How To: Keep Patients and Employees Safe with Signage - FASTSIGNS

Hospitals need effective visual communications systems more than almost any other facility. In an environment where lives are saved every day, hospital staff, patients and visitors all need to be able to quickly identify directions and safety signs. Hospital administrators should consider all of the following when updating visual communications in their facilities.

ADA Signs

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination based on disability and outlines standards any public facility must maintain to remain compliant with the Act. Hospitals require ADA signage to identify wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking spots, identify handicap accessible restrooms and designate volume-control telephones. To learn more about ADA requirements, visit the official ADA website.

Braille Signs

As part of ADA compliance, Braille signs are required for public facilities. Hospitals may be required to include Braille on signs including:

• Restrooms
• Emergency
• Entrances and Exits
• Stairs
• No Smoking
• Directional Signs

Safety Signs

Safety is a number one priority in any hospital or healthcare facility. It is imperative that hospital staff, patients and visitors are warned of hazards and also reminded of safety protocol. Mobile Caution signs help identify wet floors while hand washing signs above sinks remind everyone of the easiest way to keep disease from spreading. Other hospital safety signs include identifiers for biohazard disposal, eye wash stations and areas where x-rays are in use.

Wayfinding Signs

Wayfinding signs are critical when seconds count. While resident staff members know their way around, a visiting specialist or out-of-town ambulance crew needs to know exactly how to reach the surgery theater or emergency room in the least amount of time. Traditional signage such as monument signs, facility maps and color coded pathways are still very functional, however some hospitals are utilizing new digital technology to provide directions. Interactive touchscreens, digital displays and even 3D maps are appearing in advanced facilities to improve wayfinding for visitors.

Beyond functionality, hospital signs promote the facility’s brand. Signs should reflect the brand standards of the hospital where it is appropriate. Consider all of these aspects of visual communications when updating a healthcare facilities signs.