Turn Left To Open signs are door information signs used to show that a handle or operating mechanism must be turned anti-clockwise to open. They suit access doors, escape doors and shared-use entry points where a clear operating instruction helps people act correctly and reduces confusion at the moment the door is used.

Where Turn Left To Open signs should be fitted

Fit this sign on the door itself or immediately beside the operating point so the anti-clockwise instruction is seen before the user touches the handle. It suits access doors, escape doors and shared-use entry points where clear opening guidance matters. With a 50 mm sign height, the typical viewing distance is about 5 metres, so it works best close to the hardware rather than as a distant directional sign. Choose self-adhesive vinyl for smooth clean surfaces, or rigid plastic where a firmer fixed sign is the better option.

What correctly positioned Turn Left To Open signs improve

When this sign is placed beside the operating point, it removes guesswork about how the door opens and gives users quicker confidence at the moment of action. That is especially useful on shared doors and access points where unfamiliar hardware or busy movement can cause avoidable hesitation.

✅ Clarifies the anti-clockwise opening action
✅ Reduces delay at the handle position

✅ Helps visitors use unfamiliar doors correctly
✅ Supports faster access-point use

✅ Cuts avoidable operating mistakes
✅ Improves instruction visibility close-up

Specification guide for Turn Left To Open signs

Sign type: Door information
Sign type: Safe condition
Sign message: "Turn To Open"
Text: Turn To Open
Shape: Rectangle
Orientation: Landscape
Size: H 50 x W 100 mm
Typical viewing distance: 5 m

Materials: Rigid Plastic, Self-Adhesive vinyl
Material Thickness: Various
Background colours: Green/White
Symbols: Green/white
Pictogram Symbol: Anti-clockwise arrow
Pictogram Symbol: Door operating mechanism
Finish: Glossy sign surface
Non-Photoluminescent

Non-reflective
Supplied in single
Fitting methods: Wall mount/door mount
Fixings: Sign only, available separately
Display area: Indoors/outdoors
Conforms to EN ISO 7010
EN ISO 7010 Code: E018
Conforms to BS 5499 sign regulations

ⓘ Installation Guidance

Best practice for positioning Turn Left To Open signs

When to use it

✅ Use where the handle turns anti-clockwise
✅ Use on access and shared-use doors
✅ Use where users may be unfamiliar with the hardware

When not to use it

❌ Do not use for clockwise-opening hardware
❌ Do not use where push or pull is the true action
❌ Do not use far from the operating point

Fitting advice

✅ Place it beside or on the door hardware
✅ Keep it unobstructed and easy to notice
✅ Match the material to the surface condition

? Customers Frequently Asked Questions

Turn Left To Open signs questions answered

What does a Turn Left To Open sign mean? It tells the user that the handle or operating mechanism must be turned anti-clockwise to open the door. Here, “left” refers to the turning action, not to escape-route direction.

Where should this sign be fitted? It should normally be mounted on the door itself or immediately beside the handle or mechanism, so the instruction is seen before the user touches the hardware.

Which material should I choose? Self-adhesive vinyl suits smooth, clean surfaces where quick application is useful, while rigid plastic is better where you want a firmer mounted sign for longer-term use.

When should I use this sign? Use it where the door hardware must be turned anti-clockwise and where users may be unfamiliar with the opening action, such as access doors, shared entrances and controlled-use points.

When should this product not be used? Do not use it where the mechanism turns clockwise, where push or pull is the real action, or where the sign would sit too far from the operating point to guide the user properly.

✔ Features & Benefits