EP 1130-2-500
27 Dec 96
CHAPTER 6 - SIGN STANDARDS PROGRAM FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
6-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance for the management of the Corps Sign Standards
Program.
6-2. Background. The Corps of Engineers Sign Standards Program is designed to provide
consistency in signing at Corps Civil Works projects and allow the Corps to present a national
image which is easily recognized by the public. The materials, size, typeface, color and legends
were adopted after extensive study and testing for distance viewing and clarity of content. Use of
the specified signs is intended to result in significant cost savings, enhance visitors' aesthetic
experience, and provide additional safety protection.
6-3. Guidance.
a. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sign Standards Manual (EP 310-1-6a and b) is to
be used in the planning, design, fabrication, and maintenance of all signs installed at Corps Civil
Works projects. The sign legends and formats shown in the Sign Standards Manual have been
chosen for ease in understanding, visual appeal, economy of scale, and to comply with legal
standards governing tort liability.
b. All caution, warning, and danger signs should be used exactly as shown in the Sign
Standards Manual with no changes whatsoever in the wording. Legends for restricted area signs
may be approved at the district level. This tight constraint is necessary to provide a safer
environment for public use, to reduce overall costs, and to provide national consistency. Requests
for exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis with the final decision being made by
CECW-ON. All requests will be placed on the "Request Procedure for Non-Standard Safety
Signs" form (page 1.13 in the Sign Standards Manual) and must include the proposed new
wording, complete justification describing the situation and the reasons the proposed new
wording is needed, photographs of any existing signs currently used to solve the problem, maps
showing the proposed locations of the signs, and any other materials deemed appropriate. Any
requested variation and accompanying justification along with other appropriate materials will be
submitted through the chain of command and must be accompanied by concurrences from the
district and division sign program managers. These submittals will be made to HQUSACE
(CECW-ON).
c. Safety messages will not be placed on "Notice" signs.
d. All signs ordered directly by the Corps, except wood routed signs, flexible sign posts,
and porcelain/enamel signs must be ordered from Federal Prison Industries (FPI) or fabricated at
in-house sign shops. In those rare instances where FPI grants a waiver, signs may be ordered
from a private sector fabricator who can meet Corps standards. Contractors may order signs
from Federal Prison Industries or from private sector fabricators who meet Corps standards.
Wood routed signs, flexible sign posts and porcelain/enamel signs may be ordered through the
normal procurement process from a private sector fabricator or fabricated at in-house sign shops.
e. All signs will be mounted in accordance with the Corps Sign Standards Manual.
f. In those rare instances where it is deemed inappropriate to replace existing
identification signs for historical or other reasons, a request for exception must be submitted
6-1
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