Stairwell Identification Signs, ADA Braille & EXIT Signs

The illustration above shows common types of stairwell identification and accessible egress signage. Requirements depend on your building's design and locally adopted building, fire and accessibility codes.

A.1 & A.2 – Stairwell Identification Signs: Larger signs identify the stairway, current floor, upper and lower stairway limits, exit discharge level and roof access conditions. Section 1023.9 of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) generally requires these signs at floor landings in interior exit stairways and ramps connecting more than three stories. We can custom design stairwell identification signage to your specifications, or choose from our standard layouts below.

B – EXIT & Exit Discharge Signs: Identify designated exits and exit-related locations. Tactile EXIT signs with raised characters and Braille are required at certain locations; directional and illuminated EXIT signage may have separate requirements.

C – Floor Level Braille Signs: Accessible tactile signs identify the floor level at stairwell landings adjacent to the doors leading into building corridors, where required under applicable codes.

D – Stairwell Entrance Signs: Raised-character and Braille signs identifying stairs or specific stairways can help occupants locate and identify stairwell entrances, where applicable.

Important: Large IBC stairwell identification signs and smaller ADA tactile/Braille signs serve different purposes. Additional photoluminescent markings may be required for certain buildings. Verify your project's applicable code requirements with the building official or fire marshal.

JustBrailleSigns.com is a U.S. manufacturer of custom stairwell identification signs, ADA tactile and Braille signs, EXIT signs and photoluminescent stairwell signage. Our products are available in standard and custom configurations for offices, hospitals, hotels, schools, apartment buildings and other commercial facilities. Whether you need one replacement sign or a complete multistory stairwell signage package, we offer customized text, floor numbers, stairway designations, sizes and colors.

What Are the IBC Requirements for Stairwell Identification Signs?

Section 1023.9 of the 2024 International Building Code generally requires identification signs at floor landings in interior exit stairways and ramps connecting more than three stories. Section 1023.9.1 specifies requirements including a minimum sign size of 12 x 18 inches, prominent floor numbers, contrasting characters and a nonglare finish. The applicable requirements depend on the locally adopted code edition and any amendments.

Do Stairwell Identification Signs Need Braille?

Not every large stairwell identification sign must include Braille. Building codes distinguish between prominent stairway identification signage and accessible tactile floor-level or EXIT signs. Where required, tactile signs must include raised characters and Braille conforming to the applicable accessibility standards. The 2024 IBC addresses tactile floor-level signage separately in Section 1023.11.

Where Can I Order Custom Stairwell Signs for an Entire Building?

JustBrailleSigns.com manufactures customized stairwell signs for individual locations and complete building projects. We can produce coordinated sign sets identifying multiple floors and stairwells, with custom EXIT directions, roof access wording, available photoluminescent materials and other project-specific information. Contractors, architects and facility managers can submit a sign schedule or project specifications for a custom quotation.

Stairwell Signage Resources & Custom Quotes

For additional guidance on accessible signage, explore our ADA Braille Sign Requirements & Resources. You can also review the 2024 International Building Code, Chapter 10, for stairway identification and means-of-egress provisions.

For custom stairwell sign packages, request a quote from JustBrailleSigns.com or call 1-888-462-5008.

Sign requirements vary by jurisdiction, occupancy and adopted code edition. Confirm the applicable requirements with your architect, building official or fire marshal before ordering.