Fire safety signs that speak loudly – when every second counts.
The law and its meaning
Fire safety signs, defined by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, are categorised into eight groups and provide information on escape routes, emergency exits, fire fighting equipment, and fire warnings.
1. Escape route location signs
Escape route location signs, typically green, indicate the direction to safe exits in buildings.
2. Emergency exit and emergency door release signs
Green safety signs on doors with security devices or emergency escape mechanisms indicate opening instructions to reduce evacuation time.
3. Safe condition signs
Safe condition signs, green to indicate no danger, mark first aid equipment and provide emergency instructions.
4. Mandatory signs
Mandatory blue and white signs, placed on both sides of doors, provide fire safety instructions like “Fire Door Keep Shut” and “Fire Escape Keep Clear”.
5. Fire action signs
Fire action signs, required by law, inform building occupants of fire safety instructions. Typically blue, white, and red, these signs display fire action charts and safety instructions.
6. Fire alarm and fire fighting equipment signs
Commercial and multi-residency environments must have easily accessible and simple-to-use fire safety equipment, indicated by red signs. Signs detailing fire extinguisher types and their appropriate uses are also recommended.
7. Hazardous materials and atmospheres signs
Hazard warning signs, required by law in commercial and multi-residential environments, are designed to warn people to be careful in high-risk areas. JALITE AAA hazard warning signs are yellow and meet British and International Standards.
8. Prohibition signs
JALITE AAA prohibition signs, red and compliant with British and International Standards, inform building occupants of inappropriate behaviours and control fire hazards.
Legal duties and obligations
Employers are required to provide specific safety signs wherever there is a significant risk or hazard that cannot be avoided or controlled by other means. These signs must meet specific, stringent requirements, including shape, colour, and size. Each sign must include a clear symbol or pictogram that defines its meaning, according to one of the main regulations. Signs with only text are not permitted, although text can be used to aid understanding.
When signs are used, the ‘responsible person’ – as defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – must ensure they are well-maintained. Any faded or defective signs should be replaced. They should also explain the signs to people who work within the building, ensuring they understand the meaning and actions to be taken in response to them.
Firenza Fire Prevention offers a professional, reliable service, supplying an extensive range of fire signage. This ensures compliance with all legal requirements and contractual obligations, and they can even fit the signs for you.
Would you like a fire risk assessment of your premises?
Firenza Fire Prevention provides comprehensive fire safety assessments to evaluate the risk of fire in your property. Our team identifies potential fire hazards and offers tailored recommendations to enhance your property’s safety. We compile this information into a comprehensive written fire risk assessment report.
Upon receipt of your fire risk assessment and report, we will provide expert advice and recommendations to implement necessary safety measures.
Also, if you are a landlord, we offer a Fire Risk Assessment for Flats or an Office Fire Safety Assessment.
