Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting Inspection

The video above takes place in a hotel and demonstrates an exit sign and emergency lighting inspection in accordance with the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP). Exit signs direct occupants toward safety during an emergency, while emergency lighting provides illumination along the egress path. Directional exit signs use arrows when an exit itself is not immediately visible or the direction of travel is not obvious.

Section 6.5.12 the ComSOP outlines that an inspector should inspect for:

• the presence of emergency lighting systems;
• exit signs at all exits, and inspect for independent power sources, such as batteries; and
• the presence of directional signs where an exit location is not obvious.

Appendix Section A.4.12 of the ComSOP outlines recommended reporting guidelines, including documenting the absence of exit signage or emergency lighting, as well as any that appears aged or damaged.

For example, the image below shows an older-style exit sign compared to the modern signs shown in the hotel inspection video. The exit door is adjacent to the sign, which could cause confusion during an emergency. A directional arrow should point occupants toward the exit.

Older exit sign without directional arrows

Exit signs and emergency light may be separate fixtures or a two-in-one safety fixture that marks an exit path and provides backup floodlights during a power failure. The alternative power source may be internal batteries, a central emergency power system (i.e., a generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS)), or dual independent circuits. Testing the fixtures is not required, as their complexity and operating controls can vary. As shown in the video, some inspectors choose to go beyond the baseline scope and use the test button on the fixtures to simulate a primary power source outage.

Inspection Considerations

During an inspection, walk the means of egress and put yourself in the position of an occupant trying to escape. Consider whether you could find and follow the path to an exit if the area were chaotic or filled with smoke. As you walk the means of egress, ask yourself:

• Are exit signs present above exit doors?
• Is directional signage present where the path to an exit is not obvious?
• Is emergency lighting present along the means of egress?
• Do exit signs and emergency lighting appear damaged, aged, or inoperable?
• Is an independent power source present?
• Are there unlit signs, fixtures, or areas along the egress path?
• Are there other conditions that could make the egress path difficult to identify or follow during an emergency?

Means of egress paths are approved by the AHJ for occupancy. Planned layout changes can create an inspection limitation because the final means of egress cannot be assessed until the space configuration is complete. Part of scoping the inspection is understanding whether planned design or layout changes could affect the designated paths. Inspectors should communicate potential inspection limitations, but it is recommended to still complete the life safety portion of the inspection, as other issues may still be identified.

For example, if you’re inspecting a penthouse office suite undergoing tenant buildout, the means of egress path may change before your client takes occupancy. The two exit stairwells remain in the same locations, but adding walls or dividers could turn a direct path into a series of corridors and turns. This could change where exit signs and directional arrows are needed to guide occupants to each stairwell.

To learn more about inspecting commercial exit signs and emergency lighting systems, take the self-paced Inspecting Commercial Fire and Life Safety Systems Online Course and earn your certificate upon completion.