Building signage

[edit] Introduction

Building signage can be used to convey information in and around buildings by means of text or symbols. The use of signage in buildings can be classified as:

• Safety signs.
• Identification and way finding.
• Branding and advertisement. (see also Advertisement consent)
• Instruction and prohibition.

[edit] Safety signs

The installation of safety signage is mandated by the Health and safety at work act 1974. Safety signs must be provided and maintained in circumstances where a health and safety risk or hazards are identified.

Mandatory safety signs consist of:

• Warning signs (warning of a hazard) – triangular signs with black pictogram and yellow background.
• Prohibition signs (prohibits an action) – round shape with black or white pictogram and either red edgings or a diagonal line.
• Mandatory action signs (prescribes specific behaviour) – round shape with white pictogram and blue background.
• Emergency signs (information for emergency situations) – rectangular or square shape with white pictogram and green background.
• Fire safety signs (information for fire emergency) - combination of warning and emergency signs.

A detailed record of fire safety signage in accordance with the Building Regulations part B (Fire safety) must be kept in “as-built” documentation.

The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012 require at least one legible “No Smoking” sign is displayed in smoke-free premises. The signs should make clear that the premises are smoke-free.

Signage also needs to conform with the Equality Act 2010.

Further guidance for safety sign design and specification can be found in the British Standards:

• BS 1710:2014 Specification for Identification of Pipelines and Services
• BS 5499-4:2013 Safety Signs. Code of Practice for Escape Route Signing
• BS 5499-10:2014 Safety Signs, Including Fire Safety Signs. Code of Practice for the Use of Safety Signs, Including Fire Safety Signs
• BS 9999:2017 Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings. Code of Practice
• BS ISO 3864-1:2011 Graphical Symbols. Safety Colours and Safety Signs. Design Principles for Safety Signs and Safety Markings
• BS ISO 3864-4:2011 Graphical Symbols. Safety Colours and Safety Signs. Colorimetric and Photometric Properties of Safety Sign Materials

[edit] Identification and way finding signs

Signage can be used externally to identify a building by its street number or name. Internally, signage can be used to identify rooms or areas by name, number or function.

Way finding signage can provide direction to a particular room or area and is important in large, complex buildings such as hospitals, educational facilities or transport terminals. In such cases, a uniform house style is considered desirable for consistency and clarity.

[edit] Branding and advertisement

Effective way finding can not only produce a safer environment, it can also create a positive impression. The location and design of identification and way finding and other signage forms a major part of an organisation’s corporate image and may be specified in some detail by in-house design guides.

Where such signage constitutes an advertisement, it may need advertisement consent. For more information see: Advertisement consent.

[edit] Instruction and prohibition signs

Signage in buildings may also instruct users to behave in certain way (‘please knock before entering’) or prohibit them from undertaking certain activities (‘no eating or drinking’). This may reflect an organisation’s internal policies, such as prohibiting the use of mobile phones in certain areas.

As with other signage, such notices should convey the necessary information or instruction as clearly and as simply as possible, and should be located where they are easily visible.

[edit] Materials and construction

Signs can be made from various materials, including:

• Metals – aluminium, stainless steel, metal composites, bronze & brass.
• Plastics acrylics, polyurethanes, PVC, Plexiglas.
• Timber.
• Backlit and illuminated.
• Digital screens.
• Fabrics.

Signs can be elaborate and require complex installation and fixing details depending on scale and size. They should be a key part of the design process, and not simply left to the end.

[edit] Listed Buildings

It is worth noting that even though signage and adverts might be required under one regulation, one may also need to seek permission for it under a separate rule or regulation. In particular for example when dealing with listed buildings. For further information visit Emergency Lighting and Exit Signage. However under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2007.

The term advertisement covers a wide range of advertisements and signs including: Posters and notices, Placards and boards, Fascia signs and projecting signs, Pole signs and canopy signs, Models and devices, Advance signs and directional signs, Estate agents' boards, Captive balloon advertising (not balloons in flight), Flag advertisements, Price markers and price displays, Traffic signs, Town and village name-signs. Memorials and railway signals are not regarded as advertisements.

The Planning Portal describes the types of advertising which normally need advertisement consent and includes:

• "The majority of illuminated signs
• Advertisements using specialised structures for their display, such as poster hoardings and most non-highway authority roadside advance warning or directional signs
• Signs positioned above 4.6 metres in relation to buildings above the level of the bottom part of first floor windows or on gable ends.
• When deciding applications for advertisement consent, local authorities will have regard only to considerations of 'amenity' and 'public safety'.
• Some advertisements are not regulated by the planning authority, and others benefit from 'deemed consent', which means permission is not needed, depending on the size, position and illumination of the advert. Others will always need consent."

It also notes: "Particular care must be taken when signs are displayed on or close to listed buildings so that they do not detract from the character and appearance of the building. Even signs that are normally permitted within the advertisement regulations require separate listed building consent if they are attached to listed buildings."

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Advertisement consent.
• Braille signage and accessibility.
• Emergency lighting.
• Fire safety design.
• Hoarding for construction sites.
• Legibility.
• Masterplanning.
• Means of escape.
• Placemaking.
• Planning digital signage in new buildings.
• Plexiglass.
• Safety signs
• Wayfinding.

[edit] External references

• Health and safety at work act 1974.
• The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012”
• Building Regulations 2010 part B (Fire safety)
• Equality Act 2010

Comments

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