A majority of jurisdictions within the United States have adopted the ICC International Building and Fire Codes. The ICC’s building codes set the standard in securing safety and security for structures of all sizes. Notwithstanding any amendments, requirements are adopted verbatim. While ICC codes encompass many categories, interior stairway identification signs are an integral part of hospitality industry signage. Since interior stairway identification signs can be found across all jurisdictions in the country, it is important to discuss the material changes included in the 2021 editions, particularly those found within Chapter 10: Means of Egress.
1023.9, Stairway Identification Signs
In the earlier 2018 edition, the code section states:
“1023.9, Stairway Identification Signs. Sign shall be provided at each floor landing in an interior exit stairway and ramp connecting more than three stories designating the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the interior stairway and ramp and the identification of the stairway and ramp. The signage shall state the story of, and the direction to, the exit discharge and the availability of roof access from the interior exit stairway and ramp for the fire department. The sign shall be located 5 feet above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions. In addition to the stairway identification sign, a floor-level sign in visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor-level landing adjacent to the door leading from the interior stairway and ramp into the corridor to identify the floor level.”
In layman’s terms: The requirements under 1023.9 have been confusing to many due to its structure. Building owners and other industry members may confuse given floor level specifications with stairway identification specifications. Sign suppliers like HOTELSIGNS.com will typically bundle stairway identification signs for convenience to the customer. For buildings with four floors or more, these signs are required to be photoluminescent and involve two components: a larger 18″ x 12″ stairway ID sign and a smaller 2.875″ x 7.875″ tactile level ID sign.
Below, we have demonstrated the difference between incorrect and correct signs.
Under 1023.9—some might mistakenly apply raised text and braille to the larger of the two stairway identification signs. Please note that raised text and braille are to only be included on the smaller tactile level ID sign, as reflected in the visual above.
So why the confusion?
Please note the split in requirements: “In addition to [emphasis added] the stairway identification sign, a floor-level sign…” This distinction clarifies which sign is required to have raised text and braille, outlining the ID sign requirements in the next subsection, 1023.9.1.
For conciseness and to eliminate confusion, the ICC has placed floor level sign requirements in an entirely separate subsection in the latest 2021 edition, leaving no room for ambiguity.
1023.11, Tactile Floor-level Signs
The new 2021 subsection now reads as follows:
“1023.11, Tactile Floor-level Signs. Where floor-level signs are provided in interior exit stairways and ramps, a floor-level sign identifying in the floor level in visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor-level landing adjacent to the door leading from the interior exit stairway and ramp into the corridor.”
In layman’s terms: Each interior stairway landing must have the two signs mentioned above: stairway ID and floor level signs. In identifying the interior stairway, an 18″ x 12″ inch sign with the provided visual text requirements must be posted within the stairway landing area on each floor (as opposed to the latch side of the door leading to the corridor). Conversely, the smaller, floor-level signs will need to be placed at the latch side of the door leading to the corridor, with the inclusion of all accessibility criteria (i.e., raised characters, proper color contrast, grade 2 braille).
In the visuals above, you will notice that the smaller “Level 4″ sign is placed at the latch side of the door, while the 18″ x 12” sign is posted at a stairway landing area.
Your Responsibility As A Hotelier
In future blogs, we will continue to unpack changes to the new 2021 I-Codes Building Codes. We hope that this blog post will clear up any confusion about stairway identification signage requirements. In summary, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stairway identification signs are required. The ICC sets the standard in what is required in terms of infrastructure, safety, regulation, and safety. At HOTELSIGNS.com, you can find the appropriate NFPA-approved stairway ID sign on our website.
- Stairway ID and floor level signs go together hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other: both are required. Please ensure that floor-level signs include raised text and braille.
- Double-check your sign installation location. Stairway ID signs are posted at the landing area so as to be unobstructed by any door, while floor-level signs are placed on the latch side (of the door) to help those with little to no vision.
There are also specific mounting height requirements to consider: (Taken from HOTELSIGNS.com’s NFPA Sign Installation Guide)
Stairway Identification Signs
“The stairway identification sign should be installed with the bottom of the sign 5 feet above the finished floor in a position that is free from obstructions and readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions.”
Tactile Floor Level/Exit Signs
“Floor level signs are installed on the stairwell side of a door leading into the interior of the building. Exit signs are installed on the stairwell side of a door leading to the final exit.”
“The ADA requires that the baseline of the lowest raised character* be a minimum of 48” above the finished floor, and the baseline of the highest raised character be a maximum of 60” above the finished floor.” (See Fig. 1)
Shop Stairway Identification Signs at HOTELSIGNS.com
We’ve been in the sign industry for over 25 years and are confident that our signs comply with all standards set forth by ICC building codes. Shop stairway identification signs—and all the other interior signage products you need—today at HOTELSIGNS.com.
Each of our signs is covered by unparalleled guarantees, including Life of the Building and ADA Compliance. If you have any questions about stairway identification signs, regulatory information, or all the other signs you may need, please contact us at 800.322.8426 or hotels@hotelsigns.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!