4.3 Common-use and Operational Signs

FIP Manual, March 1990

Introduction

Every government facility requires a variety of common-use and operational signs, such as directory boards, direction signs, name plates, and regulatory, warning, and informational signs. These signs form part of the FIP signage system and are subject to design standards which pertain to the layout, typeface, graphic symbols and colours.

This guide sets out the design of the different signs and provides guidelines on their application. It is intended for designers, facility planners, property managers and administrators. The installation of regulatory, warning and emergency related signs will require consultation with security and safety officers.

This edition of section 4.3 supersedes the January 1988 version. It includes a new design standard for mandatory signs which was recommended by the Office of the Fire Commissioner of Canada (see p. 10).

Applicable publications

This section should be used with the following policies, guidelines or specifications:

Communications volume, Treasury Board Manual

• Chapter 1, Government Communications Policy
• Chapter 2, Federal Identity Program

Federal Identity Program Manual

• Section 1.0, Management guide to corporate identity
• Section 1.1. Design
• Section 1 .2, Message
• Section 4.1, Signage: system overview
• Section 4.5, Signage typeface

Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)

• 1-GP-12, Standard Paint Colours
• 109-GP- SM, Signage Materials, Interior and Exterior
• 109-1M, Signage System. Extruded Aluminum, FIP
• 109 2M, Letters and Symbols. Die-cut Film, FIP

National and international standards for signs and symbols

Where applicable, the signs and symbols described in this guide conform to the following standards: National Standard of Canada CANCSA-Z32 1, Signs and Symbols for the Occupational Environment and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 7001, Public Information Symbols.

Use of corporate signatures

Corporate signatures are used on directory boards and, as required, on operational signs, regulatory signs and parking control signs.

Scope

Guidelines and standards set out the requirements for the design and production of common-use and operational signs. The purpose of such signs is to convey messages that inform, direct, instruct, regulate or warn users of a federal facility. Depending on the requirements, these can be exterior or interior signs.

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Description of directory boards

The federal institutions, organizational units, programs and services located within a facility are usually indicated on a directory board. A standard directory board system has been adopted for government-wide use (Fig. 1).

The need to provide one or more directories depends on the nature of the building, the number of occupants and the type of services they provide. The use of a directional sign instead of a directory board may be more appropriate for a small facility with few occupants.

Generally, several directory boards are needed for a multi-storey building. A main directory board, containing general information, is placed in the building’s entrance lobby, and secondary directories are located at internal traffic junctions.

Corporate signature

The signature appears on all main and secondary directory boards (see note). If only one federal organization occupies a facility, that organization’s signature appears on the directory board. In the case of a multi-occupancy facility (one that is shared by two or more federal institutions), the “Government of Canada’’ signature is used.

Flag symbol

For the reasons stated in section 1.1, the modified version of the flag symbol is used for all directory boards (see Figure 2).

Note: The signature may be omitted on a secondary board, if the organization’s signature appears on the main directory board. The decision not to use the signature is at the discretion of the federal organization concerned.

Text

Guidance on the wording and organization of texts for directories is provided in section 1.2. When planning the message for a directory board, the following points should be considered:

• What information is essential to help visitors?
• What sequence is most appropriate for listing the occupants?
• Does the text relate to preceding or subsequent sign messages?
• Are terms and titles used consistently?
• How are the locations being identified (by floor number, room number, area designation, or directional arrow)?

Layout and design

The signature and text are presented in both official languages in a side by side layout. The column indicating the location appears to the right of each language (see Figure 1)

Presentation of the signature

A one-line signature is best suited for the layout of directory boards and should he used where feasible. A two-line signature is used for lengthy titles (Fig. 2).

See Table 6 for the relationship between the character size and the height of the flag symbol.

Layout of the text

The text for a directory board must be organized and structured to help users. The structure is indicated by means of blank lines, indentations, dots and line breaks (Fig. 3). The use of these methods is described below. All layout details should be shown on the directory board order form.

A blank line is used to separate different blocks of information.

An indentation is used for the second and subsequent lines of an item, or to indicate items that are secondary to a main title.

A dot can be used to emphasize an item. Placed at the start of a line, dots are useful when the text includes several levels that need to be distinguished.

Line breaks should be selected and indicated on the order form. Hyphenation should be avoided.

