Stairwell labeling in high-rise buildings

Stairwell labeling in high-rise buildings

Objective: To outline signage and labeling requirements for stairwells in high-rise buildings in Ontario.

High-rise buildings are prevalent in urban areas due to their ability to accommodate a large number of occupants. As these buildings become larger and taller, questions often arise regarding building safety requirements, including stairwell labeling. This article aims to provide clarity on the required labeling in high-rise building stairwells.

Floor Number Labeling:

According to Article 3.4.6.19 of the Ontario Building Code, stairwells in high-rise buildings must be labeled with floor numbers. Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number should be permanently mounted on both sides of the doors leading to exit stair shafts. This ensures that occupants can easily identify the floor they are on and make informed decisions during evacuation.

For buildings that include an exit stair shaft, it is necessary to mount the floor number on each side of the door. The floor number, represented in Arabic numerals (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.), should be raised to facilitate identification through touch. Additionally, it must be of a contrasting color to ensure maximum visibility for individuals with visual impairments. Recommended color combinations include white on black or black on white. Furthermore, the designation "Ground Floor" should be substituted with the Arabic numeral "1."

Crossover Floor Labeling:

Crossover floors, commonly found in commercial and residential buildings, provide emergency access to specific levels during crises. Sentence 3.4.6.18(3) of the Ontario Building Code states that doors allowing access to crossover floors must be indicated by a permanently mounted sign on the stair side. This sign informs building occupants that the door can be opened from that side, enabling them to safely exit the stairwell and access an alternative route if necessary.

Doors that are locked with the purpose of preventing access to a particular floor area from an exit stair must have a clearly visible sign permanently affixed on the stair side, indicating the nearest unlocked door in each travel direction and these doors should either be operable with a master key that fits all locking devices and is stored in a designated location accessible to firefighters or be equipped with a wired glass panel. The wired glass panel must have a minimum area of 0.0645 square meters and be positioned no more than 300 mm away from the door opening hardware as per Sentence 3.4.6.18(4).

Exit Signage:

All exit doors serving buildings with two or more storeys must have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to them, as stated in Article 3.4.5.1 of the Ontario Building Code. Since many high-rise stairwells lead to exit doors, it is crucial to have clear and visible exit signs on these doors. This ensures that occupants can easily locate and utilize the designated exits for safe evacuation.

Any exit door serving a building that is over 2 storeys in height, or has an occupant load exceeding 150, or contains a room or floor area with a fire escape as a necessary means of egress, must be equipped with an exit sign positioned directly above or adjacent to it.

Each exit sign must meet the following requirements:

•                    It should be easily visible when approaching the exit.

•                    It should consist of a green pictogram and white graphic symbol that adhere to the visibility specifications stated in ISO 3864-1.

•                    It should comply with ISO 7010 standards.

Internally illuminated exit signs must have continuous illumination and be powered by an electrical circuit. These signs should be constructed in accordance with CSA C22.2 guidelines. While externally illuminated exit signs should also have continuous illumination. This illumination should be provided by a light fixture connected to an electrical circuit.

Article 3.4.5.2. states that If any portion of an exit ramp or stair in a building that exceeds 2 storeys in height extends beyond the lowest exit level, it must be visibly marked with a sign indicating that it does not lead to an exit and, exit stair in a building taller than 6 storeys must be clearly marked with signs indicating that it does not provide access to an exit on the roof level.

Signage for Stairwell Exits with Door Release Hardware:

Stairwell exits equipped with door release hardware, such as electromagnetic locking devices (commonly known as "maglocks"), have additional signage requirements. Clause 3.4.6.16(4)(g) of the Ontario Building Code mandates that these exit doors must bear a legible sign permanently mounted on the door. The sign should read "EMERGENCY EXIT UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM." with lettering on the sign of at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke. This informs occupants that the door is locked and can only be accessed when the building's Fire Alarm System is triggered.

By adhering to these signage and labeling requirements, high-rise building occupants can safely travel through stairwells, especially during emergencies. Clear floor number labeling, identification of crossover floors, proper exit signage, and informative door release hardware signage contribute to a safer evacuation process and improve overall building safety.

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