If there is one time when you don’t want instructions to be ambiguous or hard to locate, it is in times of emergency, and fire safety is probably at the very top of that list.
In this blog post we will be exploring everything about fire safety within a public or work environment and answering the vital question of what are the 5 categories of fire signage.
Why is fire safety signage important?
Whenever there is an emergency situation, be it a fire or otherwise, it is absolutely essential that a procedure is in place to safely and effectively evacuate the area, and control the situation (depending on the circumstances – this would usually involve closing fire doors, distancing yourself and others from the fire and alerting the authorities. No one without fire training should attempt to tackle the fire unless absolutely necessary).
There are four main purposes for fire safety signs.
- To prevent fires in the first place (this is the job of the prohibition and mandatory signs)
- Alert people of danger: highlighting potential hazards so that members of the public may take suitable precautions.
- Guide people to safety: in the worst case scenario, signage such as emergency exits help people help themselves quickly and safely with minimal confusion.
- Ensure quick responses: Fire equipment signs aid in helping people quickly locate what they need in order to help stem the fire.
Without clear and concise signage the instructions in these circumstances can be easily missed or misinterpreted, especially as the members of the public may be stressed and not thinking rationally. Equally, any members of staff or management should have identical information and instructions to what is on the fire signage, to ensure that everyone is running the same procedure and nothing gets missed out or confused in these most stressful of situations.
The five main categories of fire safety signage
While there is a wide variety of safety signage required when running a business or public location, these are the five main categories of signage that can be found within the fire safety remit, specifically:
- Prohibition signs
These signs are typically circular with a red background and a white diagonal slash, indicating actions that are strictly prohibited in specific areas. Examples include “No Smoking,” “No Naked Flames,” and “No Entry.” These signs are vital for preventing actions that could ignite a fire, especially in fire sensitive locations, such as forests or petrol station forecourts, or even in areas of heightened risk, such as in a hospital setting.
- Mandatory signs
Rectangular in shape with a blue background and a white symbol, mandatory signs instruct people to take specific actions. For instance, “Wear Safety Equipment” or “Use Fire Exit.” These signs ensure that individuals follow safety procedures to minimise fire risks, as well as general safety instructions and are found in places where extra caution is required, such as in a kitchen or a location with chemicals and tools.
- Warning signs
Triangular in shape with a yellow background and a black symbol, warning signs alert people to potential hazards. Examples include “Flammable Materials,” “Hot Surface,” or “Fire Risk.” These signs raise awareness of potential fire dangers, and are commonly found in locations that contain chemicals or physical hazards, such as laboratories or building sites.
- Emergency exit signs
Every location has to have these, regardless of the degree of hazards on site. These signs are often illuminated with a green background and a white running figure symbol, indicating the direction of the nearest emergency exit. They are a crucial part in guiding people to safety during a fire, and will be the first thing the public look for in times of emergency.
- Fire equipment signs
These signs are typically rectangular with a red background and a white symbol, identifying the location of fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, or hose reels. They ensure that people can quickly locate and use the necessary equipment in times of emergency.
What are the legal requirements for fire safety signage in the UK?
It is always a good idea to check the latest updates to any laws and regulations when getting new signage. At the time of writing this, the current legal requirements in the UK for fire safety signage is covered under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These two orders mandate that fire safety signs must adhere to the following rules:
- CLEARLY VISIBLE & LEGIBLE. All signage must be easy to locate and easy to read from a reasonable distance.
- CORRECTLY POSITIONED. Signs should be placed in strategic locations, where the eye naturally falls, and in a way to guide people to safety.
- ILLUMINATED. In locations of lowlight (including in poor weather conditions) signs must be properly illuminated to ensure visibility at all times.
- CONFORMS TO BRITISH STANDARDS. Fire safety signs (just like any other informative health and safety sign) must adhere to the relevant British Standards, such as BS 5499, which specify the size, colour, and symbol requirements for different types of signs.
It goes without saying, but these are set out to avoid the worst case scenario of your visitors or workers coming to harm. In more prosaic terms, failure to follow the regulations above can lead to legal penalties and liability for accidents if you do not provide -and maintain- proper fire safety signs.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance & Inspections of Fire Signage
No sign is going to work if it is not maintained and inspected regularly for any faults or issues. To ensure the effectiveness of your signage, you must adhere to a regular inspection and maintenance routine. This can work hand in hand with your fire test routine, as your mind will already be focussed on the subject. When inspecting the sign, do so from a user’s point of view as well as an authoritative perspective. Check for defects, damage or wear and tear that may limit its ability to function properly. This includes out of date information, improper illumination, or changes to the location that may be blocking a clear sightline to the sign. Having a sign in place is not merely enough to ensure the safety of anyone working or visiting your location and it is vital that you regularly check that your signage is up to scratch.
Other top tips for your fire signage
- Consider other signage that may be needed for your particular business. Fire Extinguisher signs, where to locate first aid kits and wayfinding signage to the assembly points may also be required on top of the 5 main categories of fire signage.
- Emergency lighting is another key aspect of safety protocol that works in conjunction with fire signage. This can include exit signs, escape route lighting, and general emergency lighting.
- Consider cultural and language differences. If your location is visited by a transient crowd or has a diverse workforce, it is important to consider how everyone will use the safety signage. Universally recognisable symbols, diagrams and tactile signage for those who are visually impaired can make a world of difference in emergency situations.
- Don’t rely on signage alone. Holding regular fire drills will help to cement the procedure in your employees mind, so that the signs only have to serve as a reminder or to aid visitors to your site.
Final thoughts
Medash Signs have created thousands of signs for businesses over the last four decades, including for safety signs and fire signage options than we can count. For durable, bespoke signs that will stand the test of time, and a service that will be with you from design, through to production, installation and beyond: choose Medash Signs.