Character sizes

The directory board system has been designed to accommodate standard character sizes (Fig. 4). The character size for the signature is 10 mm, the size for all text is 8 mm. The standard size of the directional arrow is 16 mm. When a directory board is to be revised the use of the standard sizes is important.

Directory board incorporating the wordmark

Normally, a directory board is preceded by the facility’s primary identification sign. However, in cases where the installation of a primary sign (exterior or interior) is not feasible, the directory board may serve as a primary identification sign and a directory. In such cases the “Canada” wordmark appears at the bottom of the board on a light grey blade (Fig. 5).

Directory board components

The directory board system uses modular blades. This accommodates texts that vary in length and facilitates updating. The directory boards are manufactured from aluminum extrusions, and consist of a “signature blade” and the narrower “text blades” (Fig. 6). The frames that support the blades are cut to the height required for a particular board normally, a directory board should consist of at least five ‘‘text blades’’ plus the ‘‘signature blade’’. A number of blank blades are usually provided at the bottom of each board to accommodate possible additions at a later date.

The aluminum extrusions are finished in FIP dark grey, the signature and text appear in white.

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Description of signs

A great variety of common-use and operational signs is used in government facilities. Described below are direction and location signs, area identification signs, name plates, and signs that convey a regulatory, warning, or informational message.

Direction and location signs

These signs indicate the ‘‘direction to’’ or the ‘‘location of’’ a facility, service, organizational unit, etc. Direction signs are placed near decision points or along routes to a particular location. Location signs identify the destination.

A direction sign normally includes one or more arrows. As required, the message may refer to a particular area or a distance (Fig. 7).

A location sign bears a message that confirms the destination (Fig. 8).

The background colour of direction and location signs is FIP dark grey, the lettering is white.

Area identification signs

These signs identify a specific section, zone, floor or room. Area identification signs form part of a system that helps users of a facility to orient themselves.

The sign’s message consists usually of a numeric or alphanumeric designation (Fig. 9).

The background colour of area identification signs is FIP dark grey, the lettering is white.

Name plates

A name plate identifies the occupant of a work station or room. A standard design has been adopted for government-wide use.

The name plate assembly consists of the backing piece and two blades: one to identify the location, and the other to bear the occupant’s name. Where a name must be accompanied by the occupant’s title, two plates are combined, as illustrated (Fig. 10).

The standard name plate accommodates up to 18 characters. The occupant has the choice of whether to use initials or to spell out the first name, but should bear in mind that a smaller character size must be used for names exceeding 18 characters.

The background colour of name plates is FIP dark grey, the lettering is white.

Regulatory, warning and informational signs

These signs are classified into six types according to function. Distinct colours help users to distinguish between the different types of signs (Fig. 11). The government’s system is based on the national standard, CAN/CSA-Z321, Signs and Symbols for the Occupational Environment

The classification, function and colours of the six sign types are set out in Table 1, specific features or design elements are described below.

Regulatory class

Regulatory signs convey an order (prohibition or mandatory) and are distinguished by a red border. Based on a sign height of 100 units, the specification for the border is as follows (see Fig. 11):

• 8 unit wide border - 1:12.5;
• 3 unit wide surround (space between the edge and the border) 1.33.3.

For example, a sign measuring 120 mm in height requires a 10 mm wide red border and a 4 mm wide surround. The measurements are rounded to the nearest millimetre.

Warning class

These signs include the word indicating the nature of time hazard (Fig. 11). The requirements are:

• messages indicating a potential hazard (type :3) begin with the word “Caution!”;
• messages indicating a definite hazard (type 4) begin with the word ‘‘Danger!’’.

Information class

This class includes the emergency sign (type 5) and the guidance and informal sign (type 6).

Parking control signs

To meet Public Works Canada’s signage requirements in parking facilities, a standard format has been developed. Each of these signs bears the “Government of Canada” signature to indicate the signing authority. Parking control signs use graphic symbols, text, or a combination of both (Fig. 12). The examples shown here indicate how the standard sign format can be used for messages related to parking (see note).

Design standards

The design standards for parking control signs cover the layout, signage typeface, graphic symbols and colours. The general message is contained in the main area of the sign. Specific information, such as directional arrows and permit numbers, is displayed in the lower, white area.

Colour is used as follows:

• the background of the main area is black, the lettering is white;
• the background of the lower area is white, the lettering is black;
• the “Parking” and “Access” symbols appear in white on a blue background;
• the ‘‘No parking” symbol appears in red and black on a white background.

