ISO 16069:2017
Graphical symbols: Safety signs: Safety way guidance systems (SWGS).
ISO 16069 covers safety way guidance systems: continuous low-level guidance, either photoluminescent or electrically powered, that leads people along an escape route to an exit. It sets the principles for their design, layout, materials, installation and maintenance.
For signage and wayfinding
What it asks of your signs
- 01Low-level photoluminescent strips, markers and directional signs along escape routes fall under ISO 16069. High-mounted escape signs fall under BS 5499-4.
- 02It covers both phosphorescent and electrically powered components, with guidance on operating environment, materials, layout and installation for each.
- 03It does not replace a risk assessment. The fire engineer decides whether a way guidance system is needed and where.
- 04Photoluminescent products only work if they are charged by enough light. Check normal lighting levels at the positions you specify.
- 05Tactile and audible guidance and high-mounted escape lighting are outside its scope.
Scope
ISO 16069 describes the principles behind the design and application of the visual components used to create a safety way guidance system. It gives general principles that apply to both electrically powered and phosphorescent components, plus guidance on the operating environment, materials, layout, installation and maintenance for each type. It does not deal with risk assessment, so the specific design of a system is left to the people responsible for the building. It excludes tactile and audible components and high-mounted emergency escape route lighting, and does not apply to ships under International Maritime Organization rules.
Where it fits
BS 5499-4 limits itself to high-mounted escape signs and points to BS ISO 16069 for low-mounted way guidance. Where smoke may obscure high-level signs, in long corridors, stair cores and underground spaces, a low-level system can carry the escape route down to floor level. HSE's L64 also notes that photoluminescent signs may have a role in poor light conditions.
The same ISO standard is used on Irish projects. Whether a way guidance system is needed, and where, is a fire engineering decision that should be recorded in the fire strategy.
Status
ISO 16069:2017 is the second edition and replaced ISO 16069:2004. ISO confirmed it at review in 2023. BSI publishes it as BS ISO 16069:2017, and BS ISO 16069:2004 was withdrawn in November 2017.
Editions and history
ISO 16069:2004 (BS ISO 16069:2004) was withdrawn in November 2017 when the second edition was published. Confirmed at systematic review in 2023.
Sources checked
- iso.org/standard/66837.html
- knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/graphical-symbols-safety-signs-safety-way-guidance-systems-swgs
- knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/graphical-symbols-safety-signs-safety-way-guidance-systems-swgs-1
- knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/safety-signs-code-of-practice-for-escape-route-signing
- 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.
- Safety signs: Code of practice for escape route signingUK
- Graphical symbols: Safety colours and safety signs: Registered safety signsInternational
- Safety identification: Escape and evacuation plan signsInternational
- Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting of premises: Code of practiceUK
- Emergency LightingIreland
- Approved Document B: Fire safety, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellingsEngland
- Technical Guidance Document B: Fire SafetyIreland
Working to ISO 16069:2017 on a live project?
Wayfinding design, compliance, manufacture and installation, with the signage certificates signed off by us.