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Emergency Exit Signs

Emergency Exits
Beth Tauke, M.A., M.F.A.
Caroline Joseph, M.A.Sc.
Edward H. Steinfeld, Arch.D., AIA
IDeA Center, SUNY Buffalo

 

Abstract: The legibility and comprehension of exit signs in buildings is of vital importance to all of us in case of emergency. Guidelines in designing exit signs conflict and may be misleading as there is a lack of evidence based research in this area. A summary of the most recent findings is given below.

 

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References

Boyce, P. R., & Mulder, M. M. C. (1995). Effective directional indicators for exit signs. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 24(2), 64-72.

Collins, B. L., Dahir, M. S., & Madrzykowski, D. (1992). Visibility of exit signs in clear and smoky conditions. Journal of Illuminating Engineering Society, 21(1), 69-84.

Jin, T. (2002). Visibility and human behavior in fire smoke SFPE handbook of fire protection engineering /Visibility and human behavior in fire smoke (3rd ed., pp. 2-42 - 42-53). MA, USA: NFPA.

Ouellette, M. J. (1988). Exit signs in smoke: design parameters for greater visibility. Lighting Research & Technology, 20(4), 155-160.

Ouellette, M. J. (1993). This way out + Exit sign illumination and visibility. Progressive Architecture, 74(7), 39-42.

Wong, L. T., & Lo, K. C. (2007). Experimental study on visibility of exit signs in buildings. Building and Environment, 42(4), 1836-1842.