Exit Verbiage

A hospital has a sign posted that says “Not An Exit”, but the standard actually reads that “No Exit” should be posted.   Will this be an issue?

The appropriate language used by the Life Safety Code® is “NO EXIT”. I have no knowledge of an organization being cited for the wrong sign. It is my opinion that an existing sign that reads “NOT AN EXIT” meets the intent of the Code. Furthermore, there is an exception to permit approved existing signs. I suggest that since the local AHJ or any other AHJ has not cited the existing signs as a violation, that such signs are approved. However, if you replace an existing sign or install new signs they should read "NO EXIT."

NFPA 101^®, Life Safety Code^®, 2000 edition

7.10.8.1* No Exit.

Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads as follows:

NO

EXIT

Such sign shall have the word NO in letters 2 in. (5 cm) high with a stroke width of 3/8 in. (1 cm) and the word EXIT in letters 1 in. (2.5 cm) high, with the word EXIT below the word NO.

Exception:  This requirement shall not apply to approved existing signs.