ISO 16069:2017

Overview

ISO 16069:2017 - "Graphical symbols - Safety signs - Safety way guidance systems (SWGS)" defines the principles for designing and applying visual components that form a Safety Way Guidance System. The standard covers general design principles valid for both electrically powered and phosphorescent components, guidance on environment of use, material choice, layout, installation, documentation, inspection and maintenance. It does not cover risk assessment, tactile/audible components, high-mounted emergency escape route lighting, or ships regulated by the IMO.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Planning a SWGS: system objectives, continuity, visual reinforcement and avoidance of confusing information at decision points.
• Design principles: consistent use of graphical symbols and arrows (referencing ISO 7010 and ISO 3864-3) to ensure rapid recognition across language barriers.
• Guidance lines and escape route signs: placement, continuity, and consistency for directional information.
• Marking requirements: stairs, ramps, ladders, emergency exits, hazards, firefighting and safety equipment, assembly/safe areas and provisions for multi-level buildings and disabled persons.
• Component-specific requirements:
  • Electrically powered components: luminaire requirements, emergency power supply considerations, installation, documentation and maintenance.
  • Phosphorescent components: luminance properties, installed luminance verification, illumination and on-site measurement procedures.
• Verification & maintenance: documentation, logbooks, inspection intervals and procedures.
• Measurement annexes: laboratory and on-site measurement methods for photopic luminance (Annex A & B) and guidance on visibility/identifiability and sizing (Annex C).

Note: the 2017 (second) edition updated luminance requirements, clarified dimensions for phosphorescent systems, and simplified requirements to improve usability.

Practical applications

ISO 16069 is applied when designing visual evacuation aids to improve occupant egress during fires, power failures or smoke conditions where traditional escape lighting may be ineffective. Typical uses include:

• Design and specification of floor-level guidance lines and low-mounted escape signage
• Selection of phosphorescent or electrically lit components based on environment and power-backup needs
• Creating inspection, testing and maintenance programs for SWGS installations
• Integrating SWGS into building evacuation strategies and safety audits

Who uses this standard

• Fire safety engineers and building designers
• Facility managers, building services and maintenance teams
• Manufacturers and installers of SWGS components (electrical and phosphorescent)
• Emergency planners and consultants
• ISO/IEC technical committees developing related guidance

Related standards

• ISO 7010 (graphical symbols for safety signs)
• ISO 3864-3 and ISO 3864-4 (colour and safety sign specifications and colourimetric properties)

Keywords: ISO 16069, SWGS, safety way guidance systems, phosphorescent guidance, electrically powered escape signs, escape route signage, luminance measurement, emergency evacuation.