Key Features of Exit Signs According to Malaysian Standards
To comply with Malaysian standards, exit signs must adhere to specific design, visibility, and operational requirements. Here are the essential features businesses should ensure when installing keluar signs:
1. Clear and Simple Design:
Exit signs should use universal symbols to indicate the direction of escape routes. In Malaysia, exit signs typically use the word “KELUAR” (Exit) in bold, clear letters. The signage should have a contrasting background to ensure visibility, even under low-light conditions.
2. Illumination:
According to the Fire Safety Act, exit signs must be illuminated at all times to ensure they can be seen in case of a power failure. This is typically achieved using emergency lighting systems or LED exit signs with built-in battery backups.
3. Location of Exit Signs:
Exit signs must be strategically placed at every exit point, along hallways, stairwells, and other areas that lead to emergency exits. The signs should be installed at a height of at least 2.5 meters from the ground to ensure visibility from a distance. They should be visible from a minimum distance of 20 meters in dark or smoky conditions.
4. Durability:
Exit signs must be durable and able to withstand environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and physical damage. It is important to choose high-quality materials, such as LED signs made from fire-resistant plastic and corrosion-resistant metal.
5. Power Supply and Backup:
Exit signs in Malaysia must be connected to an independent power supply, which can operate during a power failure. The battery backup system must provide enough energy for the sign to stay illuminated for at least 3 hours after a power outage, in compliance with local regulations.
6. Regular Maintenance:
It is essential to regularly inspect and test the functionality of exit signs to ensure they comply with safety standards. Periodic checks, including verifying the illumination and power backup, should be part of a building’s emergency preparedness program.
Why Compliance is Important?
Adhering to Malaysian standards for exit signs is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a crucial aspect of workplace safety. Ensuring that your building has the correct exit signage can save lives during an emergency evacuation. Failure to comply with these standards could result in fines, legal liabilities, or worse, in the event of an emergency.
Moreover, clear and functional exit signage provides peace of mind to employees, tenants, and visitors, knowing that they can safely and quickly exit the building if needed.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, compliance with exit sign standards is vital for ensuring the safety of everyone within a building. By adhering to the Uniform Building By-Laws, the Fire Safety Act, and the Malaysian Standard MS 983: 2004, businesses can ensure they meet the required safety standards and provide a secure environment. Installing high-quality LED keluar signs that are properly illuminated and well-maintained is a key step in protecting lives and avoiding legal consequences.
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