At what height should signs be placed according to the ISO 7010 standard?

The height of sign placement depends on their location: above doors or in open spaces 200-250 cm from the floor, on walls 170-200 cm from the floor, and in large spaces higher than 250 cm. Signs must be readable from an appropriate distance and cannot be covered by other objects. The height should enable easy reading of the sign from the user's location.

What types of safety signs does the ISO 7010 standard define?

The ISO 7010 standard defines five main categories of signs: green and white evacuation and rescue signs, red and white fire safety signs, blue and white mandatory signs, white and red prohibition signs, and yellow-black warning signs. Each type of sign has a specific function related to safety and accident prevention. All signs have a uniform appearance compliant with international standards.

What is the PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard and what did it replace?

The PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard is the current Polish regulation for graphic symbols, safety colors and safety signs, which replaced the previous PN-N-01256-01:1992 standard. Its purpose is to standardize the appearance of evacuation and fire safety signs at an international level. The standard covers all locations where human safety issues should be considered.

The use of ISO7010-compliant symbols

Updated: 24 September 2025 Andrzej Łukomski

Articles about printing

The PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard replaced the PN-N-01256-01:1992 standard. These are the regulations in force in Poland regarding evacuation and fire signs, which are intended to warn of danger and protect against possible accidents. What exactly is the standard above, and what signs are worth knowing about it?

What is the PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard?

Norma PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 – Graphic symbols – Safety colours and safety signs aims to organise the colours and appearance of evacuation signs and fire protection signs.

The standard applies to all locations where human safety issues should be taken into account. Evacuation signs that comply with international standards are uniform – this means they look the same everywhere. It is in force in parallel with the standards PN-N-01256-02:1992 and PN-N-01256-04:199.

Definitions related to the application of the ISO 7010 standard

In connection with the ISO 7010 standard, specific definitions are used that we should all be familiar with. One of them is a safety sign, i.e. a sign that provides a general safety message.

Adding a specific graphic symbol to the colour and geometric shape gives the sign a special safety message.

Additional signs are those that supplement other signs with a further explanation.

An evacuation route is the entire section of the horizontal and vertical route that must be traversed from one point in the building to an evacuation exit, to another fire zone, or an open space.

Evacuation signs compliant with ISO 7010

Specific occupational health and safety signs comply with the ISO 7010 standard:

Green and white evacuation and rescue signs, e.g. evacuation route, first aid or oxygen resuscitator – indicate evacuation routes and exits and the location of first aid kits. Their purpose is to save lives and ensure quick assistance.
Red and white fire safety signs, e.g. a fire extinguisher, internal hydrant or fire door, are used to mark equipment and the direction of its deployment and to warn of dangers;
blue and white mandatory signs, e.g. an order to use protective gloves or an order to put on seat belts – they inform, among other things, about the need to use protective equipment or perform a specific activity;
white and red prohibition signs, e.g. prohibition of touching, prohibition of sitting or prohibition of passage – indicate prohibited activities and are intended to protect against danger;
yellow-black warning signs, e.g. warning against corrosive substances or warning against explosive material – they inform about threats and allow you to be more careful, thus protecting against various types of accidents.

Sign placement – main principles resulting from the standard

In connection with the PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard, when arranging signs, it is necessary to adhere to specific rules. Above all, the visible marking of the evacuation route is important. The sign should be noticeable from every place where there may be a doubt as to the direction of its course.

The height at which it is placed is also important – it should allow it to be read from a specific distance. Above doors or in open spaces, markings should be placed 200-250 cm from the floor.

In the case of walls, a distance of 170-200 cm from the floor is recommended, while in the case of large open spaces or other spaces where these installation conditions are not possible – higher than 250 cm from the floor.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), also known as Work Health and Safety (WHS), Signs. They cannot be placed on doors or covered by other objects. It is also important that they are evenly distributed relative to light sources. Furthermore, evacuation and fire signs should always take precedence over other health and safety signs.

Safety signs as stickers

At POLINAL, we perform markings in the form of warning stickers in different sizes. We are referring to both wall and floor stickers (silicone stickers), as well as those designed for gluing onto machines and devices.

They effectively inform you about all threats and allow you to avoid many potential accidents. Their greatest advantages are high durability and rich colours – thanks to this, the markings are visible from a distance and are characterised by a long life.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main principles for placing evacuation signs according to ISO 7010?

Evacuation signs must be visible from every location where there might be doubt about the direction of the evacuation route, and should be evenly distributed relative to light sources. They cannot be placed on doors or covered by other objects, and evacuation and fire safety signs always take precedence over other health and safety signs. They must be made in intense colors ensuring good visibility from a distance.
At what height should signs be placed according to the ISO 7010 standard?

The height of sign placement depends on their location: above doors or in open spaces 200-250 cm from the floor, on walls 170-200 cm from the floor, and in large spaces higher than 250 cm. Signs must be readable from an appropriate distance and cannot be covered by other objects. The height should enable easy reading of the sign from the user’s location.
What types of safety signs does the ISO 7010 standard define?

The ISO 7010 standard defines five main categories of signs: green and white evacuation and rescue signs, red and white fire safety signs, blue and white mandatory signs, white and red prohibition signs, and yellow-black warning signs. Each type of sign has a specific function related to safety and accident prevention. All signs have a uniform appearance compliant with international standards.
What is the PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard and what did it replace?

The PN-EN ISO 7010:2012 standard is the current Polish regulation for graphic symbols, safety colors and safety signs, which replaced the previous PN-N-01256-01:1992 standard. Its purpose is to standardize the appearance of evacuation and fire safety signs at an international level. The standard covers all locations where human safety issues should be considered.