Accessibility Signs: A Checklist for UK Businesses

Could somebody visiting your business for the first time find the accessible entrance, toilet, lift or other facilities they need without having to ask?

That's a useful question when reviewing accessibility signs .

Good accessibility signage isn't simply about putting a wheelchair symbol beside the front door. It should help people understand how to arrive, enter and navigate your premises and find the facilities or assistance they need.

The exact signs required will vary between businesses and buildings, so there isn't one universal checklist that applies everywhere.

Instead, follow the visitor journey.

ARRIVAL

↓

PARKING

↓

ENTRANCE

↓

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

↓

FACILITIES

↓

ASSISTANCE

↓

EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

Here's what to consider at each stage.

1. Start Outside the Building

Your accessibility review shouldn't necessarily begin at reception.

Start where a customer, visitor or employee first arrives.

Depending on your premises, that could be:

• The site entrance

• A car park

• A pedestrian entrance

• A reception area

• A public footpath

• Another building on the same site

Then imagine you've never visited before.

Can you identify where you're supposed to go?

If an accessible entrance or facility isn't immediately obvious, directional accessibility signs may help people find the correct route.

Accessibility checklist

□ Can visitors identify the building they need?

□ Is the accessible entrance obvious?

□ If it isn't, is it clearly signposted?

□ Are directional signs positioned before people need to choose a route?

□ Are signs visible from the normal direction of approach?

2. Accessible Parking Signs

If your premises provide designated accessible or disabled parking spaces, they should be easy for drivers to identify.

Depending on the car park layout, this could involve signs identifying individual bays and directional signs where accessible parking isn't immediately visible.

But don't stop at the parking bay.

Ask:

What happens when somebody gets out of the vehicle?

Can they identify the accessible route towards the building?

A useful sequence could be:

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

↓

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE →

↓

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE

The complete journey is more important than any individual sign.

Accessible parking checklist

□ Can drivers find the accessible parking area?

□ Are designated bays clearly identifiable?

□ Can someone identify the route from the parking bay to the building?

□ Is the accessible entrance obvious from the parking area?

□ If not, is directional signage provided where appropriate?

3. Accessible Entrance Signs

Accessible entrances are one of the most important parts of the wayfinding journey.

Where the principal entrance is accessible, visitors should be able to recognise it.

Where an alternative accessible entrance is provided, clear directional information becomes particularly important.

Avoid waiting until somebody reaches an inaccessible entrance before telling them that the accessible entrance is somewhere else.

If the accessible entrance is around the side of the building, provide directions at the point where someone needs to choose the alternative route.

Possible signs could include:

Accessible Entrance

Accessible Entrance →

← Accessible Entrance

Wheelchair Access →

Accessible entrance checklist

□ Is the accessible entrance clearly identifiable?

□ Is the entrance sign visible from the approach?

□ If a different accessible entrance is used, can visitors find it before reaching an unsuitable entrance?

□ Are directional arrows correct from the visitor's perspective?

□ Can signs still be seen when doors or gates are open?

4. Accessible Route Signs

Finding the entrance is only part of the journey.

Once somebody enters the premises, can they reach the facilities they need?

An accessible route might connect:

• Entrance to reception

• Reception to an accessible toilet

• Entrance to a lift

• Lift to another floor

• Car park to entrance

• One building to another

• Entrance to customer facilities

Directional accessibility signs can help at junctions and changes of direction.

Don't add signs simply because there is wall space available.

Put the information where someone actually needs to make a decision.

Accessible route checklist

□ Is the accessible route easy to understand?

□ Are junctions signposted where necessary?

□ Are changes of direction clear?

□ Are ramps and lifts easy to locate?

□ Does the route continue clearly all the way to the destination?

5. Ramp & Alternative Access Signs

Sometimes the accessible route differs from the most obvious pedestrian route.

For example, steps may lead directly towards an entrance while a ramp is positioned around the side.

If someone needs to use a different route, make that alternative easy to find.

Signs such as:

Ramp Access →

← Wheelchair Access

or other appropriate directional accessibility signage can help communicate the route.

The important point is where the sign is positioned .

A sign beside the ramp confirms you've found it.

A directional sign at the point where the routes divide helps you find it in the first place.

Ramp-access checklist

□ Is the ramp visible from the normal approach?

□ If not, is it signposted?

□ Is the direction clear before the route divides?

□ Are additional signs needed if the route changes direction again?

6. Accessible Toilet Signs

Accessible toilets should be clearly identifiable.

Where the toilet is immediately visible, an appropriate door or facility sign may provide the necessary identification.

But in larger premises, visitors may also need help finding it.

Think:

RECEPTION

↓

Accessible Toilet →

↓

← Accessible Toilet

↓

ACCESSIBLE TOILET

The signs should form a continuous journey rather than leaving someone halfway there.

Accessible toilet checklist

□ Is the toilet itself clearly identified?

□ Can visitors find it from reception or the main circulation area?

