Location of Signs

Place general information and orientation signage at key decision-making points, ideally at eye level. Typically, signs should be located with their centre line 1,500 mm above the ground or floor surface. They should be placed in a location that allows readers to approach to within 100 mm of the sign without encountering protruding objects or standing within a door swing. Lower mounting heights may be appropriate in facilities intended primarily for the use of children.

In crowded areas, signs can be placed above head level so as to increase their visibility from a distance. A sign should also be placed at a lower level incorporating raised print (tactile lettering) and braille, for those unable to read the higher sign. Tactile signs, including signs with braille, must be easy to reach and touch. Further information is provided in Tactile Signs.

Room/space identification signs at doors should be located on the wall at the latch side of the door, consistently placed with their closest edge 140 – 160 mm from the doorjamb. If wall space is not available adjacent to a door latch, mount a sign on the nearest adjacent wall. A clear wall area spanning at least 75 mm should surround the sign. With double doors of any kind, signs should be placed at both sides of the doors.

Avoid sandwich boards and freestanding movable signs at all costs. These create serious tripping hazards for people impacted by blindness. Also avoid temporary signs that are not cane detectable. If these structures are to be used, consider signs that are not suspended in such a manner as to prevent them from being cane detectable and place them in amenity zones adjacent to curbs or well outside a path of travel.

Place signage inside and outside of enclosed stairwells to designate each floor. Arabic numerals are best to designate floor numbers. These signs should be permanently mounted on the wall on the latch side of the door.