Emergency Sign Design Tips for Buildings in Australia

In Australia, emergency signage is a legal requirement. The signs are designed to guide visitors and staff to the emergency exits in a building or commercial establishment. However, it can be difficult for designers to develop effective designs that will meet all requirements and be appropriate for different settings. In this blog post, we’ve collected 4 of our best ideas for designing emergency signages that work well across various locations in Australia.

What are the primary emergency signage designs in Australia?

There are four general types of emergency signage designs in Australia: text-only, symbol-only, pictograms and text with symbols or combinations. The type you choose will depend on the specific requirements of your building or establishment, as well as your design preferences.

Text-Only Emergency Signs

Text-only emergency signs consist of a series of simple designs intended for buildings where all occupants are literate and read text. An emergency sign design is beneficial for buildings with multiple entrances, such as shopping malls or airports, since they can direct non-English speaking visitors toward the right door without symbols.

Symbol-Only Emergency Signs

As their name implies, symbol only signs consist of symbols that convey the sign’s message without any accompanying text. They are designed to be used when all building occupants can read and understand characters, such as schools or senior centres. Symbol-Only signs are also used in international buildings where visitors may not know the English language.

Combination Emergency Signs

A combination emergency sign uses both words that convey a message and appropriate symbols where necessary. An example is an elevator that has buttons and symbol only signs on the door.

Pictogram Emergency Signs

A pictogram sign uses pictures instead of words to convey a message. Pictograms are generally used when there is limited space and text would not be legible or when the language being used is not English. They can also be helpful for people who have difficulty reading.

Design Tips for Effective Emergency Signs

When designing emergency signs, it is essential to consider several factors: legibility, clarity, and comprehension. Here are a few tips to help you create effective emergency signage:

1. Use high contrast colours. For example, use a light background with dark lettering or vice versa.
2. Make sure the text is large and easy to read.
3. Keep the design simple and concise. Avoid using too many images or words.
4. Use clear and easy-to-understand symbols.

Conclusion

Emergency signs are an essential part of any building's safety plan. By following these simple tips, you can create signage that is effective and easy to understand. For more information on emergency sign design, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local safety authority.

Hi, I'm Joan Padilla, a writer contributor who loves good home design. I have grown a niche in the home improvement area and I hope to share my ideas with everyone!