How to mark escape routes correctly under ASR A2.3
Escape routes and emergency exits must stay visible at all times - even during a power failure or smoke build-up. This guide explains marking under ASR A2.3, long-afterglow signs to DIN 67510, floor markings and the right mounting height and viewing distance.
View escape route signsWhat does ASR A2.3 require for escape routes?
The German Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.3 implements the Workplace Ordinance and requires escape routes and emergency exits to be permanently, clearly and densely marked. The safe-condition signs follow ASR A1.3 and DIN EN ISO 7010, which harmonises the green-and-white symbols such as E001, E002 and the directional arrow E004 across Europe.
Every marking scheme starts with the risk assessment. It defines where signs are needed, whether safety lighting or long-afterglow systems are used and how densely signs are spaced. Safe-condition signs are square or rectangular, green as the safety colour with a white symbol.
Which signs and what size do you need?
Sign size depends on the viewing distance. Under ASR A1.3 the rule of thumb is s = L / 200 for afterglow and s = L / 100 for illuminated signs: at 20 m a long-afterglow sign therefore needs at least 10 cm of luminous height.
- Measure the viewing distance L, then set sign height s = L/200 for afterglow signs.
- Use safe-condition signs to DIN EN ISO 7010, do not mix in outdated pictograms.
- Place a sign with the correct arrow at every door and change of direction.
- Mount emergency-exit signs above the door or directly beside it where possible.
How do afterglow systems and floor markings work?
Long-afterglow materials store light and release it in the dark. Their performance is measured to DIN 67510 in mcd/m²: the value after 10 minutes and after 60 minutes decide the quality class. High-grade systems glow for many hours, well above the perception threshold.
Low-level guidance systems near the floor complement ceiling signs, because smoke gathers at the top while the view along the floor stays clear longer. Continuous afterglow floor markings, strips and arrows guide people safely to the exit even when the ceiling signs are obscured.
- Charge afterglow signs with enough daylight or artificial light before use.
- Lay floor markings continuously and slip-resistant, never covered by furniture.
- Match the DIN 67510 quality class to route length and occupancy time.
- Combining safety lighting and an afterglow system improves fail-safe redundancy.
Frequently asked questions
How large must an escape route sign be?
The luminous height follows the viewing distance: s = L/200 for afterglow and s = L/100 for illuminated signs. At 20 m that means at least 10 cm.
Which standard applies to the symbols?
Safe-condition signs follow DIN EN ISO 7010 and ASR A1.3, such as E001/E002 for emergency exits and E004 as the directional arrow. Green is the safety colour, the symbol white.
Why add floor markings to ceiling signs?
In a fire, smoke collects at the top. Low-level, long-afterglow guidance systems stay visible longer and lead people safely to the exit even in smoke.
How often must escape route signs be checked?
The marking is checked regularly as part of the risk assessment and walk-throughs, for completeness, legibility and sufficient afterglow duration to DIN 67510.
Marking escape routes to standard?
We supply afterglow safe-condition signs to DIN EN ISO 7010 and DIN 67510 plus floor guidance systems - matched to your risk assessment under ASR A2.3.
Standard-tested
Symbols to DIN EN ISO 7010, afterglow to DIN 67510.
Power-independent
Long-afterglow systems work during a power failure.
Correctly sized
Sign size calculated from the viewing distance.
Expert advice
Our specialists support your ASR A2.3 implementation.