MY THOUGHT It looks like a lot of people working in that building would express the same mixed feelings as you if pointed to them. The excape route should easily be known without doubt from the directive arrows. The arrows of escape route should express their intended directions with easy of understanding, this is important if they are to serve their purpose in times of emergency and panick. They are meant to give answers as to where the escape exit is, rather than trigger confusion. Meanwhile, it is important to realise that however clear the exit directing arrows are, once in a while drills are important in putting the knowledge of escape route to practice so that they become part of self instict.

I agree with Smith24525, and I believe that is what is recommended in BS 5499 on safety Signs (sorry don't have it ti hand at the moment)

Previous comments are correct. The company would be liable if god forbid there was a fre and people did not get out because of confusion caused by the fire exit signs. Just a quick heads up to anyone looking to update their safety signage in the next year. The symbols currently used in BS5449 are soon to change to EN7010 which will see some signs change dramatically from those that we currently see in day to day life. The move away from the BS standard to the EN standard will also mean that the contents of the European Norm will be written into UK and EU Law, rather than be a 'best practice' as is currently the case.

The sign described above surely means the exit is to the left before you go through the door? If the arrow was at an angle I would then expect the exit to be on other side of the door, and to the left, but agree there should be another sign on the wall facing you as you go through the door. Doesn't this just prove that H&S regs are open to interpretation and you should never interpret regulations?

I don't see why some of you say the arrow should point down. The route is through the door, turn left, walk on the same level and then go down. The conventional signage would be an up arrow over the door, a left arrow outside it (although not on the wall as this is an external exit) and a down arrow at the entrance to the stairway. Turning right wouldn't lead to a sensible route and no, familiarity can't be relied on. I agree that people may not look at the arrow as they exit - it's after they go through the door that they are necessarily faced with the question, which way now? I've well and truly talked myself into this, haven't I?