Signs for Fire Safety
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Signs for Fire Safety
If you’re responsible for fire safety in your organisation, whether as a fire warden or the designated “responsible person” understanding signs for fire safety is important. This guide explains the various types of signs for fire safety, their purposes and how they should be used. It also highlights your legal obligations regarding fire safety signage and provides insight into maintaining compliance and ensuring workplace safety.
Legal Responsibilities
As the designated “responsible person”, you are required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) to take steps to ensure fire safety in your premises. This includes conducting fire risk assessments, implementing necessary fire safety measures and using appropriate signage to mark key areas and hazards. Here are some specific requirements for signs for fire safety:
- Non-automatic firefighting equipment: This equipment must be easy to locate and marked with appropriate signage for clear visibility.
- Emergency routes and exits: These must be clearly marked, accessible and maintained to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies.
- Employee instructions: Signs should be used to effectively communicate procedures and identify danger zones.
Beyond fire safety regulations, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 also mandates that all safety signage adheres to standardised formats. Employers, building owners and landlords must ensure signs are clear, legible and strategically placed to communicate risks and emergency procedures effectively.
The Different Types of Signs for Fire Safety
Signs for fire safety are classified into five main categories. Each type uses specific colors, symbols and shapes to convey its message clearly.
1. Mandatory Signs – Blue circles with white text or symbols
These signs provide clear instructions that must be followed to ensure safety. A common example is the fire door sign, which reinforces the importance of keeping fire doors closed to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Instructions like “Fire Door – Keep Shut” or “Fire Door – Keep Clear” ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
Another key example is the fire action sign, which outlines step-by-step instructions for building occupants during a fire. These signs often include instructions such as “Sound the alarm” or warnings like “Do not use the lift”. Fire action signs typically combine blue, red and green elements to emphasise specific actions and prohibitions.
2. Safe Condition Signs – Green background with white text or symbols
Common examples include:
Fire exit signs: These signs must feature the universally recognised “running man” pictogram and directional arrows. They guide people toward the nearest exit.
Assembly point signs: These indicate designated areas where evacuees can safely gather after leaving the building.
3. Location of Fire Safety Equipment Signs – Red rectangles with white symbols or text
These signs identify the locations of essential firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets. For example:
- Fire extinguisher signs: Indicate where extinguishers are located for quick access.
- Fire alarm call point signs: Mark the locations where alarms can be manually activated.
Visible and strategically positioned equipment signs ensure quick response times during a fire.
4. Prohibition Signs – Circular signs with a red border, diagonal slash and white background
Prohibition signs communicate actions that are not allowed in specific areas. They act as a clear warning to prevent certain behaviour. Examples include:
- No smoking signs: Prohibit smoking in designated areas to reduce fire risks.
- No naked flames signs: Warn against activities like lighting matches or using open flames.
5. Warning Signs – Yellow triangles with black borders and symbols.
Warning signs are used to alert individuals to potential hazards. A typical example is the fire risk warning sign, which features a flame symbol and alerts individuals to areas with heightened fire risks.
Why do Signs for Fire Safety Matter?
Signs for fire safety help prevent confusion during emergencies by providing clear instructions, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and minimising risks to life and property.
By familiarising yourself with the different types of fire safety signs and their meanings, you can enhance your workplace’s emergency preparedness. Maintaining signage that is compliant, visible and well-positioned plays a key role in protecting employees, visitors and your premises.
Our accredited online Fire Marshal/Warden Course for staff or face-to-face Fire Marshal/Warden Courses will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to create a safer environment and respond effectively during emergencies.
Alternatively, if you would like additional information about your fire training requirements, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team by calling us on 01327 552160, emailing us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk, getting in touch via live chat or filling in our web contact form.