UPDATE: SFFD Emergency Evacuation Sign Revision - SF Fire Commission Meeting on April 22nd

BOMA San Francisco Members:

We posted information on the blog previously regarding the San Francisco Fire Department's (SFFD) guidelines for new emergency evacuation signs.  Via BOMA San Francisco's Codes and Regulations Committee, members had expressed concern about the increased cost and size of the sign (below).  Indeed, the font size of 5/8" that was required by SFFD Administrative Bulletin 2.11 in 2009 made the sign larger than expected and impractical to post for BOMA San Francisco members.  The size of 5/8" was requested by the Mayor's Office on Disability, although it is not required by Title 19.  As such, the SFFD has kindly worked closely with BOMA San Francisco members and your BOMA San Francisco Advocacy Team to craft a revised version of the evacuation sign.  Please see the current and revised signs below:

Current Evacuation Sign Example

Revised Sign Example

UPDATE! - As of April 20, 2010

An important meeting of the San Francisco Fire Commission will occur on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 6 p.m. at 698 2nd Street, Room 102 where the Commission will consider adopting a revised San Francisco Fire Department bulletin relating to emergency evacuation signage in buildings (i.e., residential, hotel, and commercial office).  Click here to read the updated bulletin.  This revised bulletin is a great improvement on what is currently in place, and needs BOMA San Francisco members' complete support. 

Although the State Fire Marshal’s office is also considering amending this requirement, any changes adopted at the local level that are more restrictive will stand, and any other deviations from state requirements will not be retroactive. Therefore, there is no reason not to fully support the much-needed revisions that have been submitted to the Fire Commission this week for consideration and possible approval.  

Please consider attending the Fire Commission meeting to detail BOMA San Francisco's case for the necessary changes to the emergency evacuation sign requirements, or send your support letter to Fire.Commission@sfgov.org.