I look after a largish building that has at least 1200 Euro fire exit signs (the man running into the fridge design) I need to make changes to some means of escape routes which will require the purchase of about 120 new signs. I understand that new signs should conform to ISO 7010 and that it's best practise not to mix sign types. So what do I do? I simply cannot advise that we change all 1200 signs for the sake of requiring 120 new ones. I feel it would undermine my position and quite rightly be seen as elf & safety gone mad. On the other hand, I need to offer professional + accurate advice. I know that management will not want to spend £12,000+ on the supply and replacement perfectly the reasonable signs we currently use, so what's the way forward? Lastly, I have heard a whisper that ISO 7010 will be, or is likely to be adopted as European legislation (thereby compulsory not advisory). I am confused - can anyone help?

Like all other ISO standards 7001 (public information symbols) will never have legal status in the UK. In the UK compliance with the domestic law is obligatory irrespective of compliance with standards. Normative documents, such as European Standards are drawn up on a voluntary basis whereas laws are created by Parliament and our legal system. Jon

Incidentally if you're paying £10 per sign then I'd suggest you change suppliers. I'd expect to be paying closer to £2.50 per rigid sign or £2.00 for a sticker. I can PM you a few suppliers if it helps?

A BS/EN/ISO is not a legal requirement. I would argue its not reasonable for the risk and cost required etc - the usual argument. In other words - professional discretion. I'm sure your client has more important things to spend £12k on.