Exit Here: What Emergency Lighting Signage Legends Actually Mean (And Why You Should Care)

Ryan O'Toole
May 13
2 min read

Emergency lighting isn’t just about keeping lights on during a power cut — it’s about clearly guiding people to safety when it matters most.

But here’s the thing — not all emergency exit signs are the same. You’ve likely seen the familiar green signs with a running figure, arrows, and maybe even text. But do you know what each one means? More importantly, is your building using the right signage?

At Mech-Elec Building Services, we make safety simple — here’s our no-nonsense guide to emergency lighting signage legends.

🖼️ Emergency Lighting Signage Guide

Here's a quick visual reference of the most commonly used signage legends:

🔍 The Most Common Emergency Lighting Legends (And What They Tell You)

Let’s break down the most used signage legends and their meanings:

1. Running Man + Arrow Up

Means: Go straight ahead. Use this to direct people towards the exit route in a forward direction.

2. Running Man + Arrow Down

Means: Continue forward or descend stairs ahead. NOT to look down — it’s about forward travel on the same plane or downward level.

3. Running Man + Arrow Left / Right

Means: Turn left or right to follow the escape route. These are positioned at decision points, like corridor junctions.

4. Running Man with a Doorway (No Arrow)

Means: Final exit — place directly above the door to the outside or safety zone.

5. ‘EXIT’ Text Signs (Legacy)

Means: Traditional exit indication. However, modern standards (BS EN ISO 7010) now recommend graphical symbols over text-only signs for universal clarity.

Emergency exit sign with running man and directional arrow, indicating safe evacuation route — Exit

🛑 Why Getting the Legend Right Actually Matters

Regulation compliance — incorrect signage can breach the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5266-1:2016.
Avoid confusion in emergencies — clear signage helps people move faster and avoid hesitation.
Don't mix old and new signs — conflicting messages = dangerous delays.

🧰 Our Advice? Audit Your Signage.

If you're unsure what signs are in place, or whether they’re compliant, book an emergency lighting and signage audit. We'll:

✅ Inspect all signage legends and positions

✅ Replace outdated or conflicting signs

✅ Ensure compliance with British Standards

✅ Provide a compliance and safety improvement plan

⚙️ Need Help with Emergency Lighting Signage?

At Mech-Elec Building Services, we specialise in designing and installing compliant emergency lighting systems for commercial and industrial sites across the East Midlands, the Midlands and nationally, including Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln and Newark.

From schools and warehouses to high-rise offices — if it needs emergency lighting, we’ve got you covered.