Sign Codes and Requirements

RATH® Signs, The Code Experts (IBC, ICC, ADA and NFPA Signage Code)

With over 35 years in the Emergency Communication Industry, we are 'Code Experts', offering signage solutions to ensure you comply with the
International Building Codes (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sign requirements.

Our Signage solutions fully comply with code for Areas of Refuge, Elevator Landings and Exterior Areas of Rescue.

Area of Refuge
(Stairwells)

Elevator Landing
(Emergency Communication)

Area of Rescue Assistance
(Exterior)

IBC Code (2015, 2018 & 2021)

1009.8.2 Directions. Directions (Part #7049) for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters.

1009.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:
- 1. Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating: AREA OF REFUGE. (Part #7044)
- 2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating: EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE. (Part #7086)
- • Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated. (Part #7050) Additionally, visual characters, raised character and braille signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an Area of Refuge and exterior Area for Assisted Rescue in accordance with Section 1013.4. (Part #7044)

1009.10 Directional Signage. Directional Signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following: (Part # 7047L-Left or #7047R-Right)
- 1. At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
- 2. At elevator landings.
- 3. Within Area(s) of Refuge.

1009.11 Instructions. In Areas of Refuge and exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following:
- 1. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
- 2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
- 3. Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.

IBC Code (2009 & 2012)

1007.8.2 Directions. Directions (Part #7049) for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

1007.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:
- 1. Each door providing access to an area of refuge from the adjacent floor shall be identified by a sign stating: AREA OF REFUGE (Part #7044)
- • Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1011.3, the signs shall be illuminated. (Part #7050) Additionally, tactile signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an Area of Refuge. (Part #7044)

1007.10 Directional Signage. Direction signage indicating the location of the other means of egress and which are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following: (Part # 7047L-Left or #7047R-Right)
- 1. At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress
- 2. At Elevator Landings
- 3. Within Areas of Refuge

1007.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. The instructions shall include all of the following: (Part #7049)
- 1. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
- 2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
- 3. Directions for use of the two-way communications system where provided.

NFPA 72 2022 Signage Requirements

24.10.13 Signage.

24.10.13.1: Directions for the use of the two-way communications system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communications system, and written identification, including in braille, of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communications system.

24.10.13.2: Signage shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, requirements for visual characters.

24.10.14*: The two-way communications systems specified in this section, as intended for different types of locations, shall be permitted to be integrated with each other or other emergency communications systems provided they are installed in accordance with Section 24.10.

Life Safety Code NFPA 101

7.2.12 Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communication Systems
- 7.2.12.1 General
- 7.2.12.1.1
  - (2) Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.
  - (3) The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.
- 7.2.12.2.5 The area of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system for communication between the area of refuge and a central control point. The door opening to the stair enclosure or the elevator door and the associated portion of the area of refuge that the stair enclosure door opening or elevator door serves shall be identified by signage. (See 7.2.12.3.5.)
- 7.2.12.2.6 Instructions for summoning assistance, via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the area of refuge location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.
- 7.2.12.3.5 Each area of refuge shall be identified by a sign that reads as follows: AREA OF REFUGE.
- 7.2.12.3.5.1 The sign required by 7.2.12.3.5 shall conform to the requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, for such signage and shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs also shall be located as follows:
  - (1) At each door opening providing access to the area of refuge.
  - (2) At all exits not providing an accessible means of egress, as defined in 3.3.170.1.
  - (3) Where necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge.
- 7.2.12.3.5.2 Signs required by 7.2.12.3.5 shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required.
- 7.2.12.3.6 Tactile signage complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be located at each door opening to an area of refuge.

Wheelchair Symbols of Accessibility

International Symbol of Access

Dynamic Wheelchair Symbol

New York Department of State, Division of Administrative Rules
PART 300 UNIVERSAL SYMBOL OF ACCESS (Statutory authority: Executive Law, § 101; ch. 190, L. 2014)
§ 300.6 Accessibility Graphic and Components.
Wherever the universal symbol of access depicting a static figure in a wheelchair appears or would appear on signs and on other means of communication, a symbol depicting a dynamic character leaning forward and with a sense of movement shall appear instead
*The Dynamic Wheelchair Symbol may be adopted by other states or jurisdictions*

Sign Mounting Heights per ADA requirements