Note: The standard format described here does not apply to regulatory signs such as ‘‘Stop’’, ‘‘One way” - or ‘‘Do not enter’’. These signs should conform to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada.

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Layout of signs

Set out here are guidelines for preparing sign layouts. These guidelines cover the use of different character sizes, and the positioning of words, lines and columns of text. In view of the many factors affecting the design, judgement is required when applying these rules to a particular sign.

Layout and sign dimensions

Most layouts are designed on the basis of two factors, the length of the text and the size of the characters. This means that sign dimensions vary in accordance with these factors.

When a layout has to fit specific dimensions, the character size and the arrangement of the text become the variables. Examples of such layout requirements are the use of standard modular sign sizes for the production of a series of signs, or the need to design a sign to fit a specific architectural detail.

Use of character sizes

Although a brief message can be expressed using only one character size, more than one size if often needed to make a sign effective. By varying the size, the main message can be emphasized (Fig. 13). Normally, two character sizes are used on a sign.

For guidance on choosing the appropriate character size, see “Viewing distance and character size” in section 4.1. For the convenience of the reader, the basic data have been included in Table 2 below.

Character size ratios

The ratio of 1.5:1 is most common. To meet special layout on message requirements, other ratios such as 2:1 or 3:1 can be used. Figure 14 shows the effect of different ratios.

The standard character sizes that can be combined on a sign when using ratios of 1.5:1, 2:1 or 3:1, are indicated in Table 3.

Text layout

All measurements pertaining to the layout are based on the “x”, the unit of measurement used in signage. The character sizes are given in millimetres.

A sign’s message units (words, lines and columns of text) are positioned according to standard spaces. To accommodate different viewing conditions, two sets of standard spaces apply. For signs using small character sizes (5 mm to 40 mm), the measures in Table 4 apply. For signs using large sizes (50 mm to 200 mm), refer to Table 5.

The minimum spaces referred to in Tables 4 and 5 may be required to achieve a balanced layout, to express spatial relationships, or to resolve layout problems.

Layout methods

Sign layouts can be prepared manually or with the aid of a computer. The two methods are described below.

Manual layout

The use of grid paper is recommended (Fig. 15). The steps are:

• establish the character size on the basis of the sign’s viewing distance, Table 2;
• determine the most effective character size ratio if more than one size is used. Table 3;
• lay out the message elements by referring to the standard spaces; use Table 4 or 5, as appropriate.

The approximate dimensions of the sign are determined by multiplying the number of “x” by the character size used. (Consult section 4.5 for details on calculating sign dimensions.)

Computer-aided layout

The majority of sign layouts are being prepared with the computer-aided layout system developed by Supply and Services Canada. The system permits the designer to explore various layout options, such as character size ratios and line breaks.

A layout is prepared by selecting the appropriate design program and entering the message. The printout (Fig. 16) represents a simulated layout and, although it is not true in its proportions, indicates precise dimension for the purpose of fabrication.

Layout modifications

There are cases where a sign must be designed to fit specific architectural details. Typical examples are modular spaces at the side of or above entrances. In some cases, a layout can be modified by simply increasing the margins surrounding the message (Fig. 17). In other instances, a restructuring of the text, or the use of different character sizes may be necessary to achieve a sign that fits.

Signature layout

One of three layouts can be used for the signature in most cases, a one or a two-line signature is used. A three-line signature may be required on a sign where horizontal space is limited, or where the length of the title requires it (Fig. 18).

For the reasons stated in section 1.1, the modified version of the flag symbol is used whenever a signature appears in white on a dark background.

One-line signature

The relationship between the character size and the height of the flag symbol is 1:3. For example, when using the 10 mm character size, the height of the flag symbol must be 30 mm, or 3x.

Two-line and three-line signatures

The relationship between the character size and the height of the flag symbol is 1:3.4. For example when using the 10 mm character size, the height of the flag symbol must be 34 mm or 3.4x.

Size relationships

Table 6 shows the character size with the corresponding size of the flag symbol using the ratios referred to above.

Spacing

The space between the flag symbol and the left hand column, and between the language columns, is based on the character size of the particular signature. Subject to specific layout requirements, the following spaces apply:

• 3x for small sizes (5 to 40 mm);
• 4x for large sizes (50 to 200 mm).

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The directional arrow

The arrow is one of the most commonly used symbols in the signage system. To ensure that it is applied effectively, the following rules have been developed.

