In smoke, visibility disappears within seconds, and people lose their sense of direction even in a building they know well. This is when exit signs and emergency lighting become occupants' only guide to safety. Escape routes must remain usable at all times, not just on inspection day; goods stacked in a corridor or a chained door can turn a small incident into a tragedy. This guide explains the principles of escape routes, types of signs, what a posted evacuation map must show, sign locations, and the common mistakes that lead to civil defense violations.
Escape Routes: The Principles
- Means of escape must end at final exits leading outside the building and then to an assembly point, as the hospitals regulation states.
- Route widths are proportionate to the number of occupants; the hospitals regulation sets an exit unit at 55 cm for one person to pass.
- In assembly buildings, the general conditions for means of escape apply in addition to their own conditions, with fire protection of escape routes in specified categories.
- Routes are always kept free of obstructions.
- Exit doors open in the direction of escape where the code requires it.
Types of Signs
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| An evacuation map on each floor | Shows "you are here", exits, routes and fire equipment |
| Illuminated "exit" sign | Above exit doors, working during power cuts |
| Direction arrows | At junctions and changes of direction |
| Equipment signs | Locations of extinguishers, hose cabinets and call points |
| Emergency lighting | Lights routes during power cuts |
| "Do not use the lift" signs | Next to lifts, directing occupants to the stairs |
Where Are Signs Placed?
- Above every final exit door and stair door.
- At every change of direction or junction.
- In long corridors at intervals ensuring at least one sign is visible from any point.
- At fire equipment and call point locations.
- At a height and clarity not blocked by decor or advertising.
What Must a Posted Evacuation Map Show?
- The floor plan oriented to where it is posted.
- A "you are here" mark.
- The main and alternative routes.
- Exits, fire equipment and call points.
- The assembly point and emergency numbers (911 or 998 depending on the region).
The map is part of a wider evacuation plan. Read: How to prepare an evacuation plan.
Emergency Lighting
It switches on automatically during power cuts to light routes, stairs and exits, and its batteries need periodic testing. It is often among the first faults found at inspection or in a drill. Read: The evacuation drill.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Violations
- Emergency doors locked with chains or padlocks.
- Goods or furniture in corridors.
- Illuminated signs that do not work or expired batteries.
- An old evacuation map that does not reflect modifications.
- Signs hidden behind decor or advertising boards.
These are among the reasons licences are rejected. Read: Reasons a civil defense licence is rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an emergency exit be locked for security reasons?
It must remain openable from inside without obstruction; the warehouses guide refers to cancelling electronic lock delays when the alarm or sprinklers activate, allowing immediate passage.
Who designs the evacuation map?
It is prepared from the actual building plan, and an engineering office can prepare it as part of an evacuation plans service.
Are photoluminescent signs enough?
They help as additional guidance, but the requirements specify illuminated signs and emergency lighting according to classification.
When is the evacuation map updated?
After any change to walls, exits or use.
Do requirements differ in tall buildings?
Yes, stair protection and evacuation requirements increase. Read: The towers requirements guide.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs escape routes, posted evacuation maps, sign locations and emergency lighting to the regulations and code. See our evacuation plans service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.