□ Are directional signs needed?

□ Are signs provided at relevant junctions?

□ Is the final toilet sign clearly visible?

7. Accessible Lift Signs

Where a lift forms part of an accessible route through a multi-storey building, visitors need to be able to find it.

This may require more than a sign immediately beside the lift.

Consider directions from:

• Reception

• Main entrance

• Corridors

• Stair areas

• Other floors

• Customer areas

Directional arrows can be particularly useful where the lift is positioned away from the main circulation route.

Accessible lift checklist

□ Is the lift easy to locate?

□ Is it identified as part of the accessible route where appropriate?

□ Are directions provided from reception or the entrance if necessary?

□ Can visitors find the lift on each relevant floor?

8. Hearing Loop & Hearing Assistance Signs

Accessibility isn't limited to mobility.

If your business provides an induction loop or other hearing-assistance facility, customers need to know it's available.

A hearing-loop sign can help identify the facility at locations such as:

• Reception desks

• Customer service counters

• Ticket desks

• Meeting rooms

• Interview rooms

• Payment counters

• Other service points

Consider where someone would need to know that the facility is available.

A sign hidden behind the reception desk isn't much use to somebody approaching it.

Hearing-assistance checklist

□ Do you provide a hearing loop or other hearing assistance?

□ Is its availability clearly identified?

□ Is the sign positioned where customers can see it?

□ Is it clear where the facility can be used?

9. Reception & Assistance Signs

Some visitors may need help rather than a particular physical facility.

Clear reception and assistance signage can make it easier to identify where support is available.

Depending on the organisation, this could include information directing visitors towards:

• Reception

• Customer services

• An information desk

• Staff assistance

• A hearing loop

• Another relevant facility

Think about what happens when somebody enters the building.

Can they immediately identify where to go for help?

Assistance checklist

□ Is reception clearly identifiable?

□ Can visitors locate a member of staff if they need assistance?

□ Are available accessibility facilities clearly communicated?

□ Are signs understandable without relying on knowledge of the building?

10. Accessible Refuge Signs

Accessibility signage can also form part of emergency arrangements.

A designated refuge is different from a general wheelchair-accessible area.

Where refuges are provided as part of the building's emergency plan, they should be appropriately identified in accordance with those arrangements.

Don't use an accessible refuge sign simply because an area looks suitable for wheelchair users.

The sign should correspond to an actual designated refuge forming part of the building's fire and evacuation strategy.

Refuge checklist

□ Does the building have designated refuge points?

□ Are they clearly identified?

□ Does the signage correspond with the actual emergency arrangements?

□ Can users understand where the refuge is located?

□ Is signage kept visible and unobstructed?

11. Fire Exit & Emergency Information

Accessibility planning shouldn't stop with everyday movement around the building.

Businesses should also consider how people with different accessibility requirements are accounted for within emergency procedures.

The signs required will depend on the premises and its fire-safety arrangements.

General accessibility signage shouldn't be used as a substitute for appropriate fire-safety, escape and evacuation planning.

If accessible refuges, evacuation equipment or specific escape routes form part of those arrangements, make sure the associated signs match what actually exists.

12. Don't Forget Less Visible Accessibility Requirements

One of the easiest mistakes is to treat:

accessibility = wheelchair access

It doesn't.

Different visitors can have different needs relating to mobility, hearing, vision, communication or understanding their surroundings.

Signage can't solve every accessibility issue, but clear and consistent wayfinding can make premises easier to navigate.

When reviewing signs, consider:

• Clear wording

• Recognisable symbols

• Suitable contrast

• Logical positioning

• Consistent terminology

• Appropriate sign size

• Viewing distance

• Lighting

• Avoiding unnecessary clutter

The objective is to make information easier to find and understand.

13. Are Accessibility Signs a Legal Requirement?

There isn't a universal list of accessibility signs that every UK business must display.

Different legislation and guidance may apply depending on the organisation, building, location and circumstances.

The Equality Act 2010 includes duties relating to disabled people and reasonable adjustments.

For building work in England, Approved Document M provides guidance on access to and use of buildings. It includes guidance relating to accessible entrances and signposting.

Other requirements may apply to particular facilities, safety signs or emergency arrangements.

For businesses, the important point is not to assume that buying a particular wheelchair-symbol sign automatically makes premises legally compliant.

Accessibility needs to be considered more broadly.

14. Does an Accessibility Sign Make a Business Equality Act Compliant?

No individual sign can establish that a business is compliant with the Equality Act.

The accessibility of a service or premises involves much more than signage.

Signs may support accessibility by helping people find entrances, routes and facilities, but they're only one part of the wider picture.

Be wary of product descriptions that imply installing a particular disabled-access sign automatically achieves Equality Act compliance.

A more useful question is:

“Does this sign help somebody access and use our premises more easily?”

15. Do All Accessibility Signs Need the Wheelchair Symbol?

No.

