred or flame‑polished (acrylic) to minimise handling hazards.
Ordering from Sign Portal
Our process is designed for compliance and speed, from quote to install:
- 1) Scope & sign schedule: Share floor plans or a simple list of locations. We can template a schedule that maps positions, sizes, and arrow orientations. Bulk imports (CSV/Excel) supported for multi‑site programs.
- 2) Proofing: You’ll receive annotated proofs with arrow directions, symbol set, materials and fixings. Digital approvals lock version control.
- 3) Production: Jobs are colour‑managed through ICC profiles and an X‑Rite device‑calibrated workflow, then queued to our Mimaki UV flatbeds or Roland print‑cut as specified.
- 4) QA & traceability: Each sign is labelled on the reverse with job ID, item code and batch date to simplify audits and future reorders.
- 5) Dispatch or install: Packed with protective corners and surface films. Installation guides are included where relevant. Site packs can be split by level or tenancy to simplify deployment.
Typical lead time for standard ACP or acrylic panels is 3–5 business days from proof approval; photoluminescent and custom brackets may add a day. Need it sooner? Ask about priority production before you place your order. Start with our directional exit arrow signs or upload your plan for evacuation diagrams.
Sizing and legibility tips
- Symbol height: For typical corridors, 100–150 mm symbol height works well; increase to 200–300 mm for large open areas.
- Contrast: High contrast (white symbol on green background) and matte or satin finishes reduce glare under bright lighting.
- Open‑area mounting: Use projecting or suspended blades to elevate above racking, partitions or parked vehicles.
- Car parks: Consider reflective or photoluminescent finishes, and corrosion‑resistant fixings.
- Consistency: Keep arrow style and running‑man symbol consistent across all floors; avoid mixing legacy EXIT text plates with running‑man pictographs where it could confuse direction cues.
Quality, compliance and first‑party capability
Because we manufacture in‑house, we control outcomes that matter for compliance and longevity:
- Equipment: Dual Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbeds for redundancy and peak throughput; MultiCam SM2412 CNC for precise panel profiles; Trotec Speedy 500 laser for polished acrylic edges; Roland VG‑640 for high‑fidelity vinyl work.
- Colour management: ICC‑profiled workflow with X‑Rite device calibration for consistent greens and whites across reorders.
- Durability: UV‑cured inks and exterior‑grade substrates selected for Australian UV exposure and coastal conditions.
- Traceability: Job ID and position codes on the back of each sign link to your digital proofs and materials spec for audits and repairs.
- Competent installation: We work with licensed electricians for exit luminaires and provide hardware packs and instructions for printed signage. WHS documentation and SWMS available for on‑site works.
- Real outcomes: Clients use our rear‑label IDs during AFSS audits to evidence like‑for‑like replacements and version control, reducing repeat site visits and sign mismatches.
Related Sign Portal resources: Exit & Evacuation - Exit Door Open Inwards Sign · Exit & Evacuation - Exit Left and Right Arrow Sign · Exit & Evacuation - Exit Symbol Diagonal Right Down Arrow Sign
Frequently Asked Questions
Do exit signs have to be directly above the door?
Often they are placed above or adjacent to the door for clear recognition, but the exact position should follow your building’s evacuation plan and applicable requirements. The key is unobstructed visibility from the normal approach.
What is the difference between an exit light and a printed exit sign?
An exit light is an illuminated electrical device installed by licensed contractors. A printed exit or directional sign is a non‑electrical panel used for confirmations and arrows. Both may be required to achieve a clear evacuation path.
Where should evacuation diagrams be installed?
Place them where people naturally pause—lobbies, lift areas, receptions and key corridor nodes—at a comfortable viewing height, with glare‑resistant finishes. Confirm numbers and exact placements for your site.
Should I use flag‑mount or wall‑mounted exit signs in corridors?
Flag‑mount (projecting) signs are usually easier to see from both directions in a corridor, especially near corners. Wall‑mounted panels suit direct approaches and above‑door confirmation.
Are photoluminescent exit signs useful in a blackout?
They can remain visible after a power loss if adequately charged by normal lighting. They are commonly used to supplement other route signage, particularly in low‑light or basement areas.
How often should I check evacuation signage?
Include signage in routine safety inspections. Check for obstructions, damage, layout changes and legibility. Replace or relocate any sign that is hidden, outdated or degraded.
Can adhesive tape be used to mount exit signs?
High‑bond tapes can work on smooth, clean surfaces for flat panels. For projecting blades or textured walls, mechanical fixings are generally more reliable.
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