Standard arrow design

A design that conforms with ISO Standard 7001 has been adopted for the FIP signage system. The arrow can be used to indicate eight different orientations (Fig. 19).

Size of the arrow

As required, the size of the arrow can be 2x, 3x, 4x or 5x of the x-height used for the sign message (Fig. 20).

Applying the arrow

The directional arrow always functions in conjunction with a message and therefore must be integrated into the layout. This means that the appropriate size and position of the arrow needs to be determined.

To help position it in a layout, the arrow is used within a square module as illustrated (Fig. 21).

Selecting the size of the arrow

The selection of an appropriate arrow size in relation to the character size depends on how the arrow is used. When the arrow appears with each of the two language columns, a 2x or 3x arrow should be used. In cases where one arrow must serve both language columns, a 3x, 4x or 5x arrow should be applied. The effect of the different sizes is shown in Figure 22.

When only one arrow is used, its size should be 3x for an interior sign and 4x or 5x for an exterior sign. Furthermore. the large arrow sizes should be used for signs related to vehicular traffic.

Position of the arrow

The arrow’s position within a layout generally depends on the number of different directions to be indicated, and whether arrows are used with each language column or whether one arrow is used to serve both language columns.

When preparing a layout, careful consideration should be given to the size of the arrow and its position in relation to the message. The object is that the reader of either of the two official languages should be readily aware of the direction. Subject to specific requirements, one or more of the following options will apply (Fig. 23):

• using only one arrow in a size appropriate for the layout;
• using an arrow with each language column;
• placing the arrow on either the left side, the right side, or below the message; or
• arranging a series of arrows in a column at the right (or left) of each language column.

Orientation and position

The interaction between the message, the arrow and its orientation should be considered in each case. Generally, the perception of a message can be improved by placing the arrow in relation to where it is pointing. This is based on the principle that an arrow should appear to “pull” (not “push”) the message (Fig. 24). This rule applies particularly to signs where quick comprehension of the change in direction is essential.

How to indicate straight ahead

Because no special symbol exists to convey “straight ahead”, either the “up” or the “down” arrow is used. This can, however, cause confusion in the mind of viewers who may interpret the direction as “up” or ‘”down” instead of “straight ahead”. The following rules are intended to avoid this kind of misinterpretation.

The choice between the “up” and “down” arrow should be based on the sign’s placement and the method of installation (Fig. 25). For signs that are installed at or below eye level, the “up” arrow should be used. For signs that are installed above eye level, the “down” arrow is recommended. Examples of the latter kind are interior, ceiling-suspended, and exterior, overhead signs.

Before deciding whether to use an “up” or a “down” arrow, the proposed location should be evaluated.

The arrow as a separate sign

A separate, self-contained “arrow sign” has been developed for use with the standard signs included in section 4.3A. By means of a modular, square substrate, these “arrow signs” allow message and direction, to be displayed in a variety of ways. Figure 26 indicates how the “arrow sign” should be installed.

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Graphic symbols

The government’s set of symbols

Described here is the set of graphic symbols adopted by the Government of Canada. It was first published in 1980 under the title “Graphic symbols for public areas and occupational environments”.

Developed for government-wide use in the FIP signage system, the symbols are intended to meet the general requirements of federal institutions. The set includes regulatory warning and information symbols.

During initial development, the existing standards and practices in Canada and other countries were reviewed. The principles established by Committee Z32l of CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and Committee TC145 of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) were adopted, and the following national amid international standards have been applied:

• CAN/CSA-Z321, Signs and Symbols for the Occupational Environment;
• ISO 7001, Public Information Symbols.

Details on each symbol are set out in section 4.3A. A general description of the set of symbols is provided below.

Objectives

The government’s set of symbols is based on the following objectives:

• to provide users of government facilities with uniform, easily learned and understood graphic symbols;
• to harmonize the symbols with those developed by national and international standards organizations;
• to achieve as much visual coherence as possible within the FIP signage system; and
• to effect cost savings through standardization.

The FIP Standing Committee on Sign Development maintains and develops the design standards in accordance with the above objectives. Enquiries should be directed to that committee, c/o Administrative Policy Branch, Treasury Board Secretariat.

Shape, colour and classification

The system of symbols is based on the consistent use of geometric shapes and specific colours. These shape and colour codes permit users to distinguish between the six types of symbols. The shape, colour, function and subject area of each type are indicated in Table 7.

