MS ISO/IEC TR 10037 : 1995

MALAYSIAN

STANDARD
MS 982 : 1985
ICS : 13.320

SPECIFICATION FOR
FIRE SAFETY SIGNS, NOTICES
AND GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

STANDARDS & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

Copyright

SIRIM. No part of this publication may be photocopied or otherwise reproduced

without the prior permission in writing of SIRIM

MS 982:1985

CONTENTS

Page
Committee representation

Foreword

Scope

Definitions

Classification of fire safety signs

Standard wording

Standard shapes

Standard colours

Standard safety symbols

10

Standard lettering layout and sizes

10

Examples of fire safety signs illustrating the standard shape and colours
pattern for each class

14

Examples of circular and triangular signs when the wording is too lengthy to fit inside
the shape

14

Example of a sign where the standard symbol is used alone or in conjunction with
the standard wording

15

The standard arrow

15

Figures
1
2
3
4
Tables
1

Warning signs

Obligation signs

Prohibition signs

Fire equipment signs

Emergency signs (concerning escape routes)

Symbols for fire safety signs

11

Contrast colours

12

Letter height for exit and directional signs

12

Directional signs

13

Appendix A

Recommendations for choice of materials, fixing and use

13

MS 982 : 1985

Committee representation
The Mechanicai Engineering Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this Malaysian Standard was prepared. comprises
representatives from the following Government Ministries, trade, commerce and manufacturer associations and scientific and professional bodies.
Association of Consulting Engineers (Malaysia)
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
Institution of Engineers. Malaysia
Malaysian Motor Vehicle Assemblers Association
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Labour and Manpower (Factories and Machinery Department)
Ministry of Trade and Industry (Malaysian industrial Development Authority)
Ministry of works and Utilities (Public Works Department)
National Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia
University of Malaya

The Technical Committee on Fire Prevention. Protection and Equipment which prepared this Malaysian Standard consists of the following
representatives:
Encik M. Chelliah (Chairman)

Ministry of Housing and Locaf Government

)Fire Service Department)

Encik Zainal Abidin bin Muhammad/

Encik Cheng Eng Kit

General Insurance Association of Malaysia

Encik Ng Lam Shen

Association of Consulting Engineers

Encik Jon Song/

Encik Ooi BengSiew

Master Builders Association

Encik Lam Kow Chit

Public Works Department

Dr. Tso Chih Ping

University of Malaya

Encik Ahmad Fauzi H&,san

Factories and Machinery Department

Encik Henry Lee Inn Seong/

Encik Loh Aik Eng

Malaysian Institute of Architects

Encik P. Sivakumaran

Malaysian Industrial Safety Association

Mejar Udara Abdul wahab bin Mohd Ibrahim

M~nistryof Defence

Encik K. Sivagnanarn (Secretary)

(up to 16 May. 1984)
Encik Ng Chon Kiong (Secretary)
(from 18 December. 1984)

Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia

MS 982: 1985

FOREWORD
This Ma)aysian Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Prevention. Protection arid Equipment
under the authority of the Mechanica) Engineering Industry Standards Committee. This standard attempts to
standardize on fire safety sgns for purposes of familiarization by everyone so that in the event of fire, the risk to
persons from fire would be considerably reduced. This standard does not seek to stipulatewhen fire safety signs are
required but only which signs to adoptwhen a requirement has been established. It specifies the shapes. the co)our
patterns, the lettering and format for the signs, and notices which may be necessary, bearing in mind the need for
legibility in what might be conditions of stress.

The emphasis of the standard is more on symbols rather than words as

It ~5 felt

that the meanings conveyed by

symbols can better surmount language barrIers. Other advantages are that symbols make quicker impact and
occupy less space than wordings. Due care was taken to see that the adoption of graphic symbols was in alignment
with universal or internationa) acceptance.,

In the preparation ofthisstandard referencewas madeto BS 5499: Part 1: 1978, Specificationforfiresafetvsigns.