Exit signs (known as keluar signs in Malaysia) are critical elements of any building’s safety infrastructure. They provide clear guidance for occupants to safely evacuate during emergencies such as fires or power outages. In Malaysia, there are specific standards and regulations that govern the installation and maintenance of exit signs to ensure the safety of building occupants. This article outlines the key standards for keluar signs that businesses and building owners need to follow.
The Legal Requirements for Exit Signs in Malaysia
The installation of exit signs is regulated by several safety codes and standards in Malaysia, primarily governed by the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and Fire Safety Act 1988. These regulations outline the design, installation, and maintenance requirements for exit signs to ensure they are effective during emergencies.
Key Regulations and Standards:
1. Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984:
The UBBL provides comprehensive guidelines for building safety, including the provision of exit signs. According to UBBL, every building must have properly marked exits, especially in high-rise buildings and commercial spaces. The exit signs must be clearly visible, illuminated, and installed in such a way that they can be easily seen from anywhere within the building.
2. Fire Safety Act 1988:
The Fire Safety Act ensures that safety measures, including exit signage, are up to code to reduce the risk of injury during evacuations. The regulations within this act state that exit signs must be maintained to work properly under emergency conditions, and they should be clearly visible in areas where the exit is not immediately obvious.
3. MS 983:2004:
MS 983:2004 is a Malaysian Standard for “KELUAR signs (Internally Illuminated)- Specifications.” This standard provides guidelines and requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of keluar signs in buildings to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire. The aim is to minimize the risks and impact of fire emergencies within buildings in Malaysia.