BS 5499-4:2013
Safety signs: Code of practice for escape route signing.
BS 5499-4 is the British code of practice for escape route signing. It tells you how to select, position, mount, light and maintain fire exit and escape route signs that use ISO 7010 graphics, and Approved Document B names it for exit signs.
For signage and wayfinding
What it asks of your signs
- 01It is the reference for where escape signs go along a route, how they are mounted and how they are lit. Specify it alongside BS EN ISO 7010 on every UK scheme.
- 02Approved Document B Volume 2 calls for exit signs in accordance with BS ISO 3864-1 and BS 5499-4.
- 03It covers the E001 and E002 emergency exit signs, supplementary text and the use of arrows for direction.
- 04It applies to high-mounted signs only. Low-level photoluminescent or electrically powered way guidance falls under BS ISO 16069.
- 05It does not decide whether escape signing is needed. That comes from the fire risk assessment and the fire strategy.
Scope
BS 5499-4 gives recommendations for selecting and using escape route signs that conform to BS EN ISO 7010, in premises where a formal fire risk assessment has shown escape signing is needed. It covers sign type, supplementary text, directional arrows, location, mounting position, lighting and maintenance across the whole escape route signing system.
It is deliberately limited to high-mounted signs. Low-mounted way guidance systems are excluded and sit under BS ISO 16069.
Where it is cited
Approved Document B Volume 2, paragraph 5.28, says exits giving access to a means of escape, other than exits in ordinary use, should be marked by an exit sign in accordance with BS ISO 3864-1 and BS 5499-4. HSE's L64 points to BS 5499-4:2013 and BS 5499-10:2014 for the size, siting and application of fire safety signs, and notes that red 'this way' arrows for fire equipment must not contradict the green escape direction. BS 5499-10 covers other safety signs and explicitly leaves escape route signs to this part.
Ireland
BS 5499-4 has no Irish standard twin. In Ireland, exit sign provision follows TGD B and the fire safety certificate, signs follow I.S. EN ISO 7010, and I.S. 3217 covers their illumination. Many Irish fire engineers still use BS 5499-4 as good practice for positioning.
Status
BS 5499-4:2013 is listed as current by BSI and replaced BS 5499-4:2000. BSI's standards development site lists a revision of the 2013 edition, so check for a new edition before you issue a specification.
Editions and history
BS 5499-4:2000 was withdrawn and superseded by BS 5499-4:2013. A revision project for the 2013 edition is listed by BSI.
Sources checked
- knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/safety-signs-code-of-practice-for-escape-route-signing
- knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/safety-signs-code-of-practice-for-escape-route-signing/standard
- standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/9025-12543
- shop.standards.ie/en-ie/standards/bs-5499-4-2000-213308_saig_bsi_bsi_503863
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aa3bb7492e72b8ac437f145/AD_B2_2026.pdf
- hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l64.pdf
A summary in our own words, checked on 16 October 2026. It is not the document itself and not legal advice.
Equivalents and related
The same ground, elsewhere.
- Graphical symbols: Safety colours and safety signs: Registered safety signsInternational
- Graphical symbols: Safety colours and safety signs, Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markingsInternational
- Guidance for the selection and use of safety signs and fire safety noticesUK
- Graphical symbols: Safety signs: Safety way guidance systems (SWGS)International
- Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting of premises: Code of practiceUK
- Approved Document B: Fire safety, Volume 1: DwellingsEngland
- Approved Document B: Fire safety, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellingsEngland
- The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996Great Britain · NI
- Technical Guidance Document B: Fire SafetyIreland
- Emergency LightingIreland
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