The International Symbol of Access—the familiar wheelchair symbol—is widely recognised and can be appropriate for identifying accessible entrances, routes, toilets, parking and other facilities.

But accessibility signage covers more than wheelchair access.

For example, a hearing-loop facility uses a different recognised symbol.

Toilet, lift, assistance, refuge and other signs may also need wording or symbols specific to their purpose.

Choose the sign according to the information you actually need to communicate.

16. Position Signs at Decision Points

One of the most useful principles when planning accessibility signage is:

Put the information where someone needs to make a decision.

Imagine a visitor reaches a corridor.

Left leads to the accessible toilet.

Right leads to offices.

The directional sign needs to be at or before that decision point—not halfway down the left-hand corridor.

The same principle applies to:

• Car park junctions

• Building entrances

• Alternative accessible entrances

• Ramps

• Lifts

• Corridor junctions

• Toilets

• Reception areas

Walk the route yourself and look for every point where someone could reasonably ask:

“Which way now?”

17. Check the Viewing Distance

Accessibility signs need to be visible from where people will actually see them.

A small door plaque may work perfectly when identifying a toilet at close range.

It may be unsuitable for directing someone towards an entrance from across a car park.

Consider:

• Viewing distance

• Mounting height

• Sign size

• Lighting

• Contrast

• Direction of approach

• Surrounding visual clutter

Choose the sign for the location rather than using one size throughout the entire premises.

18. Avoid Sign Clutter

More signs don't necessarily mean better wayfinding.

Too many messages grouped together can make the important information harder to identify.

Instead of covering a wall with signs, consider what someone needs to know at that particular point in their journey .

Clear, consistent and well-positioned signage is generally more useful than simply adding more of it.

19. Check Signs Haven't Become Obscured

Accessibility signs can become less useful over time.

Furniture gets moved.

Displays are installed.

Plants grow.

Doors are left open.

Vehicles are parked.

Temporary notices appear.

A sign that was perfectly visible when installed may later become difficult to see.

Include accessibility signage when carrying out periodic checks around the premises.

20. Use Consistent Wording & Symbols

Try to avoid changing terminology unnecessarily as someone moves around the building.

For example, if you use Accessible Toilet at the entrance, avoid suddenly switching to an unrelated description halfway along the route.

Likewise, directional signs should use symbols and arrows consistently.

Consistency helps visitors recognise that they're still following the same route.

Accessibility Sign Checklist for Businesses

Walk through your premises and check each of the following.

Arrival

□ Can visitors identify where they're going?

□ Is accessible parking easy to find?

□ Can people identify the route from the parking area to the building?

Entrance

□ Is the accessible entrance obvious?

□ If an alternative entrance is used, is it clearly signposted?

□ Are directional signs positioned before the route divides?

Internal Route

□ Can visitors follow the accessible route?

□ Are junctions and changes of direction clear?

□ Can people locate ramps and lifts?

Toilets

□ Is the accessible toilet clearly identified?

□ Can visitors find it from the main entrance or reception?

□ Are additional directional signs needed?

Assistance

□ Is reception easy to find?

□ Are hearing-loop facilities clearly identified?

□ Can visitors identify where assistance is available?

Emergency Arrangements

□ Are designated accessible refuges appropriately identified?

□ Does signage correspond with the building's actual emergency arrangements?

Sign Quality

□ Are signs visible?

□ Are they legible?

□ Are directional arrows correct?

□ Are they positioned where people need the information?

□ Are any signs obscured?

□ Are old or incorrect signs still displayed?

□ Is the terminology consistent?

The Five-Minute Accessibility Sign Test

There's a simple way to review your signage.

Start outside your premises and pretend you've never been there before.

Try to find:

1. Accessible parking

↓

2. The accessible entrance

↓

3. Reception

↓

4. The accessible toilet

↓

5. The lift or another key facility

Don't rely on your existing knowledge of the building.

At every stage ask:

“Would I know where to go next?”

If you find yourself thinking:

“I know it's around that corner,”

ask whether a first-time visitor would know the same thing.

That can reveal missing directional signs surprisingly quickly.

Building an Accessible Visitor Journey

The most effective accessibility signage works as a connected system rather than a collection of unrelated plaques.

Think:

ARRIVE

↓

PARK

↓

ENTER

↓

FOLLOW THE ROUTE

↓

FIND THE FACILITY

↓

GET ASSISTANCE

The exact journey will be different for every premises.

The objective is simple:

Make important accessible facilities easier to find without requiring visitors to already know the building.

Shop Disabled & Accessibility Signs

The Sign Shed manufactures Disabled & Accessibility Signs for UK businesses, workplaces, schools, shops, offices and other organisations.

Choose signs for accessible entrances, routes, toilets, parking, ramps, lifts, hearing assistance and refuge points in a range of sizes and materials for indoor and outdoor locations.

When reviewing your signs, don't just ask:

“Have we got an accessibility sign?”

Ask:

“Can somebody find the accessible facility they need?”