Design standards

Design standards prescribe the shape, colour and image content of symbols. Other aspects, such as the size relationship of shapes, the proportion of the bonder, and the production sizes, have also been standardized.

Size relationship of shapes

A specific size relationship between the three shapes has been established (Fig. 27). It is based on the need to compensate for differences in the surface area and apparent size of the three shapes. The relationship is as follows:

• diameter of the circle, 80 units;
• base of the equilateral triangle, 100 units;
• height of the square, 75 units.

To establish a simple range of sizes for the symbols, all sizes have been based on the height of the square. Thus, the standard sizes are actual for any square symbol, but nominal for symbols using a circular or triangular shape.

Proportion of the border to the shape

To delineate the shape. all symbols are surrounded by a border 2 units wide. The relative proportion of the border to the shapes is as follows:

• 1:40 for the circle of 80 units measured on the diameter;
• 1:50 for the triangle of 100 units measured on the base:
• 1:38 for the square of 75 units measured on the height.

Standard sizes

A range of sizes has been established. Table 8 indicates the viewing distance for each symbol size. It should be noted that the values are intended for general guidance only and do not represent a definitive distance/size relationship.

Legibility at a given viewing distance varies owing to differences in the colour, shape and image detail of the different types of symbols. The values shown in ‘Table 8 are based on normal viewing conditions, which means adequate lighting and viewing angles that do not exceed 10 degrees.

Table 8 – Viewing distance and symbol size

Regulatory symbols

The circle is used to convey regulatory messages; symbol types 1 and 2. See Figure 28.

Type 1, Prohibition

The prohibition symbol consists of a black image located on a white field, circumscribed by a red ring, and diagonally bisected at 45 degrees by a red slash. The red ring is surrounded by a white bonder.

The red slash is printed over the black image, and is oriented from top left to bottom right.

The ring and slash of the prohibition symbol have the following proportion to the outer diameter of 80 units:

• 7.5 unit wide ring, 1:10.7;
• 7 unit wide slash, 1:11.4.

Type 2, Mandatory

The mandatory symbol consists of a white image on a black disc, surrounded by a white border.

Warning symbols

The triangle is used to convey warnings; symbol types 3 and 4. See Figure 29.

Type 3, Caution

The caution symbol consists of a black image on a yellow equilateral triangle, surrounded by a black border.

Note: CSA standard Z69-1960 prescribes the colour of the image indicating ionizing radiation (symbol 3.1.5) as purple instead of black.

Type 4, Danger

The danger symbol consists of an equilateral triangle surmounting a rectangle of equal width. The triangle contains the image and the rectangle the word “Danger”. The background colour is red. The image, the lettering, and the border surrounding the triangle and rectangle are white.

Information symbols

The square is used for emergency information, and for general guidance and information: symbol types 5 and 6. See Figure 30.

Type 5, Emergency

The emergency symbol consists of a white image on a green square, surrounded by a white border.

Type 6, Guidance and information

Depending on requirements either a dark grey or a blue symbol is used (Fig. 31). In general, the colours are applied as follows:

1. The dark grey symbol is used for administrative areas where a neutral colour is appropriate. The specifications are: white image on a dark grey square, surrounded by a white bonder.
2. The blue symbol is used for areas requiring a more conspicuous sign colour (public areas, industrial sites or facilities, parking areas). The specifications are: white image on a blue square, surrounded by a white border.

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Implementation of a sign system

The implementation of a sign system requires careful planning and coordination. General guidelines on the development and placement of signs are set out below.

Planning a system

When planning a sign system, the following questions should he asked (see also “Sign communications” in section 1.2):

• What are the user requirements (access, traffic patterns, principal destinations, safety and security)?
• What messages are needed to inform, to orient, to identify, to warn, or to regulate?
• Which signs are available as standard items? Consult section 4.3A.
• Is the wording of the sign messages clean and concise? Rephrasing can often lead to a more effective sign.
• What is the hierarchy or relative importance of the different messages?
• Is this hierarchy being conveyed to users? Important messages should stand out.
• Have the design criteria such as viewing distance, character size, sign dimensions and installation method been determined?

Siting of signs

The siting of a sign is as important as its design. A sign functions in the context of its surroundings and is perceived as being part of it. An incorrectly placed sign can make its message ambiguous, contradictory on incomprehensible.

