Fire Safety Signs

Fire safety signs play a critical role in helping people understand what action to take in the event of a fire or other emergency. During an incident, confusion and panic can quickly take hold, and clear, visible signage helps occupants navigate escape routes, locate fire safety equipment, and act decisively.

Fire safety signage is designed to support safe evacuation, protect lives, and assist emergency response — particularly in buildings where occupants may be unfamiliar with the layout.

When people think of fire safety signs, they often picture fire exit signs or extinguisher symbols. However, fire safety signage covers a much wider range of sign types, each serving a specific purpose as part of a building’s overall fire safety strategy.

What Are Fire Safety Signs?

Fire safety signs are visual safety signs used to instruct, warn, or provide information to occupants in relation to fire safety. They communicate essential information quickly and clearly, often using standardised symbols, colours, and pictograms.

Fire safety signs may include text, symbols, or a combination of both, and are commonly colour-coded in line with recognised standards: red, green, blue, and yellow.

Fire safety signs must be followed and should never be ignored. Failure to comply with fire safety signage can place occupants at risk and may result in enforcement action where legal duties are not met.

When installing fire safety signs in a building, consideration must be given to the layout of the premises, identified fire risks, escape routes, and the fire safety measures in place.

What Are the Regulations on Fire Safety Signs?

Fire safety signs in the UK are governed by several key pieces of legislation and standards, including:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
• BS EN ISO 7010 – Graphical symbols and safety colours

The Fire Safety Order requires Responsible Persons to ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place, including suitable signage where necessary. The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations specify how safety signs should be designed and used in workplaces.

BS EN ISO 7010 provides the recognised standard for fire safety signs, ensuring consistent, pictorial symbols that are easily understood regardless of language. Where signs are provided, they should comply with this standard.

What Are the Different Types of Fire Safety Signs?

Fire Action Notice Signs

Fire action notices provide clear instructions on what occupants should do if a fire occurs. This typically includes how to raise the alarm, where to exit, and the location of the assembly point.

Fire action notices should be positioned in prominent locations, including next to manual fire alarm call points and final exits, where they can be easily read.

Emergency Exit Signs

Emergency exit signs indicate the direction of travel to the nearest safe exit. These signs are designed to guide occupants quickly and safely out of a building during an emergency.

Fire Door Keep Shut Signs

Fire door keep shut signs remind occupants that fire doors must remain closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. These signs are typically blue mandatory signs and play a vital role in maintaining compartmentation.

Fire Assembly Point Signs

Fire assembly point signs identify the location where occupants should gather following evacuation. This allows roll calls to be conducted and ensures people remain at a safe distance from the building.

In Case Of Fire, Use Stairs Signs

These mandatory signs instruct occupants to use stairs rather than lifts during a fire, reducing the risk of entrapment.

Fire Assembly Point Signs

Fire assembly point signs identify the location where occupants should gather following evacuation. This allows roll calls to be conducted and ensures people remain at a safe distance from the building.

Fire Exit Signs

Fire exit signs are green safe-condition signs showing designated escape routes and exits. They use standard pictograms and arrows to indicate direction of travel.

Fire Equipment Signs

Fire equipment signs identify the location of firefighting equipment such as extinguishers, hose reels, and fire alarm call points. These signs are typically red and should be clearly visible.

Fire Extinguisher Signs

Fire extinguisher signs indicate the location of extinguishers and often include symbols identifying the classes of fire the extinguisher is suitable for.

Fire Alarm Call Point Signs

Fire alarm call point signs are positioned next to manual call points to help occupants quickly locate and activate the fire alarm.

Fire Hose Reel Signs

Fire hose reel signs identify the location of hose reels for firefighting purposes and are typically red fire equipment signs.

Fire Blanket Signs

Fire blanket signs indicate the location of fire blankets, commonly found in kitchens and higher-risk areas.

In Case Of Fire, Do Not Use Lift Signs

These prohibition signs warn occupants not to use lifts during a fire emergency.

Warning Signs

Warning signs highlight specific fire-related hazards within a building, such as flammable materials or hot surfaces.

Prohibition Signs

Prohibition signs indicate actions that must not be taken, such as smoking or using naked flames in hazardous areas.

Why Are Fire Safety Signs Important?

Fire safety signs are essential for protecting occupants, visitors, and employees by providing clear, visual guidance during emergencies. They support safe evacuation, reduce confusion, and help ensure that fire safety measures function as intended.

Providing appropriate fire safety signage is also a legal requirement where identified by a fire risk assessment. Failure to provide suitable signage may result in enforcement action.

What Are Fire Safety Signs Rules?

The need for fire safety signage is determined by a fire risk assessment. Signs must be provided where they are necessary to safeguard occupants, particularly in complex buildings or where escape routes are not immediately obvious.

Fire action notices are commonly required and should include site-specific information such as exit routes, assembly points, and emergency contact details.

Fire exit signage may not be required in very small or simple premises where exits are obvious. However, in larger, multi-storey, or complex buildings, clear exit signage is essential to support safe evacuation.

How Are Fire Extinguishers Labelled?

Fire extinguishers should be clearly identified with appropriate signage. Extinguisher labels and symbols indicate the types of fire they are suitable for and help users select the correct extinguisher in an emergency.

Using the wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous, so understanding extinguisher signage and colour coding is important.

What Are The Different Classes Of Fire?

Fire classes are categorised based on the type of fuel involved:

• Class A – Solid materials such as wood, paper, and textiles
• Class B – Flammable liquids
• Class C – Flammable gases
• Class D – Combustible metals
• Class F – Cooking oils and fats

Electrical fires are often informally referred to as Class E; however, electricity is considered a source of ignition rather than a fire class.

Why Are Fire Exit Signs Green?

Green fire exit signs indicate a safe condition and are designed to reassure occupants while directing them towards safety. Standardised pictograms and arrows ensure signs are easily recognised.

What Do Blue Fire Safety Signs Mean?

Blue fire safety signs indicate mandatory actions that must be followed, such as keeping fire doors closed. These signs are circular and display white symbols on a blue background.m.

What Do Red Fire Safety Signs Mean?

Red fire safety signs identify fire equipment or prohibited actions. They are commonly used for extinguishers, alarms, and prohibition notices.

Conclusion

Fire safety signs form a vital part of a building’s fire safety arrangements. When correctly specified, installed, and maintained in line with current legislation and standards, they support safe evacuation and regulatory compliance.

Fire safety signage should always be considered as part of a wider fire risk assessmentWhat Is A Fire Risk Assessment And Why Is It Needed? and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective.

If you require support assessing fire safety signage or ensuring compliance as part of a fire risk assessment, contact us to discuss how we can help.