Fire safety is critical in any building, whether it’s a home, office, school or shopping mall. One essential component is having the right signs in place to guide people during an emergency.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about fire safety signs and fire exit signs according to UK regulations.
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UK Regulations Around Fire Safety Signs
In the UK, fire safety regulations are stringent. They ensure that buildings are safe for everyone who uses them. The primary legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This law covers all aspects of fire safety in non-domestic premises.
According to this order, the building owner or manager is responsible for ensuring that appropriate fire safety measures are in place. This includes having the right fire safety signs and fire exit signs.
Fire safety signs must be clear and easy to understand. They should be placed at strategic points around the building to guide people to safety in the event of a fire. These signs must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which align with European law 92/58/EEC on the requirements for the provision of safety signs at work.
Types of Fire Safety Signs and Where to Place Them
The placement of different types of fire safety signs required for a premises entirely depends on its layout. The Responsible Person should take fire safety e-Learning courses to assess the risk, meet the legal requirements and ensure safety.
With that in mind, here are the most common types of fire safety signs and where they should be placed.
- Fire Action Notices
Fire action notices provide instructions on what to do in the event of a fire. They are usually found in communal areas like corridors and lobbies. These signs typically include:
- Instructions on raising the alarm
- Guidelines on evacuating the building
- Information on the location of the assembly point
Where to place:
Fire Action Notices are crucial for informing everyone within a building what to do in the event of a fire. These signs should be clearly visible and accessible. Ideal locations include:
- Next to every fire alarm call-point.
- At every final exit door.
- Common areas like lobbies, waiting areas and near elevators.
Ensure that the Fire Action Notices are placed at a height where they are easily readable by everyone, including wheelchair users.
- Fire Exit Signs
Fire exit signs are green and white signs that point out the direction of the nearest exit. They should be placed at regular intervals along escape routes. Key points include:
- Direction Arrows: Indicate the direction of the nearest exit.
- Pictograms: Use clear pictograms to represent a running figure and a door.
- Illumination: Should be illuminated or photoluminescent to ensure visibility in low light conditions.
Where to place:
The placement of these signs depends on the building’s layout. In simple structures, such signs may not be necessary if the exit is obvious. However, in more complex buildings, fire exit signs should be placed at regular intervals to lead people along the shortest and safest route out of the building. They should be mounted near the ceiling or overhead to be visible from a distance.
- Fire Extinguisher Signs
These signs point out the location of fire extinguishers. They often include information on the type of fires the extinguisher can be used on. Important aspects include:
- Types of Extinguishers: Signs may indicate water, foam, CO2 or powder extinguishers.
- Usage Instructions: Brief instructions on how to use the extinguisher.
Where to place:
Identifying the locations of fire extinguishers, hose reels and dry risers is critical. These signs should be placed above or directly adjacent to the equipment they identify to ensure visibility from a distance. Consider the environment: high-contrast signs can enhance visibility in dimly lit areas.
For buildings with multiple types of fire extinguishers, each should be clearly marked with signs indicating the type of fire it is intended for (e.g., electrical, oil, textiles). Employees should take a fire awareness course to learn to identify different types of fires and suitable extinguishers.
- Assembly Point Signs
Assembly point signs indicate the designated area where people should assemble after evacuating the building. These signs should be:
- Clearly Marked: Easy to spot from a distance.
- Located in Safe Areas: Away from the building and potential hazards.
Where to place:
These signs need to be positioned at the designated assembly areas, which should be safe and far enough from the building to avoid any risks from fire and debris. Ensure these signs are clearly visible from a distance, and consider additional signage if the assembly point is not directly visible from the exits.
- Prohibition Signs
Prohibition signs are red and white signs that indicate actions that are prohibited, such as “No Smoking” or “Do Not Use Lifts in Case of Fire.” These signs help prevent actions that could exacerbate a fire situation.
Where to place:
These are essential in areas where actions could initiate a fire. Common placements include kitchens, storage rooms with flammable materials and areas with machinery. Ensure these signs are at eye level and at points of entry to these areas.
- Warning Signs
Warning signs are yellow and black signs that warn of potential hazards, such as “Danger: Highly Flammable.” These signs alert people to specific dangers and help them take appropriate precautions.
Where to place:
Place these where there are risks of fire from flammable materials. The signs should be positioned at a height and location that captures immediate attention and are best placed at the entrance to any area containing hazardous materials.
Why You Need Fire Safety Signs
Fire safety signs are essential for several reasons:
- They Save Lives: During a fire, people can panic and become disoriented. Clear, visible signs help guide them to safety quickly.
- Legal Requirement: Proper fire safety signs are a legal requirement in the UK. Unable to comply can result in financial penalties or even imprisonment.
- Promotes Safety Awareness: These signs remind everyone in the building about fire safety procedures and the location of fire safety equipment.
- Helps Emergency Services: Clear signage can also help fire services quickly understand a building’s layout and the location of exits and equipment.