The signing of a facility requires a siting plan, sign schedule and installation instructions. The siting of regulatory, warning or emergency signs should be done in consultation with the facility’s safety or security officer.

The following points should be considered when selecting the most effective position for a sign (see also “Human factors” and “Environmental factors” in section 4. 1):

• Signs should be placed in a uniform and consistent manner, giving users reference points at appropriate locations on decision points.
• Signs should be placed so that users have enough time to take appropriate action.
• In general, signs are more effective when displayed alone. When signs are grouped together, they should be placed in an appropriate order.
• When signs with distinct messages are grouped together, the use of adequate space between signs is important to avoid confusion.
• When signs with complementary messages are grouped together, they should be installed in a compact display. The inter-relationship of such messages is conveyed by placing signs adjacent to each other.
• Oversigning tends to reduce the effectiveness of important messages. The number of signs used in any one location should be kept to a minimum.

Compound sign messages

The term compound message refers to a sign consisting of different design elements: words, graphic symbols, and directional arrows. A sign layout incorporating such elements requires that a designer determines their sequence, relative position, and size relationship.

Generally, the different elements of a compound message should be incorporated into one sign layout. Figure 32 shows a possible design solution and may serve as a basis for the layout of similar signs.

Use of modular signs

A compound message may also be conveyed by combining separate signs. The system of standard signs has been designed to permit the installation of individual signs (e.g. verbal message, graphic symbol, directional arrow) in a compact display. The examples indicate how the modular signs can be combined (Fig. 33).

Special requirements

Certain variations from the design standards and guidelines may be necessary when signs are intended for special environments such as a commercial zone in an office building. The Administrative Policy Branch of the Treasury Board Secretariat provides design advice and should be consulted when special needs must be assessed. The intent of the FIP signage system can often be met despite certain variations.

Leased facilities

Signs situated in a leased facility and owned by the lessor may refer to the federal institution that is a tenant. Not being government-owned, it follows that such signs would not be subject to FIP design standards.

Messages normally expressed by a graphic symbol

It is recognized that a verbal message rather than the graphic symbol can be more appropriate in certain cases. The decision on whether to use words or the graphic symbol should be based on the context in which a particular sign is to be applied. For example, either one of the signs shown in Figure 34 could be appropriate in a given situation. Normally, such a choice applies only to type 6 symbols.

Sign colours

The FIP signage system is based on the consistent use of specific colours. Where special requirements call for non-standard colours, the Administrative Policy Branch of the Treasury Board Secretariat should be consulted.

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Material requirements

Signage materials

A variety of materials is used for common-use and operational signs. Advice on the use of these materials is available from the Canadian Government Expositions and Audio-Visual Centre, Supply and Services Canada.

All common use and operational signs must conform to CGSB 109-GP-5M, Signage materials, Interior and Exterior. Exterior signs fabricated from extruded aluminum blades must conform to CGSB 109.1M.

The directory board system described in this section has been adopted for government-wide use. Consisting of aluminum extrusions, the system is designed to be functional and flexible to meet the needs of users.

Standard colours

Shown below, are the standard colours referred to in this section. Their numbers refer to colours included in CGSB 1-GP-12, Standard Paint Colour. Where available, numbers for both semi-gloss and flat colours are given (e.g. 501-201 stands for FIP dark grey in semi-gloss, while 501-301 refers to the flat colour).

FIP dark grey:	501-201, .501-301
FIP light grey:	501-224
Red:	509-202. 509-302
Yellow:	505-210, 505-310
Green:	503-207
Blue:	502204. 502-304
Black:	512 201, 512-301
White:	51:3-201, 513-301

Reproduction

When preparing films or other items needed for reproduction, the original artwork should be used. This applies to the flag symbol, the “Canada” wordmark, the signage typeface, the standard arrow, and the graphic symbols. The Administrative Policy Branch of the Treasury Board Secretariat keeps the original artwork and will provide it to federal institutions upon request.

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Enquiries

Each institution is responsible for implementing these standards and guidelines and has named an official (referred to as FIP Coordinator) to manage its corporate identity. Enquiries regarding the guidelines should be routed through the FIP Coordinator of the institution concerned.

Enquiries on all aspects of design, colour, and the use of the FIP signage typeface should be directed to the Administrative Policy Branch of Treasury Board Secretariat.

Enquiries with respect to the procurement of signs should be directed to the Canadian Government Expositions and Audio-Visual Centre, Supply and Services Canada.