1. Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board

Petition File No. 606

Section 3216 Exit Signs

Petition File No. 606

Carsten Jonas

To amend Title 8 section 3216 Exit Signs, to allow exit signs the option of utilizing in lieu of or in addition to the word “Exit”, a pictogram of an emergency exit, as specified in ISO Standard 7010 published by the International Organization for Standardization. The Petitioner notes that the internationally standardized pictogram enhances safety by making it easier for occupants to find the exit especially if it’s a building that they’re not familiar with. The Petitioner adds that this would be particularly beneficial in buildings where there may be people who don’t read or understand English.

The Petitioner states that since 2003, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association expressly allows the internationally standardized pictograms on exit signs, including in lieu of the word “Exit”, if allowed by the state/local jurisdiction. The Petitioner further states that federal OSHA has recognized the new NFPA 101 pictograms to be compliant with their regulations. Therefore, the Petitioner contends that this petition would make Cal/OSHA regulations more consistent with the federal OSHA regulations.