What Safety Signs Are Required For a Business?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require ADA compliant signage to be displayed in your business, and for good reason.  In addition to avoiding liability for violating regulations, ADA signage shows everyone that you care about accessibility for all who would seek to do business with you.  By making your space inclusive and inviting, you invite more potential customers into a mutually beneficial relationship. 

The most obvious places to for your ADA signage include:

• restrooms
• elevators
• exits
• emergency exits

This makes sense, as these are crucial locations that need to be equally accessible to all comers regardless of physical ability.  ADA signage requirements go beyond these considerations, though, as ADA signs also need to demarcate any permanent room, space, or feature, as well as serving clear wayfinding functions. 

In keeping with their accessible purpose, ADA signs should feature Braille lettering and raised tactile characters for those with visual impairments.  This allows people to know where they are, whether they can read can Braille dots or not.  Pictograms are also welcome as part of your ADA compliant signage, whether as replacements for or used in tandem with text.  The International Symbol of Access (ISA) is universally recognizable as a form of signage that indicates accessibility in your facility, but other pictograms designating stairs or other potential hazards are welcome inclusions in your ADA compliant signage program. 

If you have any further questions on how to appropriately signify ADA compliance in your space, just reach out to your local Signarama team, who can assist you with your signage needs.  Contact us today!