The Occupational Health and Safety Act, or OHSA, is responsible for ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for all employees.

The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Association advocates global consensus standards and codes.

The requirements for placement, brightness and number of exit signs in a commercial building is governed by both OHSA and NFPA, as well as other provincial regulations, including the Fire Code and the Building Code.

Exit Signs (or directional signs) must be installed "at every exit door, at the intersection of corridors, at exit stairways or ramps and at such other locations and intervals as are necessary to provide the occupants with knowledge of the various means of egress available."

Exit Signs must be clear of any decorations or equipment which may impair visibility to means of an exit.