Government Signage Guidelines & Standards in India
Comprehensive guide to mandatory signage requirements as per NBCC, BIS, and Indian Standard codes for building safety and regulatory compliance.
NBCC Signage Guidelines for Building Safety
The National Building Code of India (NBCC) 2016 establishes comprehensive guidelines for signage in buildings to ensure occupant safety and emergency preparedness.
Mandatory Signage Requirements
Emergency Exit Signs
- Must be placed above all emergency exit doors
- Minimum height of 200mm for letters
- Green background with white text/symbols
- Illuminated or photoluminescent materials required
Fire Safety Equipment
- Clear marking of fire extinguishers
- Fire alarm panel identification
- Hydrant and hose reel locations
- Assembly point designation
Directional Guidance
- Corridor and stairway exit directions
- Floor level identification
- Room numbering systems
- Elevator lobby signage
Hazard Identification
- Electrical hazard warnings
- Restricted access areas
- Chemical storage warnings
- Construction zone alerts
Download Official NBCC Guidelines
Get the complete NBCC signage requirements document for detailed specifications.
Download NBCC Guidelines PDFBIS/IS Standards for Safety Signage
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established specific Indian Standard (IS) codes that govern safety signage design, manufacturing, and installation across India.
IS 9457: Fire Exit Signs
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Minimum 300mm x 150mm for standard signs
- Colors: Green background (Pantone 347) with white symbols
- Typography: Sans-serif fonts, minimum 25mm letter height
- Visibility: Must be visible from 20 meters distance
- Materials: Self-adhesive vinyl or rigid acrylic substrates
Application: All emergency exit doors, exit routes, and evacuation paths in commercial and public buildings.
IS 12349: Safety Colors & Signs
Color Code System:
- Red: Prohibition, fire equipment, danger alerts
- Yellow: Caution, warning signs, hazard identification
- Green: Safe conditions, emergency exits, first aid
- Blue: Mandatory actions, personal protective equipment
Symbol Standards: Standardized pictograms for universal understanding regardless of language barriers.
IS 15493: Photoluminescent Safety Signs
Luminescence Requirements:
- Charging Time: 5 minutes under normal lighting
- Glow Duration: Minimum 8 hours in darkness
- Brightness Level: 20 millicandela per square meter after 60 minutes
- Testing: Annual photometric testing required
Use Cases: Areas without backup power, underground facilities, and emergency escape routes.
Fire Exit & Emergency Signage Standards
Detailed requirements for emergency evacuation signage following IS 9457 and NBCC fire safety provisions.
Essential Emergency Signs
EXIT Signs
- Green background with white "EXIT" text
- Running man symbol with directional arrow
- Minimum visibility distance: 20 meters
- Placement: Above door frames, 2.1m from floor
Fire Equipment Signs
- Red background for fire extinguisher locations
- White symbols and text on red background
- Supplementary text in local language
- Reflective or illuminated for low-light visibility
Assembly Point Signs
- Green background with assembly point symbol
- Clear numbering system for multiple points
- Weather-resistant for outdoor installation
- Minimum size: 400mm x 300mm
Standardized Color Coding System
Indian Standard IS 12349 defines the color coding system for safety signage to ensure consistent visual communication across all industries and regions.
Red - Prohibition & Fire Safety
Pantone: Red 032C
Applications:
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Emergency stop buttons
- Prohibition signs (No Smoking, No Entry)
- Fire alarm break glass points
Yellow - Warning & Caution
Pantone: Yellow 012C
Applications:
- Hazard warning signs
- Caution areas (wet floor, construction)
- Electrical hazard warnings
- Chemical storage areas
Green - Safety & Emergency
Pantone: Green 347C
Applications:
- Emergency exit signs
- First aid stations
- Safe condition indicators
- Assembly point markers
Blue - Mandatory Actions
Pantone: Blue 286C
Applications:
- Mandatory PPE signs
- Compulsory safety procedures
- Required actions signage
- Safety equipment usage
Placement & Font Standards
Proper placement and typography ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness of safety signage in emergency situations.
Height Requirements
- Exit Signs: 2.1m - 2.4m from floor level
- Warning Signs: 1.5m - 2.0m at eye level
- Floor Markings: Direct application on floor surface
- Ceiling Mounted: Minimum 2.5m clearance
Visibility Distance
- Small Signs (150mm): Visible from 10 meters
- Standard Signs (300mm): Visible from 20 meters
- Large Signs (600mm): Visible from 40 meters
- Corridor Signs: Maximum 15m spacing
Font Specifications
- Font Family: Sans-serif (Arial, Helvetica)
- Minimum Height: 25mm for standard viewing distance
- Contrast Ratio: Minimum 3:1 for accessibility
- Language: English + local regional language
Technical Specifications Document
Download detailed technical specifications for signage placement, dimensions, and installation requirements.
Download Technical SpecsNeed Government-Compliant Signage?
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