Every building with an Elevator needs proper signage to go with it. Posting Elevator signs in your facility can identify their location, communicate safety procedures, and more.
These signs function as a safety reminder or warning, location of the elevator machine room, etc.
Type of signs
There are many types of elevator signs; for example, a notice indicates the elevator machine room location, advice about freight elevators, notice signs states that passengers are strictly prohibited from using lifts during emergencies, etc.
Benefits of Effective Elevator Signs
Picture this. You are traveling with your family and arrive late to a hotel. Everyone is tired and cranky. Neither of you can find the elevator. You become frustrated. You are not alone.
Thoughtful floor plan layouts and proper signage can make this a lot easier. Organizations that care about their employees, customers, and visitors make a point of installing effective architectural signs to make it easier to get where you need to go. If people get used to suitability signs displayed on elevators, most likely they will be prepared to react automatically if an emergency occurs.
Navigating in an unfamiliar establishment can be even more daunting for someone with a disability. This is especially true for someone with impaired vision or mobility. The most challenging aspects of moving about a building are dealing with doors (hinged, sliding, and revolving) and level changes (stairs, elevators, ramps, and escalators). Imagine being a blind person trying to locate a wheelchair-accessible lift in a strange office or residential tower.
By providing proper signage we are not only complying with federal regulations but showing empathy for disabled individuals visiting our facilities or working in them.
Types of elevator signs
Elevator machine room signs
These are typically placed on the elevator machine room (traction and hydraulic elevators) entrance doors.
ADA Compliant Elevator Signs for Buildings
The second type of elevator signs is directional signage pointing toward the locations of elevators on each floor. Public buildings with multiple stories must have directional and wayfinding signage to guide people to the lifts, escalators, and stairs. Like all compliant ADA signs, these are specified to be highly visible with non-glare high-contrast lettering and standard international symbology for sighted individuals, complemented with raised tactile lettering and Braille for those with visual disabilities. Each sign must be placed at a height that can be reached by someone sitting in a wheelchair.
Suitability
All public facilities and commercial buildings are required to have elevators with signs that describe their relevance. Aside from the capacity signs –which are also standard (including # of people or the equivalent in weight) –signage is required for elevator use during an emergency such a fire. Elevators need electrical power to function. Therefore signs advising not to use them in the event of a disaster (flooding, fire, and earthquake) is mandatory by law. Accompanying these suitability signs, directional signage indicating where the nearest stairway is also standard.
Although the Federal government (complying with OSHA) is in charge of elevator regulations, including signage, many cities and states with different characteristics may have additional guidelines.
Elevator signs are cost-effective, attractive solutions to keep your visitors safe and comfortable while within your premises.
