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#1 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By mrs.seed
Should an arrow above a door directing you to go through that door in the event of a fire point up or down?

Sounds simple doesn't it, but although my colleagues all agree that it should probably point upwards, a load have been put up pointing down and it would mean a lot of effort to turn them around.

I know this appears a minor issue (and yes I do have bigger things to deal with) but its causing arguments - trust me this is not a made up Friday afternoon special, although it probably is a Friday afternoon type question.
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#2 Posted : 03 August 2007 14:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
The BS actually states that it should point upwards if you are to go ahead. A down arrow shows that you go down a staircase immediately behind the door. The european signage simply provided indications of what appearance signs should have.

The problem is that indicative guidance was given by the organisations using various examples. Unfortunately these were picked up by those manufacturing illuminated signs for exit doors - they saw the down arrow on a sample layout and misinterpreted it to mean that this was the actual standard. It is now endemic and even Building Control Officers do not seem to know the difference. It annoys me greatly but there seems little that can be done to change it unless regulators wish to do so. Still if I traverse through one of these doors in an emergency and fall over because I am expecting a step down then I can always look for a claim.

Bob
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#3 Posted : 03 August 2007 15:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Thomas Kennedy
Whenever I need a quick answer to a fire Q I go here. Best fire info on the net.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/efd...nance/fire/documents/#24

Thomas
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#4 Posted : 03 August 2007 15:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
A good site that uses the BS definitions so why are we tied to manufacturers who do not follow the BS?

Bob
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#5 Posted : 03 August 2007 15:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By 9-Ship
BS5499 Part 4 2000 Ed, refers, if you really want insist on using the British Standard.

All you ever wanted to know and more, about fire route signs and which way to point your arrows!

Personally I would rather read the Sunday Sport
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#6 Posted : 03 August 2007 16:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By Steve Wood
i'd guess that the average person wouldn't even think about which way the arrow is pointing, or whether they'd be expecting a step-up or step down. Just whether they were getting out.

But their solicitor might.............? I can feel a claim coming on!

and surely that's a typo.....I mean, "read" the Sunday Sport?!!

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#7 Posted : 03 August 2007 20:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By TBC
http://www.sign-maker.net/s-fire-exit.htm

This gives an explanation. With no arrow should mean final exit and fresh air on the other side, but it probably won't because very few follow the correct usage.

One day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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