Where Should Exit & Evacuation Signs Be Installed?

Quick placement principles

Place exit and evacuation signage so that a person standing anywhere on the floor can see at least one sign that points them towards a safe exit—and as they move, they should be able to see the next sign before losing sight of the previous one. That continuity is what turns a collection of signs into a clear evacuation route. Align symbol style with AS/NZS 2293 running‑man pictographs and use safety green/white conventions per AS 1319 for consistency across the site.

Install signs at decision points: above final exits to open space, at doors that lead to stairs, at corridor T‑junctions and corners, and anywhere the direction changes or could be misread under stress. Use projecting or ceiling‑suspended signs where wall‑mounted signs may be hidden by doors, crowds or shelving. Where lifts are present, provide clear direction to stairs and, where appropriate, supplementary messaging that lifts are not to be used in a fire.

Keep each sign unobstructed and legible from the normal approach distance, with consistent symbols and arrows. Where the route passes through dim areas or could be smoky during an emergency, consider illuminated or photoluminescent solutions to preserve visibility during a power loss. For fast, compliant hardware, shop our directional exit arrow signs and our AS 3745‑aligned evacuation diagrams, manufactured in Sydney.

Common locations in a building

Every site is different, but these locations are commonly part of compliant evacuation paths and are strong candidates for signage during a site walk‑through. Confirm specifics with your building fire plan and applicable requirements.

• Primary exit doors: Above or adjacent to doors that form part of the evacuation path to a safe place.
• Final exits to open space: Doors that discharge to the outside. Provide clear confirmation and directional arrows leading to them.
• Intermediate doors on the route: Doors leading to stair enclosures, passageways or transfer corridors.
• Stairwells and landings: At the stair entry, within the stair enclosure to confirm direction, and at intermediate landings where misrouting is possible.
• Corridor intersections and changes of direction: T‑junctions, corners and long runs where confirmation is needed to reduce hesitation.
• Dead ends and return directions: Use arrows to guide people back to the nearest safe path when they reach a non‑egress end.
• Lift lobbies: Provide clear direction to the nearest stair. Where appropriate, include supplementary messaging that lifts are not to be used in a fire.
• Large open areas: Warehouses, halls, gymnasiums and showrooms benefit from ceiling‑suspended or high‑level projecting signs to rise above racking, partitions and crowds.
• Car parks and basements: Humid, low‑light environments call for durable substrates and enhanced visibility.
• Amenities and back‑of‑house: Kitchens, plant rooms, loading docks and workshop areas often need local directional reinforcement.
• Temporary works: During refurbishments or fit‑outs, provide temporary route signage when normal paths are blocked.

Australian standards and codes overview

In Australia, exit and evacuation signage must align with the National Construction Code (NCC) and referenced standards. Use the following as a planning checklist and confirm with your fire engineer or building certifier:

• NCC Volume One, Part E4: Emergency lighting, exit signs and warning systems. Governs when and where exit signs and emergency lighting are required.
• AS/NZS 2293 (Parts 1–3): Emergency escape lighting and exit signs—system design, installation, operation and routine service/maintenance. Electrical exit luminaires must comply with this series; pictograph conventions inform supplementary printed signage.
• AS 3745:2010 (incl. Amdt 2:2018): Planning for emergencies in facilities. Defines content, format and placement guidance for evacuation diagrams and emergency procedures, including diagram review intervals.
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment. Provides general principles for sign design and symbol legibility used alongside emergency signage (safety green background with white symbol/text for emergency information).
• Accessibility references: NCC D3.6 and Specification D3.6, with AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.4.2 for tactile and Braille signage at required doors and facilities (heights, clearances and locations).
• Service and records: AS/NZS 2293.2 sets routine inspection for exit luminaires (typically 6‑monthly function and duration tests). Evacuation diagrams should be reviewed at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or after changes to the building.
• State/territory requirements: e.g. NSW Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) obligations and local fire brigade guidelines for diagram approval and maintenance.

Directional printed signs complement, but do not replace, compliant exit luminaires. When in doubt, have a competent person verify sign selection and placement against your building class and egress strategy. In practice, use running‑man pictographs and arrow forms consistent with AS/NZS 2293 across all directional signs to avoid mixed cues from legacy arrows or text‑only plates.

Line‑of‑sight and decision points

People under stress follow what they can see quickly. The clearest evacuation routes offer an unbroken visual chain of signs, each visible from the previous sign’s vicinity. The rule of thumb is simple: from wherever you stand on the route, you should not need to move to know which way to go next.

Walk the path in both directions. Look for obstructions like open doors, pillars, tall fixtures, merchandise displays or seasonal decorations that can hide signage. In these spots, projecting or ceiling‑suspended signs usually outperform flat wall signs.

Height and visibility considerations

Mount signs high enough to clear typical obstructions and crowds, while staying within comfortable sight lines. Over door heads is common for exit identification, while long corridors often benefit from higher mounting or suspended blades that remain visible over people and equipment. Always avoid positions where a fully open door leaf could cover the sign. Maintain at least 2000 mm head clearance to the lowest edge of projecting/suspended signs where the public may pass below, and position over door heads around 2100–2200 mm above finished floor level where architecture allows.

Distance and redundancy

In long runs or complex floor plates, add intermediate confirmation signs so that the next sign is always visible before the previous disappears from view. In areas prone to smoke stratification, higher placements or illuminated/photoluminescent options may improve legibility when ambient light is reduced. As a practical sizing guide for printed directional signs: 100 mm pictograph height suits typical corridor sightlines up to roughly 25–30 m, 150 mm for 30–45 m, and 200 mm where longer views or high‑bay areas exist.

Arrow direction conventions (practical guide)

• Left/right arrow: Turn left or right at the next decision point.
• Straight‑ahead arrow: Continue forward to the exit or to the next sign. Where stairs are involved, include a stair pictogram to avoid ambiguity.
• Downward arrow (over a door): Go through this door to continue on the exit route.
• Within stairs: Use arrows plus stair symbols at intermediate landings to confirm ongoing direction. At multi‑stair cores, add level identifiers to reduce back‑tracking.

Keep symbols consistent with AS/NZS 2293 running‑man conventions site‑wide to avoid mixed messages from legacy signage.

Choosing sign types for visibility

There are two broad categories you will encounter on site: electrical exit lights (luminaires) and printed safety signage (directional arrows, evacuation diagrams and confirmations). The former are electrical devices requiring licensed installation; the latter are printed signs that can be wall, flag‑mount or ceiling‑suspended. Both play a role in making routes obvious.

• Wall‑mounted panels: Flat panels fixed to walls or doors for confirmations and arrows.
• Flag‑mount (projecting) blades: Perpendicular to the wall for visibility along corridors and around corners.
• Ceiling‑suspended blades: Useful in open areas, high‑bay racked spaces and crowded environments.
• Floor or low‑level markers: Supplemental wayfinding where higher signs may be obscured.
• Photoluminescent options: Charge under normal lighting and remain visible during a power loss.

Materials for Australian conditions

Australia’s UV intensity, heat and coastal salt exposure can be hard on signage. Choose materials to suit where the sign will live, how likely it is to be hit, and whether it needs to be washable.

• Aluminium composite panel (ACP): Rigid, stable and cost‑effective for indoor/outdoor walls. Direct UV print holds colour well; edges can be CNC routed cleanly.
• Acrylic (PMMA): Premium look for blades and wall panels. Laser‑cut edges are glossy and precise. Suitable for double‑sided inserts and stand‑offs.
• Polycarbonate: Tough impact resistance for high‑traffic or low‑clearance areas where knocks are likely.
• Foam PVC: Lightweight for indoor, low‑risk areas; avoid harsh heat and direct sun.
• Photoluminescent or reflective films: Applied to rigid panels for improved low‑light recognition.

At Sign Portal, rigid panels can be direct‑printed on our Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbeds and then cut to shape on the MultiCam SM2412 CNC router, while acrylic blades are precision‑cut on our Trotec Speedy 500 laser for polished edges. Vinyl‑applied solutions are produced on our Roland VG‑640 printer/cutter before laminating and application to the chosen substrate. For coastal sites, we recommend 316 stainless fixings and edge‑sealed panels; in graffiti‑prone areas we can laminate with an anti‑graffiti film for easier cleaning.

Photoluminescent and reflective options

Photoluminescent (glow‑in‑the‑dark) signs can help route continuity during power loss, provided they have been exposed to sufficient light beforehand. As a practical check, ensure typical ambient lighting at the sign face is adequate and conduct a brief lights‑off walk test to confirm afterglow readability from normal approach distances. Reflective finishes assist recognition under torchlight or vehicle headlights in car parks. Selection should consider site lighting and evacuation scenarios.

Installation methods and fixings

Match the fixing to the substrate and environment. For masonry and blockwork, mechanical fixings provide reliability. On plasterboard, use studs or suitable anchors for projecting blades. On glass or smooth tiles, high‑bond tapes can work for flat panels if surface prep is thorough.

• Wall screws and stand‑offs: Clean, secure and serviceable; ideal for acrylic and ACP panels.
• High‑bond tapes: Fast and neat on smooth, clean surfaces; avoid on dusty or textured walls. We stock 3M VHB options for difficult substrates—use with surface prep (isopropyl alcohol) and primer where specified.
• Ceiling suspension kits: Rods or cables for open areas and high ceilings; verify fixing capacity.
• Projecting brackets: For flag‑mount blades; ensure adequate edge distance and substrate strength. Use tamper‑resistant screws in public areas.

Always confirm that chosen fixings and positions meet your building’s safety plan and any applicable requirements. Where illuminated exit lights are specified, engage licensed electrical contractors for supply and installation.

Evacuation diagrams placement

Evacuation diagrams show the overall floor layout, current location, exit routes, equipment and assembly areas. Place them where occupants and visitors naturally pause: building entrances, lift lobbies, reception areas and key corridor nodes. Mount at a consistent, comfortable viewing height with glare‑resistant finishes, and protect them in tamper‑resistant frames in public areas. A common mounting convention is to set the diagram centreline between 1200 and 1600 mm above finished floor level and to orient the plan so “You are here” corresponds logically to the viewer’s facing direction.

In larger floors, provide multiple copies so one is always nearby. Keep diagrams current when layouts change and remove superseded versions to avoid confusion. AS 3745 expects diagram review at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or earlier if the floor layout or emergency equipment changes.

Evacuation diagram content checklist (AS 3745)

• You‑are‑here marker, orientation (north point) and a clear legend.
• Primary and alternative exit routes to a safe place.
• Fire equipment locations (extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, fire indicator panel where applicable).
• Assembly area location(s).
• Emergency contact details and ECO roles as appropriate.
• Date of issue and review date; diagram version/revision control.

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