VA Signage Design Guide.pdf

VA Signage Design Guide

Veterans Health Administration Washington, DC 20420

December 2012

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V A

Signage D esign G uide

12/2012

Table of Contents

VA Signage Design Guide

• Introduction

• Acknowledgments

• Design Elements Section 1

• Need a New Sign Program Section 2

• Room Renumbering Section 3

• Exterior Signs Section 4

• Parking Structure Signs Section 5

• Parking Lot Signs Section 6

• Mandatory VA Policy Signs Section 7

• Code and Life Safety Signs Section 8

• Interior Signs Section 9

• "You Are Here" Maps and Directories Section 10

• Specialty Signs Section 11

• Cemetery Signs Section 12

• Glossary Section 13

• Appendix

• Emerging Technologies Appendix 1

• Sustainability Appendix 2

• Sign Index Appendix 3

Introduction

This detailed program guide provides guidelines for the design of signs and sign programs at VA facilities. It provides detail guidance for the development of a sign system that assists VA customers as they approach the property, locate buildings and functions within them.

Executive Summary This VA Signage Design Guide is a revision of the previous Design Guide pub-lished in February 2005.

The revised design guide provides information and suggestions for the develop-ment of sign programs at Veterans Affairs Facilities. The guide provides detailed guidance for the development of a sign system that assists VA customers and staff as they approach the property, locate buildings and services within the facility.

The Signage Design Guide includes revisions, which are the result of new sign products, new sign manufacturing techniques and materials, regulatory changes, expansion of VA facilities, procedural changes, and practical knowledge gained from field experience. The revision of the guide has been a collaborative effort, with comments and suggestions from VAMC and administration, and VACO pro-gram officials including designers, fire and safety, security and law enforcement, National Cemetery, and Veterans Benefits Administration.

The Guide has added new sections to assist VA facilities contemplating small room renumbering programs or a complete revision of their existing signage systems.

The new sections educate program officials, designers, and planners on identifying the need for a signage program and steps on interviewing and selecting a qualified environmental graphic design firm. The sections also include an in-depth guide for parking lots and parking structures signage.

The following are highlights of both the updated sections and the new sections that have been added:

Updated Sections

• Proper/Improper use of VA Seal/Signature.

• Interior sign types and their specification, layout, construction, and installa-tion guidelines. Along with new interior sign products and expanded sign type families.

• Exterior sign types and their specifications, layout and construction. New sign products, expanded sign type families and new illumination methods.

• Expanded exterior building mounted marquee signs (both illuminated and non-illuminated).

• Mandatory VA policy signs containing specific text, layout, size, placement, and location requirements that cannot be altered.

• Added Specialty Signs including construction site signs, construction site safety sign, banners, memory boxes, freestanding sanitizing stations signs plus others.

• An expanded Code and Life Safety signs section with additional pictorials for installation of stairwell signs and those surrounding it.

• A greatly expanded wayfinding discussion in both the interior and exterior sign sections

• Expanded campus/site plan design/layout options

Introduction

• Expanded “Need a Sign Program” chapter

• Expanded “Room & Floor Renumbering” chapter

• New signs added to Mandatory “VA Policy Signs by Directive”

• Additional options have been added to the monument sign design.

• Various topics within the sections were revised to include more information and details.

• Within sections new subjects have been added on how to review shop draw-ings and submittals, how to select the correct type of sign company.

• New colors for exterior and interior signs have been provided along with up-dated colors for parking lot and parking structures.

• An expanded section discussing room renumbering and floor renumbering.

• Additional subjects that were revised include “Tips and Hints” and “Construction and Assembly Details”.

New Sections

• A section on Your Are Here Maps and Directories.

• A section on Parking Lot Signs

• A section devoted to National Cemetery Signs.

• A glossary of terms used in the sign industry

• A new section titled, “Emerging Sign Technologies” provides an overview of conceptual developments toward the use of new products and technology. The section also discusses applications of new technologies.

The revised VA Signage Design Guide is a living document that will be periodi-cally updated. When changes do occur, “Design Alerts” will be e-mailed with the included changes.

The VA Signage Design Guide incorporates guidelines from ABAAS, ABA/ADA and NFPA.

Lloyd H. Siegel, FAIA Associate, Director, Strategic Management Office October 2012

Acknowledgments

Department of Veterans

Affairs

This Program Guide for the Department of Veterans Affairs has involved work and input from many departments, individuals and VA Medical Centers. The followinidentifies the participants and acknowledges their contributions.

Veterans Health Administration

Christa Fairchild Interior Designer VAMC Huntington

Keith Frost Security Specialist / Team Leader VA OSP / Office of Security and Law Enforcement

David P. Klein, P.E.

Fire Protection Engineer VA Central Office

Desiree Lee, LEED AP Interior Designer VAMC Kansas City

Katie Willis Interior Designer VAMC Dallas

Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Orest Burdiak Principal Interior Designer

Fei Chan (Linda), AIA Planner / Architect

Veterans Benefits Administration

Samuel Gyulnazarian, AIA, IIDA, LEED BD+C® Architect, Project Manager

National Cemetery Administration

Peggy Jensen Architect / Project Manager

Alejandra De La Torre Architect

Nancy Zivitz Sussman Management & Program Analyst

Design Consultants

KAL Architects

Rita Kalwani, AIA, NCARB, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C® Principal, Project Manager Jennifer Hanscome, CID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C® Senior Interior Designer Mark Niese, AIA, CSI, CDT, ACIA, LEED AP BD+C® Technical Support Anne Blomberg, CID, LEED Green Associate® Technical Support

Solsis LLC

Bill Englund Principal Fran Kalbfeld Environmental Graphic Designer Sarah Braun

Environmental Graphic Designer

Acknowledgments

Robin Eckert Environmental Graphic Designer Mark Englund Environmental Graphic Designer

• Typography

• Letterspacing

• Logo Signature

• Seal

• Arrow

• ABA/ADA Specifications

• Colors

• Images and Patterns

• Languages

• Metric

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Components Design Elements

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The Department of Veterans Affairs signage system has been designed using a selected group of common design elements and visual standards.

The design elements include the Department of Veterans Affairs logo signature and seal, three versions (weight and style) of the Helvetica typeface and specifica-tions for letter and word spacing. Visual standards include: colors, finishes, and let-ter size in relation to viewing distance.

The design elements become the component building blocks upon which signs are configured. The elements have been adopted to provide functional consistency in signs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If specialized or unique sign applications require deviation from the signage guide, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Construction & Facilities Management for approval as required.

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Typography Helvetica Bold is the standard typeface for the VA Sign System and will be used predominantly throughout the sign program. Signs identifying permanent rooms shall be ABA compliant, to accommodate the visually impaired (refer to ABA sections). All non-ABA signs are to maintain an upper and lower case (Initial Caps) format.

The secondary language of a multilingual sign shall be Helvetica Regular.

Overhead signs shall be Helvetica Bold Condensed.

Letterspacing Normal letter spacing is utilized when the readability ratio factor (capital letter height in inches to maximum readable viewing distance in feet) is 1:25 for a word using upper and lower case letters.

Word spacing shall be equivalent to the width of a lower case “v”.

ABA letters should be spaced so that tactile readers can feel where one letter ends and the next begins.

Braille needs to be spaced so the reader can feel where one dot ends and the next dot begins (refer to ABA sections).

Normal letter spacing should not be used when letter forms are to be illuminated as light bleed causes letters to fuse together visually.

Distance letter spacing shall be utilized when the copy content is intended for readability at greater viewing distances than normal letter spacing allows. The readability ratio factor is 1:40. Distance letter spacing shall be used for all exterior and illuminated signs.

Normal Spacing

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Interline Spacing Interline spacing will generally be noted on sign type drawings. As a rule, line spacing shall be no less than 1/2 the height of the upper case letter form.

Paragraph Spacing Paragraph spacing will generally be noted on sign type drawings. As a rule, paragraph spacing shall be no less than the height of the upper case letter form.

Alignment A flush upper left copy format shall be the general rule though certain exceptions shall be noted.

As a rule, all copy placed on inserts, changeable directional modules, listing strips, overhead panels, and changeable exterior panels shall be vertically centered, (equal margins top and bottom) Graphic symbols used in square format shall be centered on four sides.

x Mm 1/2 x

Mm x Mm x x

X - Dimensions vary per sign type.

See Sign Type Drawings for exact dimensions

Text Line One Text Line Two

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Logo Signature The VA has developed a new logo/ signature for use in signage. You will note that the name is also now presented differently.

The new logo and name signature replaces the old logo and name presentation effective immediately.

The old logo may remain in use in and on existing signs, but all new signs shall incorporate the new logo/ signature.

Adjacent are its application in a horizontal format and a vertical format. These are the only formats to use for signs. Do not use the format/art from the VA Graphic Standards that incorporate the VA seal.

The master art for the new logo/signature for signage is available as an electronic file, for downloading, in the Technical Information Library.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

NOTE: The master art and typography shall not be altered.

The font, the size relationship between the elements, and the letter spacing for the “VA” and “U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs” name, shall remain as presented in the master art. The ruled line is considered a part of the master art and shall not be moved or deleted.

New VA Blue The VA has selected Pantone 541 as the new standard color. The CMYK values are as follows:

C: 100 M: 60 Y: 0 K: 40

New VA Blue

Pantone 541 C: 100 M:60 Y:0 K:40

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Seal The illustrated VA Seal is new.

There are specific requirements regarding its use and reproduction in both the full color version and one color version. Consult the VA Graphic Standards for complete details regarding the seal.

NOTE: In regard to signage, the seal is NOT to be used. It is not to be altered, stylized or treated as an accent element in signs.

It’s use remains as before, to be displayed within a buildings entry or lobby and reproduced per the specifications and art exhibited in the VA Graphic Standards.

Arrow Illustrations show the prescribed arrow for use in the VA sign program.

The arrow is always centered within a square field.

POSITION 1 POSITION 2 POSITION 3

POSITION 4 POSITION 5

Arrow Alignment with Text The arrow is always positioned in such a manner that it is centered in relationship to the capital letter that it precedes. The standard position for arrows, in relationship to text, is either on the left of the first line of text or immediately above the first line of text.

On signs with numerous destinations, a single arrow will be placed adjacent to the first line of text to identify the direction for all destinations grouped together.

The arrow size is one and one half (1 1/2) times the capital letter height.

Text Line

1/3" Cap Height

.5

E Q

E

Q

ADA Design Elements

12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1- 1-6

CLEAN

UTILITY

A-2578

Architectural Barriers Act Tactile Sign Specifications

Character Specifications Characters shall be sans serif, all capitals, and shall not be italic, bold, script or highly decorative.

Characters and Braille shall be in a horizontal format. Character height shall be 5/8" minimum and 2" maximum, depending on viewing distance (see Table 703.5.5 in "ABA Accessibility standards for federal facilities").

Character stroke thickness of the uppercase letter “I” shall be 15% maximum of the height of the character.

Character spacing to be 1/8" minimum and four times the character stroke width maximum.

3/8" Min clear space

2" Max height 5/8” Min height

Approx 1/4"

1/8" Min Letter Spacing

Line spacing to be 135% minimum and 170% maximum of the letter height.

Characters shall be separated from raised borders and decorative

1/8" Min Letter Spacing elements by 3/8" minimum

Characters shall be raised 1/32" minimum above their background.

Characters to be used shall be selected from styles where the width

2" Max height

5/8” Min height

3/8" Min clear space Approx 1/4"

A-2578 of the uppercase letter “O” is 55% minimum and 110% maximum based on the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

Pictograms Pictograms shall have a field height of 6". Characters and Braille shall not be located within the pictogram field. Pictogram text descriptions to be located directly below the pictogram field.

Finish & Contrast Characters and their background to have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light lettering on a dark background or dark letters on a light background.

General Where both visual and tactile characters are required, either one sign with both visual and tactile lettering or two separate signs, one with visual, one with tactile lettering shall be provided.

Raised letters to be read by touch should not have sharp or abrasive edges.

c le ar s pa ce

F r o n t V i e w

Braille

B a se lin e S p a cin g

12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1- 1-6

Copy

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Architectural Barriers Act Tactile Sign Specification

Braille Shall be contracted, (Grade 2).

See measurements shown at right.

Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape.

The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, Individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms.

.100

.400

.100

.300

Raised dot

No raised dot

Individual cell

Blank cell between words

.025

.063

Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, Braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8" minimum from any other tactile letters and 3/8" from raised borders.

Exception Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated by 3/16" minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised letters and symbols.

Location Where a tactile sign is provided at a door the sign shall be located alongside the door at the latch side.

Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. With two active leafs the sign shall be located to the right of the right hand door. Where there is no wall space at the latch side of a single door or at the right side of double doors, signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing Tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor space 18" minimum by 18" minimum centered on the Tactile characters is proposed beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 40 degrees open position.

Tactile lettering on signs shall be located 48" minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60" maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character.

Braille Speciications Raised Braille

Elevation

AREA OF

REFUGE

AREA OF

12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1- 1-8

Arcitectural Barriers Act Requirements

Cane Sweep Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (686 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2129 mm) above the finish floor or ground may protrude 4 inches (102 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.

EXCEPTION: Handrails shall be permitted to protrude 4 1/2 inches (114 mm) maximum.

Protrusion Limits When a cane is used and the element is in the detectable range, it gives a person sufficient time to detect the element with the cane before there is body contact.

Elements located on circulation paths, including operable elements, must comply with requirements for protruding objects. For example, awnings and their supporting structures cannot reduce the minimum required vertical clearance. Similarly, casement windows, when open, cannot encroach more than 4 inches (102

mm) into circulation paths above 27 inches (686 mm).

Post Mounted Protruding Objects Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons shall overhang circulation paths 12 inches (305

mm) maximum when located 27 inches (686 mm) minimum and 80 inches (2129 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between posts or pylons and the clear distance between the posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27 inches (686 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2129 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

EXCEPTION:The sloping portions of handrails serving stairs and ramps shall not be required to comply.

27"

(686 mm) mm)

4" (102 mm)

4" (102 mm)

27"

4"

4"

80"

Colors Design Elements

12/2012 Page 1- 1-9

Sign Colors The chart and accompanying illustrations provide a listing of sign colors that allow a medical center to coordinate an interior or exterior sign program to the architectural colors and finishes of the buildings on the campus.

The color options listed have been selected because they provide contrast between typography and the sign background; the contrast shall be light on dark or dark on light.

Night and day light conditions for exterior signs can vary, therefore, readability should be field verified with actual color samples.

Text

Background

Accent

High contrast for readability is equally important for interior signs, especially for the elderly and vision impaired.

Light background colors require black or dark gray text and deep or dark colors require white text.

If a facility deviates from the identified family of colors, sufficient contrast between the typography and sign background under all lighting situations shall be maintained.

Placement, type of light fixture, sodium and halide lights, warm and cool fluorescent lights can also change colors and affect contrast, so this needs to be taken into account.

Some colors listed can be used for both interior and exterior applications and are so indicated.

There are however certain colors that should not be used for interior or exterior signs because of their unsuitability or because they are only for special applications.

ABA Sign Colors Generally, ABA related signage shall consist of white text and/or figures on a blue background, blue shall be equal to color no. 15090 in Federal Standard 59513; white is not defined in the ABA standards.

VA may approve other colors to complement decor or unique design.

Posts

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For exterior signs use the chart at right to select a background color and a type color.

The paint colors listed are acrylic polyurethne paint systems manufactured by the following two companies. These are commonly used in the sign industry:

Matthews Paint 760 Pittsburg Drive Delaware, OH 43015 www.matthewspaint.com

Akzo Nobel 5555 Spaulding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 www.akzonobel.com

Note: Always obtain color samples from the paint company. Colors shown are for representational purposes only. The actual paint colors may vary significantly from the corresponding swatches indicated in this document. Colors will appear differently when viewed on different computer monitors and/ or printed from different printers.

For a true color sample, it is best to obtain an actual paint sample of the desired color.

All traffic sign faces should use the prescribed colors as listed in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

All OSHA Safety Colors are to meet ANSI specification Z53.1/OSHA.

Exterior Sign Background Colors

Color Ref #

Color Description

Matthews #

Azko Nobel #

B1 Drake White MP05732 SIGNM05732

B2 Wells Fargo Black White MP26309 SIGNM26309

B3 Lime Peel White MP12444 SIGNM12444

B4 Marinated Olive White MP15975 SIGNM15975

B5 Bear Creek White MP07050 SIGNM07050

B6 Kaffe Tan White MP03290 SIGNM03290

B7 Indian Throne Blue White MP10261 SIGNM10261

B8 Djbouti Flag Blue White MP10273 SIGNM10273

B9 Mudstone White MP00547 SIGNM00547

B10 Brown County White MP04991 SIGNM04991

B11 Blue News White MP05040 SIGNM05040

B13 Claret Jug White MP10658 SIGNM10658

B14 Asgard Wall White MP05480 SIGNM05480

B16 Handicapped Blue White MP26511 SIGNM26511

B17 Red (OSHA) White MP09251 SIGNM09251

B18 New VA Blue White MP09829 SIGNM09144

B19 Yellow (OSHA) Black MP09144 SIGNM09829

B20 White Black, Red, Purple MP32071 SIGNM32071

B19 - White can be paint, white opaque vinyl application or translucent white vinyl application for illuminated signs

Additional Colors for Trims, Accents, Posts & Brackets

A1 Dark Bronze Anodized A4 Polished Aluminum

A2 Black A5 Satin Aluminum

A3 Clear Anodized Aluminum

B17 Background color

B20 Text color

A5 Trim color

B13 Background color

B20 Text color

A5 Trim color

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System

VA Capitol Health Care Network

12/2012 Page 1- 1-11

For parking garage signs, vinyl colors will be applied to either white or one of the other paint colors listed in the chart at right. The colors and their respective numbers listed in the chart.

manufactured by the following two companies:

The vinyl colors listed are premium high performance vinyls

Avery Dennison Graphics and Reflective Products Division 250 Chester Street, Building 6 Painesville, Ohio 44077

3M Graphics Market Center 3M Center, Bld 2002-12-E-04 St. Paul, MN 55144 shown are for representational purposes only. The actual paint colors may vary significantly from the corresponding swatches indicated in this document. Colors will appear differently when viewed on different computer monitors and/ or printed from different printers.

For a true color sample, it is best to obtain an actual paint sample of

Parking Structure & Parking Lot Sign Colors

Paint Colors Vinyl Text Colors

Ref #

Color Description

Matthews Paint #

Azko Nobel #

3M #

Avery #

B30 Purple Print MP02112 SIGNM02112 Purple

7725-48 Lavender A9475-0

B31 Gravity Tractor MP10844 SIGNM10844 Tomato Red

7725-13 Tomato Red

A9325-0

B32 Wells Fargo Black

MP26309 SIGNM26309 Black 7725-22

Black A9090-0

B33 Modena Mud MP00607 SIGNM00607 Saddle Brown

7725-139 Cocoa

A9278-0

B34 Sailboat Blue MP02160 SIGNM02160 Vivid Blue 7725-17

Vivid Blue A9570-0

B35 Anole Green MP13427 SIGNM13427 Apple Green 7725-196

Apple Green A9660-0

B36 Antartica Orange MP01229 SIGNM01229 Light Orange 7725-54

Orange A9160-0

B38 Aqua Riva MP14879 SIGNM14879 Teal

7725-96 Real Teal A9615-0

B39 Rose Essence MP15170 SIGNM15170 Magenta 7725-103

Magenta A9411-0

B40 White Wonder MP32071 SIGNM32071 White

7725-10 White

A9005-0

B41 Shell Oil MP05585 SIGNM05585 Sunfower 7725-25

Med. Yellow A9130-0

P33 Paint background color

P40 Vinyl text color

A5 Trim Color

P34 Paint background color

P34 Vinyl text color

P40 Vinyl text color

P40 Paint background color Elevators

L v l

12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1- 1-12

Accent

Bracket

Fire

Keep closed at all times.

2A244

12/2012 Page 1- 1-13

For interior signs use the chart to the right to select a background color and a type color.

shown are for representational purposes only. The actual paint colors may vary significantly from the corresponding swatches indicated in this document. Colors will appear differently when viewed on different computer monitors and/ or printed from different printers.

For a true color sample, it is best to obtain an actual paint sample of

Interior Sign Background Colors

Ref #

Color Description

Matthews #

Azko Nobel #

B1 Drake White MP05732 SIGNM05732

B2 Wells Fargo Black White MP26309 SIGNM26309

B3 Lime Peel White MP12444 SIGNM12444

B8 Djibouti Flag Blue White MP10273 SIGNM10273

B10 Brown County White MP04991 SIGNM04991

B28 Orange County White MP07869 SIGNM07869

B29 Spice Trader White MP02795 SIGNM02795

B31 Gloomy Gray White MP10124 SIGNM10124

B33 Fresh Fields White MP11532 SIGNM11532

B34 Plum Crazy White MP04400 SIGNM04400

B35 Antwerp Blue White MP03362 SIGNM03362

B16 Handicapped Blue White MP26511 SIGNM26511

B17 Red (OSHA) White MP09251 SIGNM09251

B18 New VA Blue White MP09144 SIGNM09144

B30 Spruce Pine Black MP13106 SIGNM13106

B32 Baby Boy Blue Black MP00344 SIGNM00344

B21 Garbo Silver Black MP02650 SIGNM02650

B22 Clintonite Green Black MP14762 SIGNM14762

B23 Old Copper Roof Black MP03397 SIGNM03397

B24 Foie Gras Black MP04685 SIGNM04685

B25 Winter Slush Black MP04982 SIGNM04982

B26 Toasty Gold Black MP05322 SIGNM05322

B27 Corn Silk Black MP11392 SIGNM11392

B19 Yellow (OSHA) Black MP09829 SIGNM09829

B20 White Black, Red, Purple MP32071 SIGNM32071

A1 Dark Bronze Anodized A4 Polished Aluminum

A2 Black A5 Satin Aluminum

A3 Clear Anodized Aluminum

B3 Background color

25286

Images Design Elements

12/2012 rev 8/1/2014 Page 1- 1-14

Integration of Images and Patterning with Signage Visual iconography, such as images and patterns, can be incorporated into the design of both interior and exterior signage systems. Their inclusion can add visual interest, unify, or differentiate, signs related to specific areas of a building and/or campus. Imagery should be thematically cohesive and integrated in a consistent manner throughout the sign program.

Imagery can be cut from vinyl, screened, painted, etched or applied as a vinyl or laminated digital print.

Imagery should be visually of secondary importance to messaging and not distract or conflict with readability of sign.

Example shows possible use of a repeating pattern as visual texture, in this case the texture has been applied to separate substrate behind the sign panel.

Example shows integration of photographic imagery. Example also illustrates the use different images related to a common theme. This approach can be useful when implementing a sign system in a facility where different areas of that facility have been assigned different color and material palettes.

Glass or Acrylic with either etched graphic or application of translucent film to simulate appearance of etched glass

Example shows graphic as silhouetted images. This example illustrates a subtle approach to integration of imagery/patterning

Surgery

RESTROOM

Receptionist

Language Design Elements

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Second Language In facilities in the United States, the English text is listed above the second language text. The cap height and interline spacing of the second language text are half the cap height and interline spacing of the English text, unless noted otherwise (see sign type drawings for specific dimensions).

In facilities in the Puerto Rico, the Spanish text is listed above the English text and the cap height and interline spacing of the English text are half the cap height and interline spacing of the Spanish text, unless noted otherwise.

Margin

English

Second Language

Sign used in U.S Facility

Margin

Sign used in Facility in Puerto Rico

Spanish

English

Suplidos Usados

Soiled Utility

44544

Y X

/2

Suplidos Limpios Clean Utility

Metric Design Elements

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Metric The metric system is the preferred system of measurement in accordance with the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, P.L. 94- 168, as amended by Section 5164 of Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, and Executive Order 12770.

In accord with the Department of Veteran Affairs metric conversion plan, the sign system is preferably to be constructed in metric, however, the English system can be used on VA projects, if it meets the needs of a specific facility.

The use of metric should not add cost to a project and “off the shelf” metric sign systems are preferred.

The VA does not intend to impose rigid metric conversions on the sign industry and will support sign manufacturers as their industry converts to the metric standard.

For assistance in transition dimensions should be prepared showing direct metric English conversion. While typography is generally referred to in the graphic industry by point sizes and the sign industry in inches, the VA sign program is showing text layouts developed in inches and then directly converted to metric. It is preferred, however, that metric dimensions be rounded up to the nearest 1 mm up to 1 inch; 5 mm up to 4 inches; and, above 4 inches rounded down to the nearest 25 mm.

The adjacent conversion chart should provide assistance in determining conversions from

For further information on the conversion to metric, contact the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Construction & Facilities Management.

to metric, the drawings with inches to millimeters.

Inches Nearest 1 mm (1/25")

Nearest 5 mm (1/5")

Nearest 5 mm (2/5")

1"= 25mm

EXACTLY

1/32" 1

1/16" 2

3/32" 2

1/8" 3

3/16" 5

1/4" 6

5/16" 8

3/8" 10

7/16" 11

1/2" 13

9/16" 14

5/8" 16

3/4" 19

7/8" 22

1" 25 25

11/4" 32 30

11/2" 38 40

13/4" 44 45

2" 51 50

21/4" 57 55

21/2" 64 65

23/4" 70 70

3" 76 75

31/4" 83 85

31/2" 89 90

33/4" 95 95

4" 102 100 100 100

5" 127 125 130 125

6" 152 150 150 150

7" 178 180 180 175

8" 203 205 200 200

9" 229 230 230 225

10" 254 255 250 250

11" 279 280 280 275

1'-0" 305 305 300 300

2'-0" 610 610 610 600

3'-0" 915 910 900

4'-0" 1220 1220 1200

5'-0" 1525 1520 1500

6'-0" 1830 1830 1800

7'-0" 2135 2130 2100

8'-0" 2440 2440 2400

9'-0" 2745 2740 2700

10'-0" 3050 3050 3000

15'-0" 4570 4570 4500

20'-0" 6095 6100 6000