Understanding the Running Man Exit Sign: A Guide to Safety and Compliance
Introduction
When it comes to emergency safety, the right signage can make all the difference. The Running Man exit sign has become a universal symbol for safe exits during emergencies, guiding people to safety with clarity and precision. This globally recognized sign is designed to overcome language barriers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or language skills, can understand where to go in an emergency. The simplicity and effectiveness of the exit sign man symbol make it an essential component of any building’s safety strategy.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into what makes the Running Man exit sign unique, its origins, why it’s favored over traditional exit signs in many parts of the world, and best practices for installing and maintaining these signs for maximum safety compliance.
What is the Running Man Exit Sign?
The Running Man exit sign is a pictogram that shows a silhouette of a person in motion—commonly called the "Running Man"—heading toward a doorway. Often accompanied by directional arrows, the sign clearly marks the direction of the nearest exit. This symbol-based approach to emergency signage aims to be intuitive and easy to understand, regardless of the viewer’s native language.
Unlike traditional exit signs that may rely solely on text like "EXIT" or "EMERGENCY EXIT," the Running Man exit light uses a universally recognized icon. It’s typically set against a green background with a white pictogram, signifying safety and guidance.
The Origins and Adoption of the Running Man Sign
The Running Man exit sign was first developed in Japan in the 1980s by designer Yukio Ota. The goal was to create a universal emergency exit sign that anyone could understand, bypassing the need for translation. In 1985, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted the Running Man design as a global standard, under ISO 7010. Today, it’s widely used in Europe, Asia, Australia, and many other regions, while North America is slowly transitioning from traditional text-based exit signs to the Running Man model.
Why Choose the Running Man Exit Sign?
There are several reasons why the Running Man exit sign is favored in many countries and is considered a superior choice for emergency exit signage:
1. Universal Understanding
The Running Man symbol transcends language barriers, making it easier for international visitors or non-native speakers to understand where to go in an emergency. This universal recognition significantly reduces confusion during evacuations, potentially saving lives.
2. Visual Clarity
The design of the exit sign man is straightforward and easily distinguishable, even from a distance. The white figure against a green background is instantly recognizable, making it ideal for fast-paced emergency scenarios where every second counts.
3. Compliance with Global Standards
The Running Man sign aligns with international safety standards like ISO 7010. Many countries have made the transition from traditional exit signs to Running Man signs to comply with these standards, ensuring consistency in safety practices across regions.
4. Encourages Movement
The visual of a person in motion (the "Running Man") psychologically suggests movement toward safety, encouraging people to evacuate rather than hesitate. This subtle design feature can make a significant difference during emergencies when immediate action is crucial.
Key Features of the Running Man Exit Sign
To understand what makes the Running Man exit sign so effective, it’s important to look at its key features:
1. Directional Arrows
Many Running Man signs are paired with directional arrows, pointing toward the nearest exit or safe route. These arrows are crucial for guiding occupants around obstacles, through hallways, or down stairwells.
2. Photoluminescent Options
Photoluminescent Running Man exit signs are designed to glow in the dark, ensuring visibility even in power outages. This feature is critical for ensuring safety in low-light conditions or when electrical systems fail during an emergency.
3. Green Background
The choice of green for the background of the Running Man sign is deliberate—green is universally associated with safety and indicates the direction to follow. This color choice is supported by global standards for emergency signage.
4. Illuminated Signs
Many Running Man exit signs come equipped with LED lights, ensuring they are visible day and night. Illuminated signs are crucial in settings like theaters, commercial buildings, and public spaces where low lighting can make traditional signs hard to see.
Where to Install Running Man Exit Signs
Proper placement of Running Man exit signs is key to ensuring they effectively guide occupants to safety. Here are some guidelines for installation:
1. Above Exit Doors
The most common placement for a Running Man sign is directly above an emergency exit door. This placement ensures that the exit is clearly marked, guiding occupants directly to safety.
2. At Key Decision Points
Install Running Man signs at decision points along an evacuation route—like at stairwells, hallways, or intersections. This strategic placement helps guide people toward the nearest exit without hesitation.
3. Along Evacuation Routes
Running Man signs should be placed at regular intervals along the evacuation route, particularly in larger buildings where the path to safety may not be immediately clear. These signs provide ongoing guidance, ensuring people remain on the correct route.
4. High Traffic Areas
In areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping centers, airports, and office buildings, additional Running Man signs should be used to provide clear guidance during an evacuation, avoiding congestion and confusion.
Running Man Exit Lights: Illuminated Guidance
Running Man exit lights are illuminated versions of the standard signs. They are equipped with built-in lighting systems, often using energy-efficient LEDs. These illuminated signs are essential in environments where visibility is a concern:
1. Nighttime Visibility
In locations that operate at night—like cinemas, hotels, and factories—Running Man exit lights provide clear guidance. The internal lighting ensures that the signs are always visible, even in complete darkness.
2. Battery Backup Systems
Many Running Man exit lights are equipped with battery backup systems, which activate during power outages. This feature ensures that the signs continue to provide guidance during emergencies when visibility is most critical.
3. Energy Efficiency
LED Running Man exit lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming less power than traditional lighting systems. This efficiency translates to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint for businesses that use them.
Compliance with Running Man Exit Sign Standards
Adhering to safety standards is crucial when installing Running Man exit signs. Here are some of the main standards to be aware of:
1. ISO 7010
The ISO 7010 standard sets guidelines for the design and color of safety signs, including the Running Man. Compliance with ISO 7010 ensures that signs are easily recognizable and consistent across different countries and facilities.
2. European Norm (EN) Standards
In Europe, the EN 1838 standard provides guidelines for emergency lighting and illuminated signs. This includes requirements for luminance, viewing distance, and battery backup, which are crucial for maintaining safety in various environments.
3. Local Building Codes
Different countries and regions have their own building codes that may specify the type, size, and placement of emergency signs, including Running Man signs. Ensure that your signage meets these requirements to avoid legal complications and to maintain optimal safety standards.
Maintenance Tips for Running Man Exit Signs
Proper maintenance of Running Man exit signs is crucial to ensure they remain effective. Here are some key tips:
1. Regular Inspections
Perform regular visual inspections to check for any signs of wear, damage, or vandalism. Ensure that the signs are free from obstructions and that they remain securely fastened to walls or ceilings.
2. Test Illuminated Signs
For illuminated Running Man exit signs, conduct periodic tests to ensure the lights are functioning correctly. Verify that battery backup systems are operational and replace batteries as needed to maintain readiness.
3. Clean the Signs
Keep the signs clean and free of dust, dirt, or debris that could obscure their visibility. Use a mild cleaning solution to maintain clarity, especially for illuminated or photoluminescent signs.
4. Replace Damaged Signs
Signs that are faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged should be replaced immediately to ensure they remain clear and visible in emergency situations.
Conclusion
The Running Man exit sign is more than just a safety symbol; it's a universal guide to safety that has proven effective in emergency situations worldwide. Its clear, intuitive design, combined with its compliance with global standards, makes it an excellent choice for any facility. Whether you're a building owner, safety officer, or facility manager, investing in high-quality Running Man exit signs is a key step in safeguarding the people within your space.
By choosing and maintaining the right signs, you can ensure that everyone, regardless of language or familiarity with the building, can quickly and safely find their way out in an emergency. The Running Man exit sign's combination of simplicity, effectiveness, and universal appeal makes it the go-to choice for modern emergency signage.
