Applying Floor Identification Signs to Landing Areas

Luminous floor identification signs are an important aspect of egress safety due to the critical information that they provide. Floor identification signs that meet IBC and IFC regulations contain the following information: the identification of the stair or ramp, the identification of floor level in numeral character and in Braille, the terminus of the top and bottom of the exit enclosure, the availability of roof access from the enclosure and the story of and direction to the building exit. Floor identification signs should be applied in accordance with the following sections of the IBC and IFC:

1022.8 Floor Identification Signs

A floor identification sign that contains the information mentioned above should be applied at each floor landing within exit enclosures that connect three or more stories. The signs should be located 5 feet above the floor landing in a position that is easily visible when doors are in the open and closed positions.

1022.8.1 Floor Identification Sign Requirements

In addition to containing certain information, floor identification signs must present their information in accordance with IBC and IFC regulations. The following design characteristics are required of floor identification signs by the IBC and IFC:

• The signs should be a minimum size of 18 inches by 12 inches
• The letters identifying the stair enclosure should be at least 1½ inches in height
• The number identifying the floor level should be at least 5 inches in height and located in the center of the sign
• All other lettering and numbers should be at least 1 inch in height
• Characters and their background should have a non-glare finish, with characters contrasting their background as either light characters against a dark background or dark characters against a light background.
• Only floor identification signs that are luminous can be installed within exit enclosures in buildings that fall under IBC and IFC egress path marking regulations

As with applying emergency exit symbols to doors, applying floor identification signs in landing areas is critical to ensuring that building occupants remain aware of how to access a building’s exit. During evacuations, the flight reaction experienced by most building occupants compromises their memory of how to access the building exit. Along with luminous emergency exit symbols, luminous floor identification signs keep building occupants apprised of what they should do to exit the building in a timely fashion.