Missing Exit Signs associated with the Inspectable Area: Common Area – Health & Safety
**Note** Just like with the Fire Sprinkler deficiency, “Missing” Exit Signs also means “Damaged.” In HUD language – those terms are pretty much synonymous.
Missing Exit Signs Definition from HUD Federal Register
- Exit Signs that clearly identify all emergency exits are missing
OR
- There is no adjacent or other internal illumination in operation on or near the sign
Important Takeaways– per the Compilation Bulletin!
- Although listed in the inspector software under Exterior, Systems, Common Areas and Units – the ONLY place Missing/Damaged Exit signs can be recorded is under Common Areas! This deficiency is very often mis-recorded under other inspectable areas which can have devastating scoring impacts!
- ALL exit signs need to be illuminated day and night either internally or externally. An example of external illumination is the use of an auxiliary light with battery back-up shining directly on the exit sign.
- Exit signs designed with a testing feature are to be tested and must function as designed.
- Like fire extinguishers, if your local code does not require exit signs to be installed, you do NOT have to install them for HUD.
