ISO 7010 E001 ‘Running Man’ Exit Sign

This pictogram was designed by Yukio Ota and was adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1984 to depict “the location of an escape route to a place of safety in the event of an emergency.” 

Among a (square or rectangular) green background, to denote safety, the symbol consists of a white doorway. In green, a pictogram of a human figure is “running slowly” out the door. A white outline separates the figure's foot from becoming lost with the green wall, and a green ‘shadow’, along with a 45 degree angle below the doorway, gives the illusion of 3D perspective. 

Currently, the pictogram is part of standard ISO 7010 titled “Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs”. This standard is maintained by ISO Technical Committee 145, Sub-committee 2, of which Yukio Ota is a member. 

The symbol originated as part of a design contest held by the Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency in 1979. Out of 3,000 submissions, Ota's design was selected and went through dozens of variations before being finalized. Following extensive testing by the Japanese government, the design was submitted to the ISO in 1980. The Soviet Union submitted a very similar design, however withdrew, leading to Ota's design becoming an international standard.

Since its adoption by the ISO, this pictogram now appears in many countries worldwide to denote a path towards safety during emergencies. Due to its status as an international standard, many building codes and jurisdictions strictly enforce its correct design, proportions, usage, and location within buildings.