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IS 12349:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire protection-safety signs. This standard specifies the requirements for fire protection safety signs. It classifies signs into prohibition, warning, mandatory, and safe condition categories, defining their shape, color, and graphical symbols to ensure clear and uniform communication for fire safety in various premises.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This standard is critically referenced in the National Building Code of India (NBC), Part 4 'Fire and Life Safety', which governs the placement and requirements of such signs in buildings.
! For international projects or to ensure wider comprehension, consider using graphical symbols from ISO 7010, which are now widely adopted in India.
! Ensure that escape route and fire equipment signs are made of photoluminescent materials, allowing them to be visible during a power outage or smoke-filled conditions.
Provides a comprehensive library of registered safety signs, including the most current fire safety symbols.
ISO 3864-1:2011ISO (International)
HighCurrent
Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings
Defines the foundational principles of safety sign design, including colors and shapes, which IS 12349 is based on.
NFPA 170:2021NFPA (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols
Specifies symbols for fire safety in the US, but uses a different set of pictograms compared to the ISO/IS system.
BS 5499 SeriesBSI (UK)
HighWithdrawn
Safety signs, including fire safety signs
Formerly the main UK standard for fire safety signs, sharing the same design philosophy as IS 12349.
Key Differences
≠The graphical symbols (pictograms) in IS 12349:1988 are stylistically older and simpler, whereas modern standards like ISO 7010 use symbols that have undergone extensive international comprehension testing (per ISO 9186) to ensure they are universally understood.
≠Modern international standards (e.g., ISO 3864-4) provide detailed colorimetric and photometric specifications for sign materials, including performance classes for photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs. IS 12349:1988 lacks this level of technical detail.
≠IS 12349:1988 is a static document covering a limited set of fire safety signs. In contrast, ISO 7010 is a continually updated, registered collection of hundreds of signs for all safety categories, reflecting new technologies and safety needs.
≠The 'running man' exit sign symbol in ISO 7010 is a dynamic, human-like figure, proven to be more effective in conveying direction during an emergency. The equivalent symbols referenced by the 1988 Indian standard are often more simplistic or static stick-figure representations.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 12349 and international standards use the same fundamental system of associating geometric shapes with safety meanings: a circle for prohibition/mandatory, a triangle for warning, and a square/rectangle for information and safe conditions.
≈The color-coding principle is identical: red signifies prohibition or fire-fighting equipment; green for safe condition/escape routes; yellow for caution/warning; and blue for mandatory actions.
≈The core purpose of the standards is the same: to provide clear, language-independent visual guidance on the location of fire equipment, emergency exits, and prohibited actions to ensure safety during a fire.
≈Both standards specify the use of a contrast color (typically white) for symbols and text to ensure visibility against the safety color background (e.g., white symbol on a red background for fire equipment signs).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Meaning of Red Square/Rectangle
Location of fire-fighting equipment
Location of fire-fighting equipment
ISO 3864-1:2011
Meaning of Green Square/Rectangle
Safe condition (e.g., Exit, First Aid)
Safe condition (e.g., Emergency exit, First aid)
ISO 3864-1:2011
Fire Extinguisher Symbol
Simple outline of an extinguisher.
Standardized pictogram of an extinguisher, usually with flames (Symbol F001).
ISO 7010:2019
Fire Alarm Call Point Symbol
Hand pressing a button, often with radiating lines.
Standardized pictogram of a finger pressing a button inside a house symbol (Symbol F005).
ISO 7010:2019
Viewing Distance Formula
Provides size recommendations for set distances (e.g., 200x200 mm for 10m).
Uses a formula: h = L/Z, where h=sign height, L=viewing distance, Z=distance factor.
ISO 3864-1:2011
Contrast Colour for Green Signs
White
White
ISO 3864-1:2011
Photoluminescent (Glow) Performance
No specific performance classes defined.
Specified performance classes (e.g., A, B, C) based on luminance decay over time (mcd/m²).
ISO 17398:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values8
Quick Reference Values
Prohibition Sign ShapeCircular with red border and diagonal bar
Warning Sign ShapeEquilateral triangle with black border
Mandatory Action Sign ShapeCircular
Safe Condition / Escape Route Sign ShapeRectangular or square
Prohibition Sign Primary ColourRed
Warning Sign Primary ColourYellow
Mandatory Action Sign Primary ColourBlue
Safe Condition Sign Primary ColourGreen
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Meanings Assigned to Geometric Shapes and Safety Colours
Annex A - Examples of Prohibition Signs
Annex B - Examples of Warning Signs
Annex D - Examples of Safe Condition Signs (Escape Route)
Annex E - Examples of Fire Equipment Signs
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Classification of Safety Signs
Clause 4 - General Requirements and Design Principles
What shape and color is a fire extinguisher sign?+
It is a square or rectangular sign with a red background and a white pictogram of the extinguisher (Annex E).
What does a yellow triangular sign signify?+
It indicates a warning of a hazard or danger, such as 'Flammable Material' or 'Risk of Electric Shock' (Clause 6 & Table 1).
What is the basic design for a 'No Smoking' sign?+
It's a prohibition sign: circular shape with a red border, white background, a black pictogram of a cigarette, and a red diagonal bar across it (Clause 5 & Annex A).
What are the four main types of safety signs as per this code?+
Prohibition, Warning, Mandatory Action, and Safe Condition signs (Clause 3).