Compliance guide

ANSI Z535 Safety Signage Guide

Use this guide to connect code requirements, product selection, documentation, and local AHJ review.

Code note: this page supports product research and planning. Final acceptance depends on the adopted code edition, project documents, local amendments, and the authority having jurisdiction.

Product paths to compare

Use these links to move from the compliance question into products with the right listing, rating, mounting, and documentation.

Exit signs

For marked exit doors, directional egress, visibility, arrows, face count, and local color notes.

Emergency lights

For backup illumination along exit access, stairs, corridors, and other egress paths.

Combo units

For doorways and compact layouts that need exit signage with integrated emergency heads.

State and local review

Use the state map after the national code path is clear, then confirm the local AHJ details.

Compliance planning checks

These checks keep the page practical while the full original guide content remains available below.

1 Code scope

Confirm which adopted code, local amendment, or project specification controls the job.

2 Product listing

Match UL, location rating, voltage, mounting, runtime, housing, and fixture family.

3 Documentation

Keep cut sheets, listing information, installation instructions, and inspection notes together.

4 Local review

Verify final acceptance with the authority having jurisdiction and project team.

Full guide details

The original page content is retained below, with images and tables constrained so the guide stays readable.

Use this guide when facility safety signage, visual messaging, warnings, and exit-route communication need to be reviewed together.

Product paths to compare

Project question Product path
Need exit signs? Exit signs
Need emergency lights? Emergency lights
Need request signage project help? Request signage project help

Planning checkpoints

  • Separate code-required exit signs from supplemental warning, directional, and facility signage.
  • Confirm color, wording, symbol, contrast, mounting, and visibility expectations in the project documents.
  • Use local review for final sign placement and wording.

Official references

Code note: This guide is a purchasing and planning aid, not a code determination. Confirm final requirements with the authority having jurisdiction, adopted code edition, engineer of record, and project documents.