Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
BS 8300:2018•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 1 January 2018
- Enforcing Body
- BSI
- Maximum Penalty
- N/A (Standard)
- Jurisdiction
- UK-wide
- Citation
- BS 8300:2018
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
BS 8300:2018, 'Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment,' provides guidance on designing buildings and environments that are accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. While not solely focused on safety signage, it significantly impacts its design and placement. The standard emphasizes clear, consistent, and easily understandable signage to ensure all users can safely navigate a building or space. This includes considerations for visual contrast, font size, tactile elements, and appropriate positioning to accommodate individuals with visual, cognitive, or mobility impairments. Effective implementation of BS 8300:2018 principles in safety signage design contributes to a safer and more inclusive environment for all occupants, enabling them to quickly and easily understand safety information and emergency procedures.
Signage Requirements
- Signage should be legible, with appropriate font sizes and contrast levels between text and background, considering visual impairments.
- Tactile signage, including Braille or raised characters, should be provided in key locations, such as near doorways and emergency exits, for visually impaired individuals.
- Signage should be positioned at a height that is easily visible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
- Symbols and pictograms used on signage should be universally recognizable and easily understood, avoiding ambiguity.
- Signage should be well-lit and free from glare to ensure visibility in all lighting conditions.
- Consider the cognitive accessibility of signage, using clear and concise language and avoiding complex jargon.
- Consistency in signage design and placement throughout the building is crucial for easy navigation.
Official Resources
Related Regulations
BS EN ISO 7010
Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs
Defines graphical symbols for safety signs. The universal language of safety signage.
View Full DetailsBS EN ISO 3864
Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs
Defines safety colours and design principles for safety signs. Four-part standard.
View Full DetailsBS ISO 17398
Safety colours and safety signs — Classification, performance and durability
Classifies photoluminescent sign materials (Classes A-D). Defines performance requirements.
View Full DetailsBS 5499-4
Safety signs — Code of practice for escape route signing
Code of practice for escape route signage. Covers sign placement, sizing, and design.
